Riding the Wind

So, I finished the book I was reading a while ago. It wasn't anything like I originally thought it would be. I expected a travelogue, but this is more or a statement about communist China during that period of time. It is about the state the country was in, and the changes that were taking place. If the man intended for it to be about travel, he should have included more of his travels instead of repeatedly skipping parts and going back later, and also doing a little bit more description of the places he was seeing. Anyway…regardless of all of that, it was still a good book, and it gave me a more realistic view of a country I've been obsessed with for a long time. I'm still obsessed with it, but I can see what the Chinese went through, and why their country has become the way it is now.

Well, since I finished that book, I started a couple more. The first one is the Cambridge Illustrated History of China. I've only read a bit so far, but it looks like one of those history books that is actually readable….I think I'll enjoy it. The other (which is actually Steph's book) is The Tao of Pooh. So far, that book is great. I'm already about two thirds of the way through it, because when I had a chance to steal it from Steph, I couldn't put it down. The author is a brilliant writer…he presents Taoist beliefs in such a clear way…the way they should be presented, I think. Too often you get these books on Taoism that are just clouded, really. Too many comments that don't really represent the beliefs themselves, but rather the author's opinions. If you have the means to obtain this book, and have any interest whatsoever, I highly recommend it.

I want to see that movie about Jesus. You know the one.

Before I go into that, let me just state for the record that I know what faith is.

I have a continuing interest in world religions of all kinds. I know what faith is because I have faith that I'm living the way that makes the most sense for me. I want to see that Jesus movie because of my interest in world religion…not because I have some longing for something missing from my life, or because someone persuaded me to go in an attempt to save me.

To anyone who suggests I would be happer under a god's rule:

I've been there, and I was far from happy.

To anyone who suggests I need to be saved:

Save me from what? I do not believe in the tortures you do.

I will never convert to Christianity because in my opinion, it is based too much on man. Man's tradititions, man's rituals, man's path to salvation, and man's hand writing information into that book. My way is the way of the thinker..the way of people who accept what comes to them and make it work in a lighthearted manner, rather than praying for something different. I accept that the guidelines for what I believe were also created by a man…but the original writing is not a story, and it doesn't name any gods. It is a way to live, written by a wise man. There is no damning of those who do not follow his way. It is like an overgrown path. Sometimes you have to find your own way through the tough spots, but others have traveled it before and you know it is possible. There is no reward mentioned…no afterlife or city of gold. It is a philosophy of life. It is simple, and beautiful, and it is nothing more than it seems. It makes me happy and makes me a better person.

One of the most annoying things about many Christians is their egotistical zealous manner. The way they are always trying to get you to go to bible study or church with them..the way they are always trying to save you. Nothing is right but their way, apparently. I tell you one thing…For me, that has never been the case with people of any other religion than Christianity. I've known and worked with all manners of people..all different religious backgrounds..and the only people who had the nerve to try to save me from my perfectly happy existence were Christians. Everyone else remained silent and respectful. Those bad apples are starting to spoil the whole bunch for me.

I love my friends and will always accept them the way they are. I don't care what they believe. If they are good people, that is all I need to know. All I ask is that I be allowed to live the way I am living. I don't want to be saved. I'm happier than I have ever been.