Tao Te Ching

[cwhoss]

I would like to share a paragraph that I read nightly, in the hopes of one day really understanding its meaning. It is an excerpt from the back cover of a 1972 edition of Tao Te Ching, as translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English:

Accept what is in front of you without wanting the situation to be other than it is. Study the natural order of things and work with it rather than against it, for to try to change what is only sets up resistance. Nature provides everything without requiring payment or thanks, and also provides for all without discrimination - therefore let us present the same face to everyone and treat all men as equals, however they may behave. If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop 'trying', if we stop putting in so much extra effort. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected.

[Cang Long]

Thanks CW I like it.

[cwhoss]

The post was inspired by Alakso's Buddhist Meditation thread. What is Chan Buddhism? My answer would be Shaolin Kung Fu. What is Shaolin Kung Fu? Chan Buddhism. The 2 are more
than intertwined. If I were on a quest for enlightenment would I practice anything that did not further me toward that goal unless I absolutely had to?

In my quote from the book above I see my studies. When I face opponents bigger and stronger than me it is so hard to not fear, complain - why this opponent? He is bigger/stronger/faster/
more experienced than me. That desire that he not be my opponent, that non-acceptance of reality, of what is, is surely a much greater enemy than he could ever be.

'Study the natural order of things...' Where does he place his body? his feet? his hands? his mind? We want to play chess, to plan our moves ahead. And that happens so much easier when our opponent is us, in a different skin. Because we understand us, we do not need to study. We already know.

'Let us present the same face to everyone and treat all men as equals' I get upset when I hold the door open for a lady and a man follows her thru the door without as much as acknowledging my deed.

Why should it matter? Instead of the satisfaction of doing something because it is right, I cloud my mind with emotions of anger and guilt (at feeling angry). So too, if I feel that an opponent or classmate does not take my skills or dedication seriously. How does my projecting my feelings on him help me do or even recognize what is needed?

Finally, 'if we stop trying'. Feel what is real. Experience what is real. Those who know, do not try; they do.

There are many paths to enlightenment. This is mine. (And I hope I did not bore you to the point of giving up yours! :D )

[Cang Long]

CW thanks for the detailed explination,
I concur with what you have said and I believe another way of expressing your thoughts is said in HFY by the terms inside the box and outside the box. We are the box and once we have complete understanding of self (mind body & spirit) we are then ready to acknowledge those things outside the box without fear, prejudice, or emotional attachment.

[Op108wc]

Books by Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu (available to orderonline)

http://www.jadedragon.com/bookstr1.html


Taoist Cosmology
http://www.truetao.org/articles/mason/cosmo.htm

Taoism - The Wu-Wei Principle
http://www.jadedragon.com/archives/june98/tao.html

[Cang Long]

Here's one I like to read....

http://www.taosculture.org/English/Publications/publication_1.htm

[Cang Long]

This goes right along with the last link I posted. Let me know what you think.

http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html

[Brian25]

One of the great Taoist Masters that I feel is a great teacher and inspiration is Hua Ching Ni. He has a translation of the Tao Te Ching & Hua Hu Ching, also a text of the I Ching which is very indepth. Here is the first chapter of Master Ni's translation & elucidation of Tao Te Ching:

" Tao, the subtle reality of the universe cannot be described.
That which can be described in words is merely a conception
of the mind. Although names and descriptions have been applied
to it, the subtle reality is beyond the description.

One may use the word "Nothingness" to describe the Origin of the
Universe, and "Beingness" to describe the Mother of the myriad things
but Nothingness and Beingness are merely conceptions.

From the perspective of Nothingness, one may perceive the expansion
of the universe. From the perspective of Beingness, one may distinguish
individual things. Both are for the conceptual convenience of the mind.

Although different concepts can be applied, Nothingness and Beingness
and other conceptual activity of the mind all come from the same
indescribable subtle Originalness. The Way is the unfoldment of such
subtle reality. Having reached the subtlety of the universe, one may see
the ultimate subtlety, the Gate of All Wonders."

The webpage for Master Ni's books is www.sevenstarcom.com.