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….
43 The gentlest thing in the worldovercomes the hardest thing in the world.That which has no substanceenters where there is no space.This shows the value of non-action. Teaching without words,performing without actions:that is the Master’s way. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu, trans. by Stephen Mitchell Labor Day weekend. “Labor” is what life requires…
33 Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich. If you stay in the center and embrace death with your whole heart, you will endure forever. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu, trans….
21 The Master keeps her mindalways at one with the Tao;that is what gives her her radiance.The Tao is ungraspable.How can her mind be at one with it?Because she doesn’t cling to ideas.The Tao is dark and unfathomable.How can it make her radiant?Because she lets it.Since before time and space were,the Tao is.It is…
Several nights ago we attended a performance of Bob Seger’s music at the Paramount Theater in Aurora. The band was first rate, the lead singer in a fitting manner honored Bob Seger who is eighty years old. Seger the balladeer wrote and performed world-creating music. That is what music does, rhythm, rhyme, harmony and…
We visited the St Joe’s Silver Beach Carousel while on vacation. St Joseph is situated on a bluff overlooking Silver Beach. The beach is aptly named. Gazing west toward Lake Michigan which shimmers, a mystical presence, I am reminded of the “goodness,” to risk saying it plainly, of “the love” which is inscribed into life….
Tuesday morning and what to write? Words come and go in the mind, and I continue to find inspiration, hope, and sober realism in these lyrics. Am I as happy as my organism can reasonably be, as “happy” as allowed by the universe, which heals and challenges? Probably… What is to be done? What…
July 5th. Yet another Independence Day experienced and consigned to memory. We American’s are urged to experience feelings of dedication, of fond attachment for our country especially at this time of year. As in past years, from curbside I witnessed the Wheaton 4th of July parade. I’d wager this parade is exceptional for the…
Back at last. Ten days in France became twelve. The airline cancelled our return flight. The lesson was learned which I suppose all seasoned travelers know. When reservations are upended by circumstance one thing alone matters, – to hash out the details of an alternate flight yourself. The airline is unlikely to independently reschedule…
The Other mirrors the Self –the Other is our witness. The Other completes the Self –the Other gives us the key to the perception of the oneness-of-being. When we speak of being & consciousness, we point to the Self; when we speak of bliss we implicate the Other. The acquisition of language falls under…
