Old Pond: The Teachings of the Elders

By Jim Bedard

After a devastating fire tears through their beloved homeland, three young friends set out on a journey to find answers to life's most compelling questions. With the help of the wise Elders from Old Pond, the trio learn vital lessons that give them the courage to cope with life's unpredictability. The teachings of various spiritual traditions are colorfully brought to life in this unusual fable that resonates with a wisdom that is as timeless as it is universal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jim Bedard
• Release date: Jul 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781987985054

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Old Pond

the teachings of the elders

by Jim Bedard

Contents

The Elders

Terr Bear’s Doubt

Oshi’s Legendary Trek

Raja’s Pond

I Don’t Know Who to Trust

The Icy Peaks

Finding a Reliable Path

The Great Cave

Pine Grove

The Preliminary Teachings

The Unpredictable Ways of the Forest

Old Pond

Korine’s Blessing

Stillness of Mind Practice

Tupper’s Encounter

Source of All Goodness

Inspired by true stories

Finding your way to Old Pond

is just the beginning …

Chapter One

The Elders

A new day was dawning. A light mist settled over the mirror-like surface of Old Pond. Morning dew glistened in the first light of day. A symphony broke the night’s silence as birds, frogs, and insects were coming to life muffling the gurgling brook nearby.

This is where they would meet. Elders from various families of animals gathered each morning to share and to learn. These gatherings had been going on for a long time and were essential to their living harmoniously with one another. The Elders no longer needed to discuss issues concerning food, habitat, boundaries, and rules for living peacefully together. That had taken place long ago. They now met to delve into more subtle aspects of life’s teachings and to assist others who came looking for guidance.

These days, most animals of the forest had lost faith in the teachings of the Elders; many doubted Old Pond even existed. But there were always a few who would try to find their way to these auspicious gatherings. They were convinced that this assembly was the very source of all that was wise and good in the forest.

Sometimes the Elders spent entire mornings in silence. They only offered guidance if they were asked.

At the south end of the pond, Owl sat fast on an extended limb of the Old Oak tree. Wanda Swan said Owl was born there, on that branch, on the very first moment of the very first day. Owl’s role was to reign over the assembly. In all the forest, no one was wiser.

Soon the Elders began to arrive. Nothing took precedence over these sessions and the Elders seldom missed a meeting.

As they arrived, each was greeted by Owl. Then the usual pleasantries ensued.

Good morning, Owl, said Wanda Swan, as she gracefully met the pond, folding her elegant wings. The pond rippled in response.

Good morning, Wanda; good morning, Oshi, Owl said, noticing Oshi’s slow, steady approach.

Good morning, Owl, Oshi Turtle replied. Although he was the slowest of all the animals who would come that day, Oshi Turtle was never late.

Good morning, said Akayla Wolf, prancing forward to take his place on the large rock that protruded out from the opposite end of the pond. He sat alert as always, his posture radiating confidence.

Soon all the Elders were present. Jasmine Frog climbed playfully onto the large lily leaf near the sandy bank and gave everyone a big smile. With slow, deliberate steps, Briar Bear took his place on the raised mound to Akayla’s left. Briar noticed a few guests gathered on the sandy bank and gave them a welcoming smile.

The Elders always began with silence. They knew finding inner peace was the first step to a favorable gathering. Experience had taught them that if their hearts were not at peace they could not truly hear the words of others, nor appreciate Owl’s wisdom.

The teachings at Old Pond were for the most noble of creatures. And these were the forest’s finest.

***

Towards the end of the silent period, Korine—a beautiful monarch butterfly and frequent visitor to Old Pond—arrived and settled atop an old tree stump extending out from the weedy west bank of the pond. The monarchs kept Owl informed of what was happening in the forest. As soon as the silent period ended, Korine flew up and landed next to Owl, speaking in a voice too soft for the others to hear.

After listening to Korine, Owl turned to the others and announced: There has been a dreadful fire in Tall Pines to the east. Many animals have died, but there are survivors and they will need our help.

Turning to Wanda, Owl continued, There are youngsters among the survivors. They will need guidance and encouragement.

Wanda Swan was radiant with compassion. She nodded in agreement.

I can leave at once, Owl, she said.

Jasmine? asked Owl.

Of course, Jasmine answered.

Owl then looked up at Akayla. The young will need protection.

My family and I will leave immediately, said Akayla. It will take us a few days to get there, Owl. Akayla was known to protect the animals of the forest, especially those intent on finding their way to Old Pond.

Briar Bear’s chest tightened. He knew he wouldn’t be able to keep up with Akayla and his family. Briar looked to the east and wondered if his family and friends, who lived near Tall Pines, were safe.

Taking giant leaps, Jasmine headed for the stream that led into the forest. No one knew the network of streams and ponds through the forest better than Jasmine Frog. Then, as if waving goodbye, Wanda spread her magnificent wings and, as gracefully as she had arrived, she was gone.

Remembering his own arduous trek from Tall Pines, Oshi Turtle hung his head and thought of the animals from his homeland. Methodically, he turned and headed back to the forest.

