Tao Te Ching

1

Re: Tao Te Ching

oh how i love reading this : )

bowing in namaste,

reyji

Re: Tao Te Ching

Trust, O Gentle One.

Trust.

Go softly like flowing water, page by page (it matters little which translation)
and enjoy, smile at the wisdom, the humor, the soft nudges.

I also reccommend  The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet.

As one who treads the soft, wet grass of the Tao with humility and dancing jopy, I'm glad you have found it.

Trust.

Trust….





luaP

Re: Tao Te Ching

Beyond the thoughts,
beyond the words
the answers move,
and dance as we play,
free to be
eternal mystery

:)

Re: Tao Te Ching

Yes.

Re: Tao Te Ching

To know the way we go the way to do the things we do.
But if we try to hard to see it, we'll only become confused.
I am me and you are you, and if you do the things that you can do
you will find the way and the way will follow you.
“The Tao of Pooh”

I tried to find the quote and recaptured it's essence.
Your site is always one of the leaders for which I thank you.
KES

Re: Tao Te Ching

I love this book. I get so much out of it every-time I read it. It's truly eternal. It follows you as you grow and get older. It gives you a true insight into immortality.

I don't mind a bit of politics so chapter 80 is one of my favorites. Our fascination with blurring the lines of cultures and borders can only result in problems.

I receive a clue to the underlying current of life in chapter 5, not malevolent, nor benevolent; just there to be used. And always there.

Clues to leadership from chapter 17, exposes the mistakes of our current political leaders who are retarded by elections, polls and popularity.

The most amazing invitation to the philosophy of Tao is given in chapter 48, immediately you realise that like life, there is nothing hard about the Tao, everything you've learnt 'till now is reversed in an intstant.

Re: Tao Te Ching

If we train our mind properly, everything we wish will happen immediately. Only thing we have to think good towards others. That is why our ancients told us to think good always.

Re: Tao Te Ching

hi everyone, this verse speaks to me by saying to be in the now. time not existing nor are we bound in any one place. we are  part of it all and by remembering that we become the now. dont get disillusioned by the colors and sounds of the worlds within our minds. as wayne also teaches to stay in the gap between our thoughts. seeya gary

Re: Tao Te Ching

When we meditate, we learn just how connected we all are and how God is present inside of us - the ultimate connection.

Re: Tao Te Ching

Who compares with God?

   Is anything like him?
The holy God asks,

   “Who compares with me?

   Is anyone my equal?”

   Look at the evening sky!

   Who created the stars?

   Who gave them each a name?

   Who leads them like an army?

   The LORD is so powerful

   that none of the stars

   are ever missing.

– Isaiah 40: 18, 25-26

Re: Tao Te Ching

Wonderful! This is perfect, as you are too!
karen

Re: Tao Te Ching

From the Kena Upanishad:

     Not what man thinks with the mind,, but that whereby the
mind can think;  Know that alone to be Brahman, the Eternal; and not
what people here adore.

     Not what man sees with the eye, but that whereby the eye can
see; Know that alone to be Brahman, the Eternal; and not what people
here adore.

     Not what man hears with the ear, but that whereby the ear
can hear; Know that alone to be Brahman, the Eternal, and not what
people here adore.

Re: Tao Te Ching

The Naural Way of Lao Tzu

The Best man is like water.
Water is good:it benefits all things and does not
compete with them.
It dwells in lowly places that all disdain.
This is why it is so near Tao.

I love Chinese Philosophy!

Wow it is really great time be in zaadz where I meet so many people so open and ready to serve the world!

Re: Tao Te Ching

often, a variety of translations of the same chapter is illuminating.  In the spirit of wandering effortlessly through the Tao I offer Lin Yutang's version of Chapter 1.  He introduced me to the Tao many years ago with “The Importance of Living”.  Life has not been the same since…
http://www.terebess.hu/english/tao/yutang.html

1. On the Absolute Tao

The Tao the can be told of
Is not the Absolute Tao;
The Names that can be given
Are not Absolute Names.

The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth;
The Named is the Mother of All Things.

Therefore:
Oftentimes, one strips oneself of passion
In order to see the Secret of Life;
Oftentimes, one regards life with passion,
In order to see its manifest forms.

These two (the Secret and its manifestations)
Are (in their nature) the same;
They are given different names
When they become manifest.

They may both be called the Cosmic Mystery:
Reaching from the Mystery into the Deeper Mystery
Is the Gate to the Secret of All Life.

Re: Tao Te Ching

The Tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao…

Homeland of utter emptiness
completely still is the
province of the earth
we do not seek forcibly
before the proper time arrives
Once the time is right
we do not let it slip by
Rouse the vital spirit
nurture the virtue
of natural reality
foster expansion
of consciousness
and vision
permanent as heaven
stable as a mountain
spontanious and firm
yin and yang merge

Re: Tao Te Ching

Naming is the origin of
all particular things…

Keep to the center
of the circle…
forces of nature
revolve through
tides and seasons
emotions that arise
like the weather
neither warm nor cold…
celestial and earthly
yin and yang
above it isn't bright
below it isn't dark

first overcome
one's own
self-imporatnce
when human desires
submit - true yin is manifest
when irritability vanishes
true yang comes back
earthly and celestial combine
sane energy solidly masses
respectfully careful in action
without excess in firmness
or yielding - firmness and
flexibility balance each other
joyful in practice one can obtain
the good will of the other
harmonizing with its joy
within the death-dealing mechanism
appropriating living energy
able to adapt without restriction
assimulating to everyone
inwardly autonomous
having extraordinary self control
distinguish clearly truth from falsity
this is the richness of spiritual practice
outwardly the same abiding by
worldly law - practicing the principles
of the Tao within - different
in the midst of sameness

“In cultivating practice, one conforms and harmonizes,
adapting to each individual situation as it is; nobody
can fathom such changes, or see how one acts or
lies hidden.”

I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching

Yes, I too find myself putting a name and explanation of manifestation that takes me away from acceptance of the mystery. 

'Caught in desire, you see only manifestations.'  Gosh, that is exactly where I have been the last few days(weeks?). 

This posting is a wonderful reminder to be still and thankful for the beating of my heart.

Dolphinspirit

Re: Tao Te Ching

Most humans wish to create permanence.  Most require solidity to hold firmly in hand.  Even those who can make the jump to the “beyond” for lack of that concrete term people like..:P…must compare and conceptualize what they see…for some reasons humans seem to need to do this to determine rightness.  This I dislike immensely, it can be a huge block for communication and feeling the wave.

