The Uncarved Block
I'm not religious and only describe myself as spiritual in some
contexts. I believe that considering the ideas of others broadens
my understanding of the world and those around me. Taoism
fascinates me and from my limited understanding, based on what I've
read, fits with my innate belief system. This cache explores some
of the natural tension between eastern and western philosophy. I
invite you to consider the same tension I observed.
One of the central tenets of Taoism is "Pu." Pu translates as
"the uncarved block", "the unhewn log", or "simplicity." Pu is a
symbol for a state of pure potential and perception without
prejudice. The book "The Tao of Pooh" highlights that "Pooh" is the
ideal example "Pu," as he lives his life without labels and his
perception sees everything as pure and limitless.
Consider that the "uncarved block" has pure potential. It can
become anything, whereas the wood that has been carved or
modified has had it's potential limited... it is what it has
become. The simple and pure potential is pu, something
that Taoists live.
The Carved Block
In seeming direct opposition to the idea of "the uncarved
block," this cache is placed quite near a local artist's work. Many
will recognize his work from roadside pieces throughout Snoqualmie
Valley and from work commissioned by the city of Duvall.
The area to the immediate North of GZ was cut to improve
visibility from 243rd Ave NE, and prevent accidents. I was
disappointed, as I'd loved the lush greenery and "tunnel" that it
formed over Novelty Hill Road (see SirKarp's cache The Road To Novelty (GC28E1V) for
some history) and the clearcut all but eliminated what I like about
this area. The artwork brought a smile to my face when it appeared.
Perfect place for a cache!
As I considered this location, I reflected on the tension
between the "uncarved" wood lying around me and the beauty that
this artist brought to light through his work. Then, I pondered the
other side of this tension; the beauty of the pure and limitless
potential of the woods behind GZ and the desolate and definitively
limited clearcut and mulch spray that stood behind me.
Stand at the end of the woods and block out the sounds behind
you. At the right angle, these woods could be pristine wilderness
anywhere in the pacific northwest. Behind you, suburban sprawl like
any other. In which do you find beauty?
Back to the carvings. Who could possibly agree that the slash
left from a clearcut operation wasn't improved through
this artwork?
I thrive on these contradictions and on the tension I see
between belief systems. My belief? Irrelevant. Yours? Terribly
interesting to me, throw your thoughts in your log entry if you
feel so inclined.