It’s been many years since I last read “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” and I’m sure if my Granny Bryce were still alive today she’d wonder why I’m making the connection with this book and her.
Well, the reason is twofold!
I’m about halfway through the book for the second time and have recognized some uncanny parallels – between Robert M Pirsig – and myself.
We both lost our first sons in tragic circumstances and have undertaken journeys across the continental divide of Montanaand down to the Pacific coast, although for different reasons.
Re-reading the book now – with the benefit of hindsight – and some 35 years of perspective, it has struck an even deeper chord and resonance with me, than in the early 1970′s
Essentially, the book is the story of a parallel journey between the author and his son, and a philosophical enquiry, and interpretation about “Quality” and, “the Good”
So when I received an email earlier this week about the death of a friends’ maternal Aunt, Violet, who lived in Wisconsin, I was touched and deeply moved by the description of the relationship this lady had to her husband, and my friend.
She was someone who had lived her life simply, and gave everything she had, to her children, and wider family, despite living under what would be considered – by today’s standards – poverty conditions. Despite her age, and the ravages of an aggressive cancer, she never uttered a word of complaint, throughout her entire illness, which eventually consumed her stoic approach to life.
My Granny had a more privileged, yet no less giving background. Through her grace, wisdom and canniness she offered an indelible impression of the value of modesty and quiet. She was close to the weather, the earth, her plants and vegetables and a had intuitive knack of knowing.
In both instances, these two women – elders in their communities – unbeknown to themselves, were touchstones to the lives of two human beings, and the personification of good and quality.
Halfway through his book Robert Pirsig refers to the 2,400 year old Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu, in relation to quality, in a wider spiritual context.
I opened my book of Tao last night at chapter eight, which as it transpired, seemed a particularly fitting and apt memorial to My Granny and Violet, who although living half a world apart, held the same values and beliefs,
“In dwelling be close to the land.
In meditation go deep to the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech be true. In business, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.”
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