Liking this topic line very much :)
Elisa

Re: Tao Te Ching

The Tao doesn't take sides
it gives birth to both
good and evil…
Caught in desire
we see only manifestatioin
Free from desire
you realize the mystery…
Darkness within darkness
presage of incorruptibility
the source of all understanding

To cull this medicine
first investigate principle
the waxing and waning
of yin and yang
from behind the
veils of conditioning
in conscious contact
with celestial energy
the mind of Tao emerges
conditioning that is
dissolved away
the original spirit remains

Re: Tao Te Ching

“The Tao states that when you try to put a face on God, you miss God.  If you try to describe God, you fall very short of the truth.”  Very true! The same applies when, for instance, one tries to consciously find enlightenment - it eludes one!
 … . and in regard to the Source being darkness we have to do two things: 1. Overcome the connotations that “darkness” has acquired over the years and 2. understand that light is a phenomenon, something belonging to this universe and, therefore, something physical or material belonging to this phenomenal world - it is not spirit!
()

Re: Tao Te Ching

Wow!  Thank you all so much for your wonderful input, inspirations, versions of the tao (very cool), etc…I am going to begin each new chapter on this discussion post, and if it gets too long, well, we'll just move to a new one!  :)

Love you all so much.
D

2

When the people of the Earth all know beauty as beauty,
   There arises (the recognition of) ugliness.
When the people of the Earth all know the good as good,
   There arises (the recognition of) evil.

Therefore:
   Being and non-being interdepend in growth;
   Difficult and easy interdepend in completion;
   Long and short interdepend in contrast;
   High and low interdepend in position;
   Tones and voice interdepend in harmony;
   Front and behind interdepend in company.

Re: Tao Te Ching

What is described is “duality”, a fundamental phenomenon of this world of the universe, a phenomenon of our creation. In physics this is the law of  “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” and in life this is the law of karma. In physical life we see and experience this duality but in our spiritual state it is non-existent. With enlightenment we escape this duality.
()

Re: Tao Te Ching

Act without doing -
Teach without saying - anything

Bide your time
Refine the self
Empty the mind
As the times change
The way also changes
Remove arbitrary feelings
True sense will appear
Purity Illumination Incorruptibility
Gold becomes bright
When refined by fire




“If one can be firm, innate knowledge is ready at hand,
and not obtained by thought.”

I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching

“Principles are not clear without explanation,
explanation is not thorough without practice.”

I Ching

Following the time
repose is necessary…
Where activity enters
into stillness
creative energy
temporarily rest
like the sun
going down

Empty without
fulfilled within
inside and outside
are conjoined
this is the
called joy
the image of harmony

Re: Tao Te Ching

The Tao that is convenient bends to every belief:

Tao Te Ching is the reflection of the image of being
yet it does not teach any form of practice, ergo it
is all things to all people and does not traffic in
desires or judgements, but exist beyond all conditional
forms of being. If you try to achieve it you will fail.
It can not be possesed or brought into disgrace,
if you would seek to know it look inside your heart
of compassion. It is not what we think, but rather
this state of nonstriving spontaneity without form.
You can not know it, but you can be it, at ease
in your own life. This is the subtle perception of the
way things are.

As possitivity culminates negativity is born
once negativity culminates positivity returns
fullness must seek emptiness
emptiness seeks fulfillment
use fulfillment to consumate emptiness
cultivate reality nurish correctness
standing alone without fear
dwelling in emptiness  being fulfilled
transform the artificial into the real
the celestial mechanism
is finally revealed

Re: Tao Te Ching

Hi all!! Please keep talking and sharing.  Some may have strong opinions that come across as more than opinion, however each human has such great capacity for choosing independent thought and expressing individual energies that flow with the whole.  Be most well.  Do not hide your flames…for anyone.

elisa :)

Re: Tao Te Ching

It is said that illumination that is not revealed
is better than illumination openly employed
This is the power of practical application
penetrating reality embracing unity
nurturing the true fire that returns to the origin
of all things, the path of constant recollection
Upright in difficulty having no form or trace
open awareness without obscurity
returns to formlessness
Strength that is used with flexibility
is the sign of tranquility
Within the alchemical process
water flows downward
fire flames upward
with fire water is not cold
with water fire is not hot
celestial and earthly combine
the creative innate knowledge
and receptive innate capacity are as one
vitality and spirit cleave to each other
retrieving the primordial within the temporal
not bound by creation the real person emerges

Re: Tao Te Ching - 3

3

Exalt not the wise,
   So that the people shall not scheme and contend;
Prize not rare objects,
   So that the people shall not steal;
Shut out from site the things of desire,
   So that the people's hearts shall not be disturbed.

Re: Tao Te Ching - 3

The mind is attached it holds fallacies…the core remains blind and/or blocked until the mind is empty.

elisa

Re: Tao Te Ching - 3

What is being suggested in the second prt of number two is for the political leader to keep the subjects simple, ignorant, content and they will not seek more and more.  They will be satiated and not even realize that there might be more to strive for.  Rebellion comes from desiring more…if needs are already met and the subjects beleive all is well than they will thank you for taking such good care of them.  When they smarten up and see what others have, they will  look for improvements and demand better care and then you have unsettled trouble in the kingdom.

Re: Tao Te Ching - 3

Dichotomy or duplicity is all a matter of interpretation,
whether the government of a country or that of a family
simple basic truths will still apply. Turning people
into sheep is not a topic for the Tao.

“When the spirit is illumined and the vitality is purified,
as true water and true fire they balance each other; the
earthly and the celestial join, and the primordial energy
comes forth from nothingness.”

I Ching


Once yang is complete
the inevitablity of yin
surreptitously arises
yet there is the path of sages'
the science of reverse operation
to get back to the primordial
expelling intellectualism
concealing illumination within
eartly energy spontaniously
sublimates preventing
negative mundanity
by celestial energy
consistent in the
practice of virtue
attaining the power
to adapt to changes
without difficulty
returning to the fundamental
unconstrained by yin and yang
with genuine knowledge
and certain insight
arriving at the meaning of life
not led astray by false brilliance
nor mistaking the seeming for the true

What did the old shaman mean when he said to his apprentice,
“I am sorry you have become enlightened, now get back to
work.” ? Equally so in the Taoist or Toltec tradition the truth of
such knowledge is only useful in its application… Stillness and
activity support each other. Very often an excess of talent or intelect
is detrimental in the development of character to the fullest extent.
The simple truth is hard to see and nearly impossible to accept,
that we exist beyond the reach of personal history.

