Lois Posted 21 hours ago **STORY: “THE MIND, THE NOISE, AND THE NOTHING”** In Moscow, where balls were followed by gossip and gossip by new balls, an event occurred as unusual as snow appearing in July. A mysterious Eastern guest had arrived at Famusov’s house — Master Sosan, a man who spoke little, and when he did speak, no one understood how he managed it. Famusov decided this was some fashionable exotic curiosity and immediately invited all his acquaintances. After all, if someone speaks in riddles, he must be a philosopher — and philosophers are excellent for showing off in front of guests. 1. The Arrival of Chatsky Chatsky, returning to Moscow earlier than usual, walked into Famusov’s house just in time to witness the guests puzzling over Master Sosan’s first phrase: “When the mind seeks support, it falls. When it seeks nothing, it stands.” Famusov scratched his temple and whispered to Skalozub: “Seems to me he’s talking about fortifications.” Skalozub nodded gravely, deciding the phrase concerned a military stance. But Chatsky, of course, stepped forward: “To stand without support is to be honest with oneself! To be a human being, not a puppet pulled by tradition, submissiveness, and fear!” Sosan looked at him calmly, as one looks at the wind that makes noise without trying to be heard. “A noisy mind is a mind that believes in its own truth,” the master said. “Noise!” Sofia exclaimed loudly, appearing in the doorway. “How true! Our dear Chatsky only makes noise, noise…” She said it deliberately loudly — so that he would hear. Chatsky flushed. 2. A Parade of Wit and Emptiness The guests gathered around the master. Prince Tugoukhovsky asked: “Tell us, respected sir… do you teach that one should not strive toward reason?” “A mind that strives to become great contracts. A mind that does not cling to itself expands and sees everything.” Tugoukhovsky, having misheard, replied confidently: “Well, expanding in society is not customary.” Sosan nodded: “Exactly.” The crowd hummed with admiration — what a great wisdom! Famusov beamed — such a rare Eastern philosopher in his house! Chatsky, however, boiled with irritation: “So you mean to say that everything is nothing? That the mind is merely empty chatter? What about progress, truth, honor?” Master Sosan looked at him with gentle sadness: “Truth does not make noise. Only those who argue about it do.” The phrase hung in the air like silence after a storm. 3. Sofia and the Shadow of Words When the guests left, Sofia approached the master. “Tell me, is it possible to stop hearing the noise of the mind?” “It is possible. But one cannot force silence to arrive.” Sofia thought for a moment. “So Alexei Stepanovich (she meant Molchalin, of course) is right to stay silent?” “Silence and fear are different things,” the master replied softly. She felt uncomfortable. 4. Meeting of Two Fires Later Chatsky finally approached him. “I’m not seeking enlightenment, you know. I’m seeking common sense. But it seems to me you undermine the very foundation — thought itself!” Sosan smiled: “You love thought too much to hear its root.” “And what is the root?” “That which does not think. That which sees. That which remains when the argument ends.” Chatsky wanted to reply — but something strange happened: the monologue that so easily burst out of him suddenly lost its thread. Words approached his lips and melted like snow on a palm. Sosan stood. “Moscow is noisy. But there is emptiness in noise as well. You will find it — when you stop trying to convince others.” He left. 5. Famusov’s Epilogue When the master departed, Famusov summed up: “An extraordinary man! Apparently said a lot. And what exactly — no one understood. That means he’s very clever!” “Or very free,” Chatsky muttered. But Famusov no longer heard him. Nor did Moscow. Only deep within Chatsky, for the first time, echoed the phrase:“When the mind seeks support — it falls.” And he, without meaning to, for the first time in a long while… fell silent. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apech Posted 5 hours ago My balls have always been followed by gossip. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobie Posted 4 hours ago 57 minutes ago, Apech said: My balls have always been followed by gossip. How very Jane Austen 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apech Posted 2 hours ago 1 hour ago, Cobie said: How very Jane Austen “One cannot attend a single thread on the Dao Bums, where cultivators of every lineage and temperament are gathered for the great ball of spiritual discourse, without being entertained by the most delightful rumours: that Master X has secretly attained rainbow body in a cave near Chengdu, that Adept Y has fallen into deviant qigong and married a fox spirit, and that poor Neophyte Z is violently in love with the teachings of the late Master Ni, while everyone insists he is promised to the Complete Reality school! How such reports arise in a forum where people ostensibly have nothing to do but discuss the Dao, I protest I cannot imagine.” 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nungali Posted 1 hour ago (edited) 3 hours ago, Apech said: My balls have always been followed by gossip. ...................................................... . Edited 1 hour ago by Nungali 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
