Eight Arms and the Mask

Denying the existence of truth and falsehood, or denying the existence of things which are neither- this is a form of occlusion, the abandonment of compassionate speech.  Denying the continuity of the self, or denying the non-essential nature of the self- this is another form of occlusion, the failure to live compassionately.  Denying the distinction between life and death, or denying the overlap between them- this is a third form of occlusion, the loss of compassionate striving.  Denying the existence of wounds and stitches, or denying the existence of scars- this is a fourth form of occlusion, the lapsing of compassionate discipline. These four forms are known even by the akindled, and indeed have the material emanations of Bullshitting, Stagnation, Undeath, and Apathy.  Denying the existence of plurals, or denying the interlacing of fingers, is a form of occlusion which even those who avoid the first four forms can fall prey to. Even having balanced the powers, th...