Inside Out

If we are constant within change

like the Sun which remains

bright even in secert at night

not only upon it's rising

then contentment is supreme

without the weeds of desire

clogging the portal of awareness

Blind allegiance selfish and uncaring

will never rise up to the heights

Gradual development is the surest way

where as prompt delivery

gained in haste is soon wasted

If you know the firing process

for the gold elixer of illumination

then you have the quality of humilty

with great power in virtue

This is the Spirit of Tao

not detached but engaged on principle

Re: Tao Te Ching - 3

Wow, that's incredible!

Thank you so much!!!

Hugs and much love,
Dana

Into the Realm of Sages

The science of creating life
trusting in the Tao
not losing oneself
peaceful in the center
not turning away from others
knowing when to act
or remain hidden
self-importance is overcome
the vicissitudes of circumstance
cannot disturb one's balance
distinguishing right from wrong
tranquil and unperturbed
yet sensitive and effective
filled with living energy
the real self returns
having yet appearing to lack
reversing the usual
course of conditioning
innate knowledge ready at hand
the heart grows daily more humble
as the virtue grows more noble


What does it mean when we say that presuming to
know is a disease? Life in this world is a mystery
in manifestation, attempting to control or to change
what is beyond our reach is an exercise in futility.
This world can not be improved, even at the
decline of civilization it remains perfect just as
it is. Fulfilled yet appearing to lack neither
complacent nor self-satisfied, obsessed nor
negligent, with minds that are stable the will
is far-reaching acting with flexibility, practioners
of the Tao follow virtue by gradual progress
in harmoious action, accumilating the small
to lofty heights.

Thanks Dana, Wishing you all the best
this holiday seasons…
In Spirit,
tl

Re: Into the Realm of Sages

Thanks tl…that helped so much!

Re: Tao Te Ching-4

4

Re: Tao Te Ching-4

Beautifully Present

darkness of reality

Beginning with darkness
we see into the light
the darkness of innocence
that is auspicious
path of nontrivance
the convergence of yin
tranquil and unstiring
responsive yet ever calm
nurtures the darkness of reality
transforms the darkness of falsehood
striving and nonstriving as appropriate
according to the time or circumstance
unconsciously follows the laws of God
unattached to forms nor falling into void
not to be attained by formal effort
innocence that arises naturally
unbidden within oneself
wholly integrated with natural principle

“Not clinging to forms, not falling into voidness, not material,
not empty, since it is not a matter of seeking the real, one
does not exclude the artificial either… It is not darkness yet it
resembles darkness; it is darkness but actually not darkness.
External things cannot enter; inside, thoughts cannot arise.
One does not seek reality, but reality is here.”

“The path of noncontrivance nurtures the darkness of reality;
the path of striving transforms the darkness of falsehood.”

I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching-4

Hidden yet forever quiescent
like a well its nurishment
runs rich and deep
the concern of one's heart
that it is not drawn from
illumination that is the
energy of open awareness
the mind that is open
produces light
truthfulness within
reaches outward
there is nothing
that could deceive
nor anything burdensome
reaching effortlessness
by way of effort
the happiness of
harmonious action
correctly balanced

“Joy is that whereby virtue is made harmonious,
virtue is that whereby joy is made complete…

“How can people be happy without honoring
virtue?”

I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 5

5

Nature is unkind:
   It treats the creation like sacrificial straw-dogs.
The Sage is unkind:
   He treats the people like sacrificial straw-dogs.

How the universe is like a bellows!
   Empty, yet it gives a supply that never fails;
   The more it is worked, the more it brings forth.

Practice of the Tao

by practicing the Tao
one can attain the Tao
strength and flexibility
are as one - truthfully
unified without division
correctly oriented
strong yet also balanced
benevolence, courtesy,
justice and wisdom
all return to the mind
feeling, essence,
vitality and spirit
return to the center
yin and yang coincide
fully integrated
with natural principle
within the celestial design
all entanglements are void
the Path of joyful accord
with unfailing benefit
and good fortune
thereby perfecting
essence and life
entering from stiving
into nonstriving
not mistaking
the spurious
for the genuine

there is also faith
that takes
the false to be true
faith becomes enmity
attempting forced
manipulations
finding enemies
first beliving in this
one thing then in another
vain and insubstantial
the false distorts the real

“It is easy to work with what is of the same species,
hard to work with what is not of the same kind.”

“The crossing of great rivers is that whereby inner nurturance
and outer effectiveness is accomplished.”

I Ching

Re: Practice of the Tao

How is it that we remain strong and centered
in the face of great adversity and change
by remaining flexible?


Remain Alone…

An interesting turn of events
being reminded
never to forget
who we are and
where we come from…
once here all alone
those who give to get
always remain alone
but for those who
get to give
blessings never end
transmission is the key

we learn we live we grow we give
we fill the contents of our head
but deep inside something
innocent remains unchanging
and this is most feared
and hated in the world
this world of crime
lies and decite
but here we are
in it up to our ears
the low drone of the mundane
conditioned mind filled with
attachments built
upon personal history
growing forever more complex
how can there be anything more
than what we think we know
in our bid for power
and supremacy
for personal identity
to make a difference
everything changes
but personal effectiveness
remains the highest
art form there is
living in the moment

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

6

The Spirit of the Valley never dies.
It is called the Mystic Female.
   The Door of the Mystic Female
   Is the root of Heaven and Earth.

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

There is no doubt true evil exist
in the world today but it may
not be what we think or
rather more to the point, perhaps
it is precisely the very nature of
our unquestioned thought processes
which tend to do the most harm
in this world of the mundane…

Everyone it seems has this
prepackaged ideal of what it means
to be enlightened, perhaps it is
very much as Caroline Myss
has discribed it, as “Spiritual Madness”
which is most certainly not a matter
of what we ordinarily might think
but more to the point of what
some have termed 'spiritual emergency'.
In Taoist traditions initial awakening
is merely a first but none-the-less
essential step in the develpmental
process. Where as in typical
western bastarsized traditions
the ultimate goal appears to be
either one of two things that now
in many cases would almost appear
to be inseparable in so many minds
as simply the way things are. Either
you seek this so called enlightened
state of being as an end unto itself
as if it alone would solve all of your
earthly problems like some kind
of mythical holy grail - the stuff
that western legends and wars
are made of, or rather there are
those who would presume to go
directly to the source of eternity
and become minor Gods them-
selves - legends in thier own
minds not unlike this cult of ego
so prevalent around Holly Wood
this days with the ever sacred
red string around the wrist
as a sign of assension - direct
to the source.

But in this melding of east meets
west somethings gets lost or go
missing and the saintly image of
actual humility tends to go down
the drain.

I Know that this is a bit off topic
the Tao as it is said, gives
birth to infinite worlds
always present within you
but if you would seek to
grasp it you would fail
you cann't know it but
you can be it at peace
in your life.

