Yew and Zingara never realized the most critical element to their mission’s success was an admonition given to Krest by the Phoenix.
* * *
Many years before, on the top of a high mountain, the Hill of Creation, lived the mighty Phoenix. The Young Somer Krest approached the beautiful bird.
“Phoenix, I’m glad to finally be in your presence.”
“You may call me Benu, my Egyptian name. You are aware already of its link to your secret BENXUS word.”
“Yes, I’ve made the connection. I’ve come here to ask some questions plaguing me. Would you mind?”
“I don’t know all answers, but I’ll be truthful. You may proceed with the probe.”
“Your myth is the result of the Phoenicians zealous overselling of New Guinea plumage. Is this embarrassing to you?”
“No. I laugh. The roots of my legend demonstrate the power of storytelling. It also shows how desperately my symbolism and story is needed by millions of humans.”
“Benu, are you the symbol of my purpose? I’ve studied about you in detail. I don’t see the connection yet. Could you tell me? I see our similarities but I don’t see the purpose yet.”
“What do you see as our similarities, Human?”
“Several things: The unification of birds, and male and female characteristics. Next creativity, new strength and growth after destruction. You have no parents neither do I. You like being solo. You are one of a kind. You are a symbol of completion and transcendence. But what is transcendence?”
“Transcendence is man’s liberation from any state which is too immature, too fixed or final. Transcendence is the way man achieves his highest goal: the full realization of the potential of his individual Self. I, the Phoenix, am a symbol of man striving to attain this goal or purpose: creating a new pattern of life, one of equilibrium between paradox of containment and liberation. This process begins with a rite of submission, followed by a period of containment, and then by a further rite of liberation. A balance is struck of reconciliation of personality elements making one truly human and also the master of Self.”
“You said “the full realization of the potential of one’s individual Self.” What does that mean for me?”
“You’ve discovered many new things,” said the Phoenix, “But you are asking, “What do I do next?” How would you answer this ancient question?”
“Focus. Make it real and exist in more than my dreams.”
“So your mission or purpose is . . . what?” asked the Phoenix.
“The new pattern is one of giving instead of gathering.”
* * *
Not understanding the scope of their quest, Yew and Zingara didn’t realize Krest’s mission was symbolically giving his life for others. And in that he was successful, for he remained in seclusion for most of the days of his now hidden, occlusive life.