THE HIGHWAY OF LIFE

As Don Juan was walking along a dusty highway he came alongside an old Master with flowing white hair and a weathered face. He adjusted his pace to that of the older man and continued with him in silence. After an hour of agreeable companionship Don Juan turned his head towards the Master and asked what he knew of life. The master replied, There are four steps on the highway of life. Please tell me what these four steps are, enquired Don Juan. The first step is fear, replied the old Master. Don Juan continued walking in silence for a long time while he pondered these words. The more he thought about it, the more he realized the truth in the old mans answer. His last girlfriend wasnt a good match for him but he dated her anyway. Maybe this was because he was afraid of being alone or maybe he was scared hed never find the right woman. So hed settled for her. And why had he recently bought such an expensive house with all those rooms hed never need? If he was truly honest with himself it was because he was afraid people might not hold him in such high esteem if he lived in a more modest house. He thought of how he behaved in the company of his friends and the strange things they had to do because they were cool. Was this generated by a fear of not being accepted or of not wanting to be different? Even the stress he felt at work seemed to be driven by a fear of failure. Fear seemed to come in many forms. The old man seemed to be aware of Don Juans thoughts while he walked effortlessly beside him. Most people never conquer fear, added the Master. The sun was hot and the road dry and dusty, but Don Juan didnt notice. He was thinking of the people he knew and what they did and realized this was true. As time went by these thoughts began to settle in his mind and feel comfortable like they belonged there. Don Juan was ready to learn about the second step on the Highway of Life and so he enquired of the Master what this might be. Once more the Master spoke, The second step on the Highway of Life is impetuousness.

Again Don Juan fell silent while he digested the Masters words. Without fear he was of course free to do whatever he wanted and this freedom was intoxicating. But in a flash he became aware of all the projects hed begun with such enthusiasm that now languished half-finished. The criss-crossing and backtracking of decisions caused by setting off without clearly identifying a destination. Romances begun on a whim. Journeys poorly resourced. Impetuousness had wasted much energy and life. As he considered the implications of the Masters words he realized his life was a mixture. Some parts of his life were still on the first step while other aspects had already progressed to the second step. Indeed, some days his whole life was lived as if he had stumbled back to the first step, while on other days he seemed to see the world from the second step. He resolved to progress those parts of his life that lagged behind. Quite some time passed in quiet contemplation as the two men continued on their journey. Finally Don Juan felt ready to ask the Master for the third step, but just as he was about to open his mouth, the Master turned to Don Juan, When you have conquered fear and conquered impetuousness then you have power. Youll say to people, come and they will come. You will say to people, go and they will go. You will have power not only to do things but also over yourself. Power required even deeper thought for it also brings with it a heavy responsibility. What does one do with genuine power? Many thoughts turned inside Don Juans mind. He realized each person is unique and so too their powers will be unique. He needed to identify what his special powers were and what they should be used for. He asked himself if he had ever conquered both fear and impetuousness at the same time so that he had genuine power. And if he had power in any aspect of his life, was it used or did it just sit there idle, like a magicians wand on a table? As Don Juan and the old Master continued walking the sun began to set. Don Juan was puzzled. The first three steps seemed to cover so much and explain so much. What on earth could the fourth step on the Highway of Life possibly be? Indeed, what could possibly lie beyond having power over oneself and the world? Don Juan turned to the Master and said, You have given me much to think about. I am not sure I can handle the fourth and final step, but as the sun is setting and we will soon part ways, I must ask you.

The Master looked at Don Juan with a far-away look in his eyes, The final step is to know that everything matters and yet nothing matters that you are but dust on the Highway of Life. And with that Don Juan and the Master parted company.