Do we understand how
the small is large or
how emptiness seeks
fulfillement. The process
of awakening is no great
mystery, what is rare
is to live it free within
the mundane.

“In spiritual alchemy, before primordial true yang has been restored,
one should empty the mind to seek to fill the belly. Once primordial
true yang has returned, one should fill the belly and also empty the
mind. The achievement of emptying the mind is the means to operate
the true fire, to burn away the mundane energy of acquired conditioning
until one is freed from it.”

Taoist I Ching


Perhaps it is just that simple.
But do we know the firing
process of triplex unity or the
opening that is known to some
as the mysterious female -
this opening within the
conjunction of yin and yang?

“The mysterious pass is a most recondite and abstuse pass-

ageway. It is also called the door of life and death, the

chamber of vivifing and killing, the border of divinity and

humanity, the gate of punishment and reward, the opening

of being and nonbeing, the lair of spirit and energy, the

ground of emptiness and fulfillment, the crossroads, and

many other names. All of these terms depict this one open-

ing. The mysterious pass is another name for the mysteri-

ous female. Because its recondite subtlety is unfathomable,

it is called the mysterious pass; because yin and yang are

herein, it is called the mysterious female. Really it is just

this one opening.

“The ignorant who do not know this sometimes take the

space below the heart and above the genitals to be the

mysterious pass; some consider the center of the umbilical

region to be the mysterious pass; some call the coccyx the

mysterious pass; some take the center of the spine, where

it joins the ribs, to be the mysterious pass. These are all

wrong. The mysterious pass has no fixed position; if it

had a fixed position, it would not be the mysterious pass.

“Ch'en Hsu-pai referred to the point where thought arises

as the mysteriouus pass; this seems to be correct, but really

is not. The point where thought arises already has fallen

into the realm of temporal form; how can it be considered

the mysterious pass?

“I now clearly point out to you that the mysterious pass

lies in subtle abstraction, where being and nonbeing in-

terpenetrate. Understanding Reality says, 'Seek the image

of being in the subtle; seek the true vitality in the recon-

dite. From this being and nonbeing interpenetrate; before

you have seen it, how can you imagine it?' Also the Four

Hundred Words on the Gold Elixir says, 'This opening is

not an ordinary aperture, made by Heaven and Earth to-

gether, it is called the lair of spirit and energy. Within

are the vitalities of Water and Fire,' These passages truly

point out the opening of the mysterious pass.

“However, there are few people in the world who are in

genuine earnest. Most cannot put forth intensive effort

or endure long perseverance; also they do not seek out

the fundamental true principles, but just think of the mys-

terious pass and mysterious female in terms of physical

locations and do some minor techniques which are at-

tached either to voidness or to form, falsely imagining

that they will attain the Tao thereby. This is pitiful.

“If one is a true stalwart, one can decisively set aside all

entanglements, so that all objects are empty, and concen-

trate on the matter of most urgent importance, call on

teachers, form associations with worthy companions,

never changing one's determination; then one can even-

tually come to know the mysterious pass, see the myster-

ious female, and finally comprehend essence and life.

Students should work on this.”

“The great Tao is uncontrived,

based on spontaneity;

But until the work is complete,

one cannot adapt with autonomy.”

“The Inner Teachings of Taoism”

Chang Po-tuan

Learn to die before you die, it is said. Yet to do so prematurely
would mean to become a nihilistic quietist of no use
to anyone let alone to essence or life.

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

That was incredible, TL!  I will have to re-read this many times. 

Love and many thanks.
Dana

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

The fact that endless volumes could be and have been
written on this process of triplex unity, the science of
rectifying the mind so that the intent is sincere, where
the earthly vitality transforms and true vitality is born,
where conditioning is removed so that the original spirit
remains, going back to the fundamental where spirit
and vitality cling to one another inseparably, even
within the hidden teachings of Taoist traditions rare
are those who are capable to sustaining this pure and
incorruptible state of celestial being. Yet it none-the-less
remains open and available to anyone who would
but it into practice.

“Considering the existence of problems and preventing them be-
forehand, applying the work of increasing spiritual awareness
while decreasing mudane conditions, rooting out the accretions
hat have accumulated in the mental faculties through personal
history,  mundanity will end and the celestial will become pure
and incorruptible; finally when you break through space, that is
comprehensive attainment. Until you reach the stage of breaking
through space, there will still be problems. Therefore preactioners
of the Tao must consider that the state of great repose comes only
upon breaking through space and freeing the real body.”

“When one discerns things and understands truth, and also keeps
things in their place and does not act recklessly, the mundane and
celestial are not mixed up, the real and the false are distinguished;
then there is settlement in the midst of the unsettled. This is like water
conveying moisture and fire conveying heat, each accomplishing
what it can accomplish, each on a separate path.”

“If one can distinguish the real from the false, one will know the places
of the primordial and the temporal… which is clearly obvious; one
should not mistake something temporal for something primordial and
forcibly seek settlement.”

The Taoist I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

The fact that endless volumes could be and have been
written on this process of triplex unity, the science of
rectifying the mind so that the intent is sincere, where
the earthly vitality transforms and true vitality is born,
where conditioning is removed so that the original spirit
remains, going back to the fundamental where spirit
and vitality cling to one another inseparably, even
within the hidden teachings of Taoist traditions rare
are those who are capable to sustaining this pure and
incorruptible state of celestial being. Yet it none-the-less
remains open and available to anyone who would
but it into practice.

“Considering the existence of problems and preventing them be-
forehand, applying the work of increasing spiritual awareness
while decreasing mudane conditions, rooting out the accretions
hat have accumulated in the mental faculties through personal
history,  mundanity will end and the celestial will become pure
and incorruptible; finally when you break through space, that is
comprehensive attainment. Until you reach the stage of breaking
through space, there will still be problems. Therefore preactioners
of the Tao must consider that the state of great repose comes only
upon breaking through space and freeing the real body.”

“When one discerns things and understands truth, and also keeps
things in their place and does not act recklessly, the mundane and
celestial are not mixed up, the real and the false are distinguished;
then there is settlement in the midst of the unsettled. This is like water
conveying moisture and fire conveying heat, each accomplishing
what it can accomplish, each on a separate path.”

“If one can distinguish the real from the false, one will know the places
of the primordial and the temporal… which is clearly obvious; one
should not mistake something temporal for something primordial and
forcibly seek settlement.”

The Taoist I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

The fact that endless volumes could be and have been
written on this process of triplex unity, the science of
rectifying the mind so that the intent is sincere, where
the earthly vitality transforms and true vitality is born,
where conditioning is removed so that the original spirit
remains, going back to the fundamental where spirit
and vitality cling to one another inseparably, even
within the hidden teachings of Taoist traditions rare
are those who are capable to sustaining this pure and
incorruptible state of celestial being. Yet it none-the-less
remains open and available to anyone who would
but it into practice.

