The great tao is not named. The great argument needs no words. Great benevolence is not benevolent. Great modesty is not humble. Great courage is not destructive. The tao that is displayed is not the tao. Argumentative words do not achieve their purpose. Benevolence that is predominant is not comprehensive. Modesty that is demonstrative…
Moira was the name given by the Greeks to this realm of the incalculable and of sublime and eternal limitedness; and they set it round their gods like a horizon beyond which they could neither see nor act, —with that secret defiance of the gods which…
Moreover, skillful wrestlers begin with open trials of strength, but always end with masked aggression (to gain the victory); as their excitement grows excessive, they display fraudulent tactics. Parties drinking according to the rules at first observe good order, but always end with disorder; as their excitement grows excessive, they become raucous. In all…
Along with others, I have struggled to understand the nature of my relationship to the Federal Government. This ancient dialog between Confucius and one of his students illuminates the topic. What frame-of-mind is feasible toward a autocrat, and the high-handed murderous administration for which he is the “front man”? The autocrat’s party regards compromise…
60 Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao and evil will have no power. Not that it isn’t there, but you’ll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear…
53 The great Way is easy, yet people prefer the side paths. Be aware when things are out of balance. Stay centered within the Tao. When rich speculators prosper while farmers lose their land; when government officials spend money on weapons instead of cures; when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible while the…
To take a break from writing about the Tao Te Ching, a song shared with me by a friend merits a good look. The truth telling of the lyricist (Jesse Welles) is extraordinary. As Americans the countries which we care least about, are the countries and peoples that we involve in our machismo parodies….
41 When a superior man hears of the Tao,he immediately begins to embody it. When an average man hears of the Tao, he half believes it, half doubts it. When a foolish man hears of the Tao, he laughs out loud. If he…
39 In harmony with the Tao, the sky is clear and spacious, the earth is solid and full, all creatures flourish together, content with the way they are, endlessly repeating themselves, endlessly renewed. When man interferes with the Tao, the sky becomes filthy, the earth becomes depleted, the equilibrium crumbles, creatures become extinct. The…
22 If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked. If you want to become full, let yourself be empty. If you want to be reborn, let yourself die. If you want to be given everything, give everything up. The Master, by residing…
