The Sacred Book of the Werewolf [Victor Pelevin] (fb2) читать постранично, страница - 71

‘So what is this Rainbow Stream?’ I asked in a normal voice.

‘It is the ultimate goal of the super-werewolf.’

‘And what is the super-werewolf?’

‘It is a were-creature who succeeds in entering the Rainbow Stream.’

‘And what else is it possible to know about the super-werewolf? ’

‘Outwardly it is the same as other were-creatures, but inwardly it is different. Only there is no way the others can tell that from its external appearance.’

‘And how is it possible to become one?’

‘You must enter the Rainbow Stream.’

‘But what is that?’

The Yellow Master raised his eyebrows in astonishment.

‘I have already told you. The ultimate goal of the super-werewolf. ’

‘And is it possible to describe the Rainbow Stream in some way? In order to have some idea of which way to direct one’s aspiration?’

‘It is not. The nature of the Rainbow Stream is such that any descriptions will only serve as a hindrance by creating a false idea of it. It is not possible to say anything certain about it, it is only possible to be there.’

‘But what must a super-werewolf do, in order to enter the Rainbow Stream?’

‘He must do only one thing. Enter it.’

‘But how?’

‘By any means that allow him to do so.’

‘But surely there must be some instructions that the superwerewolf receives?’

‘They consist precisely of this.’

‘And that is all?’

The Yellow Master nodded.

‘So it turns out that a super-werewolf is one who enters the Rainbow Stream, and the Rainbow Stream is what the superwerewolf enters?’

‘Precisely.’

‘But that means that the former is defined in terms of the latter, and the latter is defined in terms of the former. What meaning is there in all this?’

‘A most profound one. Both the Rainbow Stream and the path of the super-werewolf lie out of this world and are beyond the reach of the everyday mind - even a fox’s. But they are directly related to each other. Therefore, it is only possible to speak of the former in relation to the latter. And of the latter in relation to the former.’

‘And is it possible to add anything more to this?’

‘It is.’

‘What?’

‘That the Rainbow Stream is not a stream at all, and the superwerewolf is not a werewolf at all. One should not become attached to words. They are only required as fleeting footholds. If you attempt to carry them with you, they will drag you down into the abyss. Therefore, they should be cast off immediately.’

I took a little time to think about what I had heard.

‘It is intriguing. It turns out that the supreme teaching for foxes consists of only two words that are related only to each other and are not amenable to any explanation. And in addition, even these words have to be cast off once they have been spoken ... It would seem that the fox who fed the Buddha did not have very good karma. And did she herself succeed in entering the Rainbow Stream?’

The Yellow Master nodded.

‘However, that only happened quite recently. And she did not leave behind any instructions for other were-creatures. That is why I am obliged to transmit the teaching to you.’

‘It is hard to believe in the truth of such a teaching.’

‘The higher teachings are called higher because they differ from those to which you are accustomed. And if something appears true to you, you may already regard it as false.’

‘Why?’

‘Because otherwise you would have no need of any teachings. You would already know the truth.’

That was logical. But his explanations reminded me of those philosophical syllogisms that are primarily intended to confound the mind.

‘But even so,’ I persisted, ‘how can a teaching consist of only two words?’

‘The higher the teaching, the fewer the words on which it leans for support. Words are like anchors - they appear to provide a reliable grasp on a teaching, but in reality they only hold the mind in captivity. That is why the most perfect teachings dispense words and symbols.’

‘Of course, that is so,’ I said. ‘But even in order to explain the superiority of a wordless teaching, you have had to speak many words. How can only two words be enough for someone to guide himself through life?’

‘The higher teachings are intended for beings with higher abilities. And for those who lack them, there are volumes upon volumes of nonsense, in which they can rummage for the whole of their lives.’

‘And do I have higher abilities?’ I asked in a quiet voice.

‘You would not be sitting here otherwise.’

That altered the situation somewhat.

‘And are there many super-werewolves in the world?’

‘Only one. Now that is you. If you wish, you can enter the Rainbow Stream. But you will need to make an effort.’

Who would not feel flattered on hearing that she has higher abilities? And the prospect of becoming a unique being was something that completely took my breath away. I thought about it.

‘And the fox who succeeded in entering the Rainbow Stream, what is known about her?’

‘Very little,’ the Yellow Master said. ‘Your predecessor lived in a little mountain village, practised extreme asceticism and completely forswore all contact with human beings.’

‘How did she feed herself?’

‘She used her tail to convince a pumpkin patch that spring had come. And then she absorbed the life-force of the pumpkins ...’

‘How terrible,’ I whispered. ‘And what happened to her?’

‘One day she simply disappeared, and that’s all.’

‘And she did not leave any writings?’

‘No.’

‘That was rather egotistical of her.’

‘Perhaps you will leave some.’

‘But do I really have to switch from men to vegetables?’

‘The Buddha did not leave any instructions on that score. Listen to what your heart tells you. And do not swerve from the path.’

I bowed twice.

‘I promise to strive obstinately for the goal, if you will grant me the transmission of which you have spoken.’

‘You have already received the transmission.’

‘When?’ I asked.

‘Just now.’

‘Is that all?’

I must have looked very perplexed.

‘It is quite enough. All the rest would only introduce confusion into your ginger head.’

‘Then what am I to do?’

The Yellow Master sighed.

‘If you were a human being, I would simply smack you across the forehead with my stick,’ he said, nodding towards his knotty staff, ‘and send you to work in the garden. There is nothing higher than this teaching and some day you will understand that. But the path of the super-werewolf is a special one. And since you are so persistent in asking me what you must do, I will tell you. You must find the key.’

‘The key? To what?’

‘To the Rainbow Stream.’

‘And what kind of key is it?’

‘I have no idea. I am not a super-werewolf. I am a simple monk. And now be on your way - your palanquin is waiting for you.’

‘And ever since then I have continued on my way,’ I said, and stopped speaking.

My story seemed to have made a strong impression on Alexander.

‘Well?’ he asked me. ‘Have you found the key?’

‘Of course.’

‘And what