“Considering the existence of problems and preventing them be-
forehand, applying the work of increasing spiritual awareness
while decreasing mudane conditions, rooting out the accretions
hat have accumulated in the mental faculties through personal
history,  mundanity will end and the celestial will become pure
and incorruptible; finally when you break through space, that is
comprehensive attainment. Until you reach the stage of breaking
through space, there will still be problems. Therefore preactioners
of the Tao must consider that the state of great repose comes only
upon breaking through space and freeing the real body.”

“When one discerns things and understands truth, and also keeps
things in their place and does not act recklessly, the mundane and
celestial are not mixed up, the real and the false are distinguished;
then there is settlement in the midst of the unsettled. This is like water
conveying moisture and fire conveying heat, each accomplishing
what it can accomplish, each on a separate path.”

“If one can distinguish the real from the false, one will know the places
of the primordial and the temporal… which is clearly obvious; one
should not mistake something temporal for something primordial and
forcibly seek settlement.”

The Taoist I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

The fact that endless volumes could be and have been
written on this process of triplex unity, the science of
rectifying the mind so that the intent is sincere, where
the earthly vitality transforms and true vitality is born,
where conditioning is removed so that the original spirit
remains, going back to the fundamental where spirit
and vitality cling to one another inseparably, even
within the hidden teachings of Taoist traditions rare
are those who are capable to sustaining this pure and
incorruptible state of celestial being. Yet it none-the-less
remains open and available to anyone who would
but it into practice.

“Considering the existence of problems and preventing them be-
forehand, applying the work of increasing spiritual awareness
while decreasing mudane conditions, rooting out the accretions
hat have accumulated in the mental faculties through personal
history,  mundanity will end and the celestial will become pure
and incorruptible; finally when you break through space, that is
comprehensive attainment. Until you reach the stage of breaking
through space, there will still be problems. Therefore preactioners
of the Tao must consider that the state of great repose comes only
upon breaking through space and freeing the real body.”

“When one discerns things and understands truth, and also keeps
things in their place and does not act recklessly, the mundane and
celestial are not mixed up, the real and the false are distinguished;
then there is settlement in the midst of the unsettled. This is like water
conveying moisture and fire conveying heat, each accomplishing
what it can accomplish, each on a separate path.”

“If one can distinguish the real from the false, one will know the places
of the primordial and the temporal… which is clearly obvious; one
should not mistake something temporal for something primordial and
forcibly seek settlement.”

The Taoist I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

“The I Ching is held by Taoist to map critical junctures

of human development in terms of yin and yang, two

modes of being and experience through which the

spiritual dialectic of Taoist practice takes place.

Taoist spiritual alchemy, a system of mental cultivation

that uses the I-Ching as an instrumental text, defines the

'path' of human progress in three ways: repelling yin

and fostering yang; blending yin and yang; and tran-

sending yin and yang. Within these contexts, yin and

yang take on a variety of associations.

“To Clarify these formulations, Taoist alchemy further

defines yin and yang as being true or false, opposite

or complimentary, mutually exclusive or mututually

inclusive. The process of repelling yin and fostering

yang is taken to mean repelling false yin and foster-

ing true yang. Blending yin and yang is defined as

effecting a balanced combination of true yin and true

yang. Transending yin and yang is spoken of in the

sense of transending the created world and attaining

autonomy, so that 'one's destiny depends on oneself.'

The first two formations refer to the process of the

path, while the third, reminiscent of the Gnostic idea

of escaping the authority of the Demiurge, is some-

times represented as the result of the path.”

“The four timeless hexagrams are heaven, earth,

mastering pitfalls, and fire. These are held to obtain

in some way at all stages of practice. Heaven and

earth represent firmness and flexibility, fostering the

mind of Tao and emptying the human mind…

Mastering pitfalls, overcoming internal and

external obstacles, dealing with difficulties and

dangers in the mind and the environment, is

considered the way in which human development

is achieved. Fire stands for illumination, awareness

understanding, which are required all along the

way to guide action.

“These and the remaining sixty hexagrams represent

the permutations of eight trigrams, each of which

has specific associations.

The eight trigrams are heaven, earth, fire, water,

thunder, mountain, lake, and wind. In the core of

the text of the I Ching - the sayings on the hexagrams

and lines - these are held to represent fundamental

elements of life through which human development

can be fostered; hence in Taoist alchemy they are

sometimes called the 'cauldron of the eight trigrams,'

in which the refinement of consciousness is carried

out.”

Thomas Cleary

Triplex Unity

“The origin of alchemical classics comes from the adept Wei

Po-yang of the Latter Han Dynasty (23-220 c.e.). After Wei

had achieved the Tao, he pitied students of his time for

being confused by sidetracks and false teachings,

ignorant of the great Tao of sages, most of them wasting

their whole lives, growing old without attainment. Finally

he composed the Triplex Unity, following the Tao of the

I Ching, so as to elucidate the source of essence and life,

the reality of falsehood of yin and yang, the laws of culti-

vation and practice, the order of work.

Using things as symbols, his metaphorical language is

multifaceted. Essence and life, yin and yang, firmness

and flesibility - these he called medicines. Cultivation

and practice, the order of the work - these he called the

firing process. Consistency in the work of cultivation

and practice he called refinement. Vigorous exertion

he called the martial fire; easygoing gradual penetration

he called the cultured fire. Correct balance of firmness

and flexibility, he called maturation of the elixir. Imper-

ceptible, unfathomable spiritual transformation he

called releasing the elixir.

The meanings contained therein are like the I Ching,

symbolizing things by descriptive comparisons; thus

began the term 'gold elixir,' the teaching of 'alchemy,'

and the principle of cultivating and maintaining

essence and life.”

Liu I-ming

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

Nature that dwells in flexibility
receptive earth is the true mind
Life that dwells in firmness
is sanity Firm as heaven
Science of creating life
and cultivating nature
simple and ready
innate knowledge
and capacity

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

correction:
'capable of sustaining'

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

Clearly there are many opinions
on the meaning of the Tao Te Ching
but it is only an image pointing
the way. A reflection of enlightened
mind. It is up to us to discern
our own course.


