Chapter 43: The Plane of Essence
Xian Chi sat quietly in the bustling airport terminal, his eyes closed as he attempted to sense the third existential plane, the plane of essence. Despite the noise around him, the chatter of fellow travelers, and the intermittent announcements over the loudspeakers, he was able to isolate himself in a bubble of tranquility.
He felt the first plane, the plane of being, the physical world around him, the energy that flowed and bound everything together. Then he saw the second plane, the plane of knowing, the dimension of souls, an intangible maelstrom of thoughts and feelings manifesting into light.
But the third plane, the plane of essence, eluded him. He strained his senses, reaching out with his mind, but it was like trying to grasp a handful of smoke. It was there, he knew it was there, but he just couldn’t connect with it.
Master Fuu sat quietly next to him. Xian Chi could feel his calm presence, like a steady rock amidst a churning sea. He knew Master Fuu was watching him, observing his struggle, likely in amusement.
Xian Chi was aware that his brow was furrowed, his body tense as he strained to sense the elusive plane. The first two existential planes had always come so easily to him, but even after years of training, the third plane felt as far from him as when he first began his path to enlightenment.
He tried to relax, to release the tension in his body, but it was easier said than done. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and frustrations, blocking his path to the plane of essence.
Suddenly, he felt a gentle pat on his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see Master Fuu looking at him with a warm smile.
“Patience, Xian Chi. The third plane is one of understanding, and understanding requires patience…”
Master Fuu’s eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint.
“...and patience requires peace.”
Xian Chi took a deep breath, letting Master Fuu’s words sink in. He was right. Xian Chi was so eager to sense the third plane that he had forgotten the most fundamental lesson of all—peace. It was the key to understanding, to feeling the essence of all things.
Xian Chi closed his eyes once more and continued meditating, breathing slowly and allowing his body to relax.
***
Master Fuu watched his apprentice with a patient smile on his lips. He could see the change in Xian Chi, the subtle shift in his aura. Xian Chi did not lack the talent or ability needed to sense the third existential plane. He was always gifted beyond the imagination of most. However, the more he sought to connect with the plane of essence, the more it would elude him.
Master Fuu chuckled to himself, his mind floating back to his own arduous journey towards enlightenment. The third existential plane, the plane of essence, was not something that one could simply reach out and grasp. It was not a tangible entity or force, but rather a state of profound understanding.
When attuned to this plane, anyone could transcend beyond the confines of the physical world and the realm of thoughts and emotions. They could delve into the very essence of a person, investigating their past, experiencing their feelings, and living through their experiences as if they were their own. This intimate connection allowed for a complete and comprehensive understanding of who that person truly was and what series of events and choices led them to become the person they are in the present.
Attuning to the plane of essence is not just about understanding others but about self-awareness as well. It provides an opportunity for introspection, to understand one’s own nature, and to trace back the paths taken, decisions made, and experiences that have shaped one’s identity. It is a journey within oneself, a journey of discovery, and a journey of acceptance.
Xian Chi had to discover this on his own. Master Fuu mused to himself as he watched his apprentice begin to strain once again. There were no shortcuts on the path to enlightenment, but he would help direct Xian Chi whenever he could.
“Attention passengers, we would like to announce that boarding group six may now proceed to board the plane. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready for inspection. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Xian Chi finally opened his eyes, a look of resignation on his face.
“I’ll just have to try again later,” he said, his voice holding a note of defeat. “It’s just too hard to concentrate here.”
Master Fuu couldn’t help himself…
“Come now, Xian Chi, there’s no reason to…comPLANE.”
Xian Chi sighed, attempting a weak smile.
“Ha ha, very funny, Master Fuu. Let’s go, it’s our turn to board.”
Copyright © 2024 by A. J. Knight
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