Briar Bear watched Wanda until she was out of sight. He turned slowly and headed to the Great Cave. The large rock that protruded out from the north end of the pond was now vacant.

Owl sat unmoving on the extended limb of the Old Oak. The sound of Gurgling Brook filled the air.

Chapter Two

Terr Bear’s Doubt

The afternoon before the fire started, Tupper Rabbit had come across Terr Bear sitting quietly at the edge of an open field. Tupper lived next to Terr Bear near Tall Pines. Their families had been friends for generations.

Terr was tall for a young bear, but today he sat slumped over, resting his head on his front paws.

What’s the matter, Terr? asked Tupper.

It’s my father, Terr replied. We’re not getting along. He keeps insisting I study the teachings of our Elders, and I’m just not interested.

Terr pause for a moment, then looked up at Tupper and explained, I’m having doubts, Tupper.

Ha! laughed Tupper. You having doubts! Really?

Then in a more serious tone she added, Come on, Terr, that’s nothing new for you. Why are you down about it now?

My father wants me to join him on a trip to the Great Cave. His father took him when he was young, and now he wants to take me.

Turning towards Tupper, Terr went on. Who wants to travel for days and days on end to see a large cave where bear ancestors hold meetings?

Maybe you should go, Terr. You never know, you might enjoy it, suggested Tupper, smiling.

"For as long as I can remember, I’ve been taught not to doubt the t-teachings of our ancestors, and … well … it’s just that I… I d-d-don’t have faith in ancient teachings." Terr held up his front paws and made a silly face. Terr stuttered when he was anxious. He detested that revealing stutter, especially when his posture and conduct expressed strength and confidence.

Terr held one paw high in the air, and lowering his voice to mimic his father, proclaimed: "Be careful, Son. To forsake the teachings of our ancestors is to disinherit yourself from the wisdom of experience. What some animals call ‘freedom from the limitations of tradition’ is most often a rationalization for the proud and stubborn …

I don’t see why he doesn’t just let me find my own way, Terr continued. Why do I have to trust in what others think? I want to discover things on my own. I’m not a cub anymore.

Earlier that morning, Terr had told his father he was having doubts and that he wanted to explore teachings from other families in the forest.

What aspect of the teachings are you having problems with, Terr? his father patiently asked.

All of it, really, Terr chuckled. His father didn’t smile.

Pa, I respect the t-t-teachings of our ancestors. But B-Bear teachings aren’t the only teachings. Deer, fox, wolves, and … well, all the other families have d-d-different teachings. Really, how do we know which one is right?

Terr, I too pondered this question in my youth, said Terr’s father. And I also considered exploring things on my own. But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of ancient teachings. They govern how we live. Without them, we would have perished long ago.

Terr’s father stood, walked closer, and looked Terr in the eye. His voice was calm and steady. "There are countless beliefs held by animals of the forest, Terr. But have you noticed that few animals ever find their way to Old Pond? Filled with countless ideas of what Old Pond might be like, they babble on and on, not realizing that ideas are just ideas."

After a short pause, Terr’s father suggested, You know, Terr, the Great Cave is not that far from Old Pond. His voice sounded hopeful.

C’mon, Pa, said Terr. How do we know Old Pond even exists? Or if there ever was a turtle named Oshi from these parts? Maybe they’re just stories meant to amuse and inspire others.

Stories about the Elders from Old Pond were cherished throughout the forest. And Oshi’s story in particular was legendary. Often after sunset, somewhere in the forest, an adult from one family or another would tell tales about the Elders from Old Pond. The animals from Tall Pines had a special liking for Oshi’s story. He was the first animal from their part of the world to make the long, arduous trek to Old Pond.

Terr’s father continued: Son, bear ancestors have been talking about the wonders of Old Pond since the beginning of bear history. It’s true, most bears don’t believe Old Pond actually exists, and for others, well—just believing seems to be enough. Be careful, Terr. It’s difficult to know when we are being misled by our own ignorance. I say, stick with the teachings of our ancestors, Terr. They point the way.

Terr’s father turned and looked out at the forest. Soon we’ll take the bear path to the Great Cave, Son. You’ll see for yourself that bear paths are reliable. We always take the same paths, Terr. That way we never get lost. I walk the path my father walked, and his mother before him, and her mother before her. We should never doubt the wisdom of their experience. Bear paths have been carved through the forest by promise and conviction. I know these paths so well I could find my way here in the dark.

After a long pause, Terr’s father had concluded, Don’t be bothered by the fact the teachings are so varied, Son. They’re different because we are different. And you, Terr, are a bear.

After recounting what had happened earlier, Terr sat down, rested his head on his front paws, and let out a sigh.

Tupper looked up and noticed a darkening sky. She said, Maybe we should head home, Terr. This doesn’t look good. Tupper had barely finished the sentence when they heard loud sizzling … crackling … and then—CRASH! Lightning struck a large white pine only meters away. Terr jumped to his feet. Tupper froze. CRASH! Another lightning strike; another tree burst