Nature that dwells in flexibility
receptive earth is the true mind
Life that dwells in firmness
is sanity Firm as heaven
Science of creating life
and cultivating nature
simple and ready
innate knowledge
and capacity

somethings remain unchanging

eternal and infinate
celestial firmness
in earthly flexibility
light emerges from darkness
reducing excess yielding
increasing firmness
where it is insufficent
when irritability vanishes
~by joyfulness~
true yang appears
with the sublimation
of human desires
true yin is manifest
serene eqanimonous
realm of the middle way
actual practice
in real life
is most important
increasing daily
one's achievement
jouful harmoinous praxis
removing acquired conditioning
for the sake of the Tao
harmonious and peaceful
perfect goodness
without evil
be sincere
in reduction
and within reduction
there will be increase
the final misfortune
of mundanity is none other
than the call of truth

They have virtue
but do not
presume upon it
distributing blessings
unselfconsciously
they expect no reward

“If students are able, while in the midst of reduced
reality, to reverse themselves and reduce falsehood,
then it will not be difficult to practice the Tao.”


cupidity is a bandit
that disturbs the way
the violence of anger
impedes the way
remove anger and cupidity
and there will be hope
for the way ahead



“Confusians consider it essential to conquer the self
and return to propriety, Buddhists consider reduction
of myriad myraid phenomena to emptiness fundamental,
and Taoist consider self-refinement to set up foun-
dation as primary. The sages of all three teachings
first taught people to get rid of personal wraft and
cupidity.”

I Ching

“If you want to cultivate the restorative elixir to
perfection, first you must refine yourself and master
your mind.”

Tz'u-yang

“The function of reduction is extremely fine and subtle.
It is not a matter of fixed rules, but changes according
to the time so as to be effective. In general, the ultimate
accomplishment is the unification of strength and flexibility
resting in supreme good without evil. Those who practice the
path of reduction should be sincere in reduction, so that
they can perfect the beginning and complete the end.”

I Ching


Bright on the outside
but dark on the inside
is the temporal mixing
of yin and yang
once yin and yang aggregate
it turns into fire
that is violent and hot
the nature of fire corrupts
the water of true unity
transforms into unbridled lust
original vitality is lost
life is shaken
essence is disturbed


“At this point people begin to vie for honor,
plunder for profit, contest for victory, and
seek power, depriving others to benefit them-
selves, using intellectual brightness outwardly;
indulging in emotions, giving free rein to their
desires, deluded by objects of sense, they ravage
and abandon themselves, the danger of mundanity
being stored within.”

The Taoist I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

With daily contemplation through daily medition
spiritual illumination grows:

From subtle to evident
illumination grows
gradually advancing
upon the ground
of reality
to the realm
of lofty understanding
and far reaching vision
like the sun
which daily rises
light emerges
upon the earth
which is basically dark
advancing the fire
producing understanding
in the practice of receptivity
within black there is white
the quality of enlightenment
fundamental capacity
of humankind
established in virtue
the correctness of great power
radiantly bright without obscurity
originally truly open
spontaneous, truthful
and illumined
producing being
in the midst of nothingness
seeking life within death
the crossing of great rivers
not allowing the slightest defect
to remain in the heart
wholly integrated
with the celestial design
a compainion of heaven
merging with the Tao
in reality
One's own fate
now depends on oneself
not upon the mundane
 
“There is a life that consists of a quantity of energy,
and there is a life that consist of meaning of the Tao.”

“To illumine means to make manifest; the quality of enligthenment
is the spiritual nature of innate knowledge and innate capacity that
is fundamental to humankind.”

I Ching

Like a man seeking a woman
When the work is done
sense and nature
are as one…
true yin and true yang
naturally merge
from effort to spontaneity
nature, sense and intent unite
from nothingness into form
arrive at the meaning of life
the bliss of freedom
and nonstriving
in sacred communion

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

Original Being

Use the things of this world
to cultivate the Tao
knowing what is right
cabable of rectitude
having no greed or ambition
one goes to mix with people
happy in knowing
the celestial design
steadfast as a tree
solid as a rock
abandoning the false
to recognize the new
returning to the true
working in the midst of
great danger and difficulty
one must entire the tiger's lair
dive into the dragon's pool
to cultivate and restore
one's own true nature
~original being~
rising up like thunder
out of the earth
forcefully into the sky
continually increasing
this life-giving potential
able to act in accord
with the time…
everywhere is the Tao

“When joy reaches oblivion, and one clings obstinately to it
and doesn't pass through it, submitting to the enjoyment
of what one desires, although what one enjoys comes to be,
it must undergo change; when happiness culminates, that
gives rise to sadness. After all it is self defeating; it is not the
fault of other people.”

Taosit I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

Stopping in unknowing
resting in ultimate good
balance of strength
with flexibility
remaining detached
free from all forms of
extremes and biases
appropriating yin and yang
breaking through space
merging with the Tao in reality
a single energy circulates
indefinable as being or nonbeing
“Beginning with stiving,
which no one sees…”
arriving at nonstriving
” with a peal of thunder
the real person emerges,
startling the ignorant,
amazing the mundane…
for the first time
one is known to others-”
there is a body outside the body
beyond heaven and earth

“Who does not extol carrying
the crossroads of heaven?”

“If great nurturance is impossible, then small nurturance
is still called for, whereby to beautify cultural qualities.”

Taoist I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

Stopping in unknowing
resting in ultimate good
balance of strength
with flexibility
remaining detached
free from all forms of
extremes and biases
appropriating yin and yang
breaking through space
merging with the Tao in reality
a single energy circulates
indefinable as being or nonbeing
“Beginning with stiving,
which no one sees…”
arriving at nonstriving
” with a peal of thunder
the real person emerges,
startling the ignorant,
amazing the mundane…
for the first time
one is known to others-”
there is a body outside the body
beyond heaven and earth

“Who does not extol carrying
the crossroads of heaven?”

“If great nurturance is impossible, then small nurturance
is still called for, whereby to beautify cultural qualities.”

Taoist I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

Someone once said, “We are one, and never really alone.”


Following submits where
true joy appears…
Applying obedience in action -
one does not hold on to
one regulation
to fit every situation
outwardly modest
inwardly at peace
all things change
not promoting
false modesty
delighting in stillness
is stilling delight or
stopping delight
that isn't right…
gathering or rising
reduction or increase
this loss of clarity that
is darkness of obscurity
when the celestial
has fallen into the earthly
overruled by the human mind
ignorantly attached to externals
where mundanity would be manifest
neutralize danger by stillness
according to the time
either activating or stilling
we do not miss
the appropriate timing
awaiting for the right time
to get out of danger
where earthly energy is strong
the celestial is weak
whether active in the midst of peril
or using stillness to repel the mundane
not acting at random nor missing
the right timing - balance
in harmony with being

“According to the anccient Chinese Taoist, 'reality' or 'truth'
is never frozen or crystalized, but fluid. In the same way that
the trigrams of the I Ching do not represent truth as a fixed
point but as the observation of harmony with change, the
Ba Qua martial art reflects its philosophical roots via its
constant flow of movements.”

