I have agreed to facilitate a course of discussion about the Tao. Tao is an ancient Chinese concept of life as a way, a journey. Whereas this has interested me for some time, I am eager to discuss Lao Tsu’s verses with other adults. A discussion is sure to be open-ended. The text, being some two thousand five hundred years old is subject to a wide range of interpretation. I do not read ancient Chinese so I rely upon the work of those who do. I suppose I’ve purchased as many as four translations at this juncture as each affords opportunity to learn what another scholar makes of Lao Tsu’s point of view.

My intention now is to prepare for the discussion. I am working my way through the 81 poetic verses, allocating the verses between five to six categories. For purposes of discussion we will address each of the categories in turn, reading through the text

A recurring theme in the Tao Te Ching, loosely in English, “The Way and it’s Power” – that reality in essence is analogous to the female. What an intriguing thought for a male, raised in a western-patriarchal society! We Americans in particular are self-conscious recipients of culture from the old Roman Empire. And Rome was modeled analogous to male strength. One might even say conceived as military domination of non-citizen peoples. Roman military prowess backed-up “invitations” to membership in the empire…  

So, that reality-as-such is best considered in feminine categories is a jarring thought to a typical American male. Jarring nonetheless, Lao Tsu makes the point often and from different angles of view.

Am I convinced? I am!

This and additional points will be explored, and will be evaluated…

To somewhat shift the subject, this year in early summer, our oriental lily garden is blooming in splendor. Here are a few photos.

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