free and easy wandering
Isolation
marking one
10.25” X 18.5”, acrylic on paper © 1991
Monkey’s raw, erratic energy prevents
him from seeing his existence as a
whole. Isolated and desperate for
control, he looks for a way out.
Sage appears, offering him a new
vantage point.
Tolerance
marking three
14” x 22”, acrylic on paper © 1991
Monkey and Sage begin to stand on solid ground,
which returns them to the most central aspect
of their being. This helps them develop trust
in an integrated approach to daily life.
Integration
marking four
13” x 20”, acrylic on paper © 1991
Monkey and Sage step into a rich and
inclusive environment, where they begin
to understand that following the way of
their natures is the very essence of
existence.
Discrimination
marking five
14.75” x 21.5”, acrylic on paper © 1991
Monkey and Sage reach higher ground where
their path splits into many others. They must
discriminate among these and choose one
that best suits their natures.
Duality
marking two
10.25” X 18.5”, acrylic on paper © 1991
Monkey views Sage as idealistic and impractical.
Sage views Monkey as egotistical and unprincipled.
Although the situation is not a profound or creative one,
they begin to find breathing room with each other.
PHASE ONE: MONKEY AND SAGE
Unconditional Relaxation
Unconditional Relaxation
marking six
13” X 18.25”, acrylic on paper © 1992
Monkey and Sage arrive at the summit and release every
trace of self-concern into the Unknown. Instantly, the heart
of existence reveals itself and they become a Cultivator.
paintings • general abstract l grid l figurative l cubist l dot l four immortals l relaxation l spiritual teachers
Free and Easy Wandering is an abstract series based on a Taoist transmission in Dragon’s Play, by Charles Belyea and Steven Tainer, which presents three phases of a journey in twelve stages from isolation to non-duality.
Phase One: Monkey and Sage