“At the highest level, development and movement become a
mystical experience. Although this concept seems difficult for
the novice, the gate to the mystery is really very simple.
Through persistent practice of both inner and outer work,
the mystery reveals itself.”

“Persit with study, and revelation will come in a flash and you
will begin to understand.”

Master Liu Xing-Han

There are times when we move forward
times when we retreat, a time for sadness
and a time for joy or 'happiness' within…
all things remain in fluid motion~
until we find happiness in our aloneness
how could we be present for anybody else

everything is nothing - nothing that is everything

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

The meaning of the Tao is simple, it is we who have
become complicated. How does one write about
the unnamable? By not induldging in arbitrary
guesswork or personalistic interputations
working in the midst of the killing energy using
danger to cultivate character and virtue
not being injured by difficulty or troubles,
by self-examination self-mastery
is possible. The following are a series
of studies drawn from the Taoist
inner teachings.


“In as much as the way of life is preforce difficult, the way
of death is not easy either.”

nothing is everything and nothing
we are a world of dreams
dream of the planet
dream of life and religion
essence of insight
or natural capacity
we each have
our own uinique
set of spiritual gifts
along with content
we are given to work with
happiness some say
is an illusion a cruel
joke of the sense
yet if we know that
all things change
there is nothing
we would hold on to
emotional states
are like the weather
happy angry or sad
bitterness or bliss
what really makes
the difference
is inner openness

The advance of illumination
measure of evolution
in appropriate action
profound attainment
of self-realization
expounded on
then put into practiced
among compainions
the Tao of nature and life

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

“When one cultivates one's character to the point

where irascibility and impetuosity vanish, then

one is capable of small nurturance

and also capable of great nurturance.”

“Concealing one's strength and acting with flexibility,

observing what has gone before and being mindful of

consequences, being serene and unhurried, one will

naturally not act in any way that is impetuous or cause

the loss of character.”

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

Reposted here for the sake of clarity:

Fire and Water

It is said that illumination that is not revealed

is better than illumination openly employed

This is the power of practical application

penetrating reality embracing unity

nurturing the true fire that returns to the origin

of all things, the path of constant recollection

Upright in difficulty having no form or trace

open awareness without obscurity

returns to formlessness

Strength that is used with flexibility

is the sign of tranquility

Within the alchemical process

water flows downward

fire flames upward

with fire water is not cold

with water fire is not hot

celestial and earthly combine

the creative innate knowledge

and receptive innate capacity are as one

vitality and spirit cleave to each other

retrieving the primordial within the temporal

not bound by creation the real person emerges

~*~*~

Anyone can attain the Tao

liberated from danger and difficulty

“able to act freely in any way,

just as one wills.”

the celestial and human act together

where there is pure positivity

negative energy is forever extinguished

Where is the good in wasted life?

growing old without achievement

those who cling to emptiness

slip into the void and end up

alone in solitary quietism

those who stick to forms

who practice material

or sexual alchemy

may proceed gradually

all their lives yet

this progess is incorrect…

What then is the good of that?

It is only by gradual progress

in the correct manner

that one can arrive

at the meaning of life

by thoroughly investigating truth

once the work is done

we arrive at spontaneity from effort

where firmness and flexibility merge

yin and yang join in harmony and balance

from nothingness into form

entering from striving into nonstriving

essence that is completely realized

the path of gradual cultivation

is only good when correct

not rushing not lagging

proceeding in an orderly fashion

the science of discovery of truth

where sense and nature are as one

the celestial and earthly combine

this then is the correct

communion of yin and yang

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

where in emptiness is fulfillment
all mysteries are revealed

Strength is the function
that is the
substance of illumination
pristine state of completeness
unobscured open awareness
finding happiness alone
in the celestial order
firm strength
in proper balance
this clarified
quality of illumination
pure unadulterated vitality
gradually putting into practice
one integral principle
clearly distinquish
the higher and the lower
above and below
right and wrong
sanity and aberation
recognize the differnce
between the metaphysical
and the vessel
between the earthly
and the celestial
between the noble
and the base
settle the will
of the people
sustaining the celestial
controlling the earthly
the voice of mundanity
is settled - not
allowing trangression
through false ideals
wholly integrated
with the celestial design
nature and life are stablized


“Inward mastery protects one from externals,
managing externals affords one inner peace.”

“Only mature and developed people understand good
and bad, distinguish right from wrong, know what
bodes well and what bodes ill, percieve when to
hurry and when to relax, are not confined to either
firmness or flexibility, apply both humanity and
justice together, are able to obey in danger and by
obedience netrualize danger, use the temporal to
restore the primordial, use the primordial to
transmute the temporal, not only do not let yin
trap yang, but even get all yin to follow yang -
this is the path of good fortune without error.”

I Ching


where the senses are troubled
and the emotions run wild
to restore peace in perilous times
the method of stiving
in spiritual alchemy is valued
to reexperience
original completness
all pollution of
acquired conditioning
must be burned away
so that within the heart
not the slightest flaw
remains… in spirit

Re: Tao Te Ching - 6

When joy reaches oblivion
we have only ourselves
to blame for the insidious
arising of the mundane
How then to prevent
mundanity before it acts up
to extripate the root of misfortune
and bring forth the original state
before personal history
to become an impeccable
personification of reality
the perfection of life
in the comprehension
of nature in the accomplishment
of temporal achievments
the unadulterated celestial repleat
announce to the four quarters
this science of reverse operation
perseverance in the path of sages
reaching deeply into self-realization
the will far reaching with strong practice
in the body, the mind firm and stable
never turning back for even a moment

“The people in the world who follow deviated paths, whether
they cling to voidness or stick to forms, taking the artificial to
be real, and do not fear danger and trouble, sometimes never
changing their entire lives, are indeed powerful, but their power
is not correct - not only is their vigor unable to be great, but they
even harm life power. Then what is the value of power?”

“The benefit in correctness of great power requires perfection
of virtue by the Tao as its ultimate achievement.”

Taoist I Ching

Tao Te Ching 7

Seven

7

Re: Tao Te Ching 7

many kisses

like watching you learn and process
ty for allowing it
:D
elisa

Re: Tao Te Ching 7

Thank you, Angel.

