When we begin to understand where we are, we are able to rely on
unconditional confidence. This unconditional confidence often is
understood in the words, "I don't know." It relies on these words,
because these words point to the Truth of our circumstances whatever
our circumstance might be.
But we prefer to rely on the words, "I think I know" which is sometimes
capped with the words, "So there!" Expert advise of all sorts, especially the
written word is brought out as proof of knowing what is best, what will
happen and or how to live. These are possibilities, but not the sort that
confident, unconditional faith sits upon. Even the written word rests on
unconditional faith, without it, the written word, the expert advise is weak
and feeble.
The "don't know mind" is a confident mind of faith. It does not inquire with
reason or speculate or prognosticate, it rests in this "don't know" mind of
unconditional confidence. It is composed and does not stir up the dusts of
anxiety with doubts of various colors and shapes. It flees faithless chatter and
is often quiet and still. It faces things directly.
In one Buddhist tradition it is sometimes thought of "mahamudra," the king's seal.
This refers to the old tradition of receiving a seal from the King of the land's as passport
through the territory, albeit unknown territory. The King's seal allows the recipient
to pass through; unconditional confidence protects the traveler no matter what
the circumstance. It doesn't promise anything in particular and that is the grace of it.