Yes, this journey is “curiouser and curioser”.  :)  I feel like I am being awakened into a totally new world.  :)

Such fun!
Loving you,
Dana

Re: Tao Te Ching 7

Strength and Determination

Humble in mind
strong in spirit
flexible within
the outside
surface reality…
strength and flexibility
strong in virtue
noble in character
where tranquility  has
fallen beneath obstruction
employ stillness with understanding
illumintion in action
fire over thunder
heaven that arises 
beneath the earth is
the image of tranquility
celestial energy
that grows still
over time  quiet
and steady, immutible
like the stillness
of a moutain
resting on the earth
finding strength in virtue
joyful in practice of the Tao
freedom is a state of being
living simply wakefully
this is the greatest gift…

Biting through obstruction?
movement in sequence
must be timed properly
appropriating living energy
overcoming self importance
within the death dealing mechanism
removal of conditioning
harmonizing with this joy
amassing sane energy
first gaining the goodwill
of the other…
gathering or arising
ascending or amassing
“By appropriating living energy,
one can gather; by reversing
the course of conditioning
one can rise…”
by gathering the real
unification goes into effect
being and nonbeing are as one
the false does not come
rising to ultimate good
without evil…
stillness nuturtures illumination
actions established in understanding

“When action and stillness are both enlightened,
one spontaniously clarifies the quality of illumination
and rest in the highest good, with enlightenment everywhere.”

I Ching

Re: Tao Te Ching 7

Understanding of spirit is up to the individual

being receptive yet advancing like the wind

where utter emptiness beckons fulfillment

producing light in the openness within

unshakable and unwavering as a mountain

cultivation of virtue and character lies in oneself

Where what is sought is what is right

what is fulfilled is what is important

conquer oneself then return to true order

original open awareness without obscurity

unconstrained by action or stillness

what does it mean to taste

enlightened qualities? to be embued

with the qualities of benevolence and justice?

unless we are willing to seek this on our own,

not relying on others, we traffic only in illusions

what does it mean to be outwardly unnoticable

but free from inward obscurity, concealment

of illumination? to face the unenlightened

with enlightenment acting unobtrusively

so that there is inner light in outer darkness

where the temperment spontaniously sublimates

the real nature is revealed nipping insidious

inroads of conditioning in the bud…

clarity applied with understanding

not losing oneself, neither does one

turn away from others building up virtue

accumilating good deeds without difficulty

undimmed by the shroud of material desires

knowing the white yet keeping to the black

If you don't walk in the footsteps, how will you

enter the room… where there is no sweetness

in the midst of bitterness, discipline

becomes painful weak and infirm

there are those who stop thoughts and

extinquish their minds, those who forget

about everything including their own bodies

who are weak and not throughly effective

those who meditate on the spirit and enter

into trance though they are disciplined

they court calamity and danger instead

with no benefit to essence and life

vain and insubstantial attempting forced

manipulations unable to humble oneself

indulging in guesswork and personalistic

interputations imagining rapid advance

using one's own intelligence alone

wishing to climb to the heights yet

not thoroughly investigating true principle

unable to accomplish that which is rare in the world

where one comprehension applies to everything

where falsehood is done away with and truth is kept

we use understanding to break through delusion

to clarify the quality of illumination and to nurture reality

resting in the hightest good this then is the path

of nonstiving spontanity being responsive to

everything in an adaptive way

'Under standing stillness and staying in the proper place,

stabilizing illumination so that it is not damaged, when

illumination and stillness are used together one can

thereby transend the world while in the world.”

“If one is incapable of self-examination, one will not have

self-mastery, and will be subject to manipulation ; every

act, every step, will entail danger and difficulty, will

involve injury to life. Only by self-examination can one

abandon the false and enter the real; not being deluded

by externals, with every step one's feet tread the real

ground and virtue can be cultivated.”

“So 'it is profitable to see a great person' simply means

it is beneficial to see the mind of Tao.”

I Ching

Where it is profitable to see a great person

it is said that innocence is auspicious

because a 'great person' is one who has not lost

the mind of a child, has no greed or ambition

does not discriminate or cognize; the mind of Tao

no longer seduced by the human mentality

Re: Tao Te Ching - 8

The best of men is like water;
   Water benefits all things
   And does not compete with them.
It dwells in (the lowly) places that all disdain -
   Wherein it comes near to the Tao.

Eight

8

Re: Tao Te Ching - 8

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.

Truer words were never spoken
and yet without determination
and discipline in spiritual practice
how would we hold their meaning?

Return to the Source

“When the primordial is gathered together, essence is stabilized

and life is solidified.”

“If you know but do not act on it, it is the same as not knowing.”

“The value of knowledge is only in its application.”

“But the way to make a great sacrafice and bring about good fortune

cannot be accomplished by a moment of emptiness; it is necessary

to tread the ground of reality step after step before one can achieve

it.”

“Correcting self and correcting others, inwardly thoughts do not arise,

and externals do not enter: Inside and out are one single rectitude -

benevolence, justice, courtesy, and knowledge are all based on

truthfulness.”

“A great person is one who corrects self and corrects others. Cor-

recting self, there is no ego; spirit and energy do not dissipate, and

rectitude becomes the self. Correcting others, there are no

personalities; character and constitution are sublimated, and

rectitude becomes people.”

“When negative, weak, indecisive, not distinguishing right from

wrong, sometimes believing one thing, sometimes another,

people become disorderly and form into mobs, believing what

they shouldn't, rallying around what they shouldn't…”

“If you know disorderly mobing is of no benefit, 'cry' in regret,

and approach true teachers, once one is guided by them and

given direction in the darkness, you will understand that the

Tao is not far from people, but what people do for the Tao

estranges people. First you cry, then you laugh. Directly attain-

ing understanding, you need not grieve; going right ahead to

assemble the five elements and combine the four signs, why

worry that you will not reach the state of impeccability? This

is gathering in the sense of reforming error and returning to

what is correct.”

And yet, “when activity enters into stillness, creative energy

temporarily rests, and repose is necessary.”

Re: Tao Te Ching - 8

Notes on daily practice…

the thing is this work is a process
easy to understand but difficult
to impliment, we must each of us find
our center of balance in our
own unique and individual way
on one can do this work for us
getting caught up in concepts and
meanings is merely another way
of clinging to the past, living words
do not exist in any book, concepts
and images are no more than
fingers pointing at the moon
and yet we must continue
to express the depths of
who we are in spirit
poetry can give the image
of an idea of fleeting being
but it is this willingness to hold
to the center that makes the difference
inner work shared with silence…
in daily practice

~*~*~
The following is from a discussion on daily practice
from an individual perspective…

yep deliberate joy is the choice
we are all free to choose…

Like mountains under the sky
being inaccessible without hiding
heaven can contain mountains
yet not even mountains may reach
and touch the sky - how much more so
for minds lost in daily concerns
not nearly so large or high

“Only when practioners of the Tao have the capacity
to contain moutains, as it were, can they sustain
the heavenly practice and