So there are two books in Taoism, the book of Tao which contains 37 poems, and the book of Teh which contains 44 I will post one poem a day for 81 days (may miss a few) and we will all know a lot more than we did about Taoism. Tao #1 / Labels Ф Labels words, verbs and lines serve to define that which can be named yet infinity cannot be charted eternity cannot be corraled uncircumferenced presence centered everywhere, within without cannot be defined with the scribing of a line bare of name source of creation bearing names mothers gives birth in the beginning one from one to two one becomes another thus a mother feeling separate reaching outward for union found within reaching inward union remains movements still freed of desire, fulfilled in Unity filled with desire manifesting reality form is defined thought needs mind letting go of thought we move beyond space and time no piece, know peace these two are the same through through unfoldment in appearance different the secret Mystery divergent unity gateway doorway reality
Tao #2 / Polarity Ф Beauty is known throughout the world defined through contrast like Chiaro Scuro shadows are defined by light black is known through white actions are determined as good by comparison with acts of evil stability is well understood when confronted with upheaval Composing a symphony of life we use polarity the enslaved distinguish the free loud tones differ from soft tones long notes delineate short notes congruent voices lift in harmony antithesis to clashing dissonance moments within time are long or short vacations defined by days of work Front implies back first implies last we adjudicate the above from the below high is determined by the low this is easy and that was hard this is here and that is far perfect complexion versus pitted and scarred metric or standard before or after pain and sadness pleasure and laughter all these things observed and thus defined necessary polarities or constructs of the mind? Therefore the Wise find ways to relate without words unattached to outcomes the Sage does not assert titles or authority but steadily maintains an attitude of gratitude thus freed one lays no claim to merit or credit seeing no need to possess it like the Tao simply letting it be the result being eternity Just as real love being unconditional and unconditioned lasts forever
Not to interrupt but where are you getting these from? The translation are pretty contemporary sounding. I've always heard the start to be "The Tao that can be named is not the eternal Tao..." It rolls off the tongue so nicely. Yeah I know it doesn't really make a difference, just curious. I'll have to check out the Book of Teh. I've never read that.
Yeah this is a bit different to my copy too, that said it's probably because yours is a better translation, thank for the post man.
Tao #3 / Politics Ф Yin of Politics Extolling the elite gives rise to envy accumulating treasures fosters resentment if the people do not perceive inequality they will not be filled with enmity Thus the wise leader remembers the maxim bread and circuses yield mass satisfaction empty their minds, fill their stomachs strengthen resolve, weaken ambition lacking knowledge, the intelligentsia remain frozen and don't interfere avoid radical change, maintain status quo work quietly and harmony will flow Yang of Politics Do not extol the talented then the average will not be jealous Do not collect treasures and the poor will not be envious Wise leaders instill humility and provide good jobs discourage ambition while strengthening the heart Smart leaders serve without fanfare, and speak simply without guile Not seeking radical changes they rule unopposed all the while
You are very welcome Tao #4 ~ Limitless Ф Source of all that is infinite and limitless nothingness and being It dulls all edges, resolves all tension, unties all knots, untangles all ties, dims all lights, unravels all mysteries, unites all in particles, reduces all to dust hidden but always present ubiquitous eternal Tao is Alpha and Omega beginning without end older than the universe
It's amusing how when one first picks up these poems they seem to speak of nonsense and mystery, and after awhile it's like reading the back of the cereal box
Tao #5 ~ Impartial Ф Nature is impartial, taking no sides rain falls in all fields and tides rise regardless of who stands upon the shore The Wise One is also impartial meting out justice without regard for the particular head upon which it falls Space between extremes is a vast bellows remains the same yet moves expanding with each movement changing with each moment inhalation complements exhalation they need each other for production the wise do not seek to resolve through the creation of more Laws but rather hold to the center and maintain justice in balance Knowing that words can complicate the wise keep their thoughts to themselves
Tao #6 - Creation Ф Spirit of Creation Womb of eternity giving birth to heaven and earth moving through us continuously invisible and inexaustible the circle has no end ~~~ Tao #6 ~ Goddess Ф Spirit of Fertility Womb of eternity giving birth to heaven and earth moving through us continuously invisible and inexaustible the circle has no end ~~ Tao #6 ~ Creation Создание Ф Spirit of Creation Дух Создания Womb of eternity Матка вечности giving birth to heaven and earth Рожающие небеса и земля moving through us continuously Двигаясь через нас постоянно invisible and inexaustible Невидимый и inexaustible (Бесконечный) the circle has no end Кругнеимеетконца
I just saw the other day that someone else had already made a "daily tao" thread but... eh oh well can't have too much of a good thing right? Tao #7 ~ Eternal Ф dimensions are eternal universe as old as time sustaining all apparent life thereby beyond mortality Wise Leaders love the people putting the nation first foreswearing selfishness Could it be that this is why all their desires are fulfilled?
And since I missed a few days I'll go ahead and add another one Tao #8 ~ h2o Ф your true path like water flows, dissolves, dances, falls, rises, is one with everything Water is essential to life it carries and supplies the essence within and life all around soft water breaks the hardest stone yet without it we would just be bones white water black water grey water water does not judge its use to serve, content to be, in truth Be as water as you are, flowing to where you go unafraid of high or low Rise as steam and fall as rain laugh with pleasure accept the pain shallow puddles are lifted by the wind but mighty lakes and oceans remain centered and still within their hidden depths even though the winds whip up their surface vessels moves upon the face of the Ocean, Sea, or Lake the mighty waters hold them in totality a wake that fades away soon leaving no trace water takes on all shapes within submerged embrace build your house on firm foundations let the depth of your heart be as the ocean be a friend who is caring and genuine speak sincerely, rooted in compassion Wise leaders are ethical and just loving peace and competence skill, ability, effectiveness there is a time and season, for the success of every action a time to sow, a time to reap a time to wake, a time to sleep let your way be as the way of water running deep and filled with peace do not struggle or compete go with the flow and be serene Water is essential to life Be essential in your life know you are always flowing to the source of your being
Cool Man Good luck on your quest! But make sure to reread each one many times, then break each one down line by line. dont just read, Understand what it is telling you. Apply it to our world, our society, and your own being. Learn the lessons within each poem, I read the 1st one it sounds very spiritual and interlinked with buddhism, rastafarianism, etc. Basicly One-ness
Tao #9 ~ Extremes Ф Going to extremes is never wise treasure attracts envious eyes a bowl filled to the brim easily spills its contents a knife sharpened to excess quickly dulls and loses its edge when filling your rooms with gold whispering of luck and the Jade you've sold you cannot protect your miser's hoard hubris invites its own reward the braggart's voice is always proud it is better to be soft than loud do not strut your credentials or identify yourself with titles When you have reached your goal be satisfied to walk away time to take a holiday this is truly heaven's way
Not sure whose translation it is, I'm getting them online. I'm going to add a "Questions to ponder" section to the posts too I think Tao #10 ~ Nurture / Nature Ф Can you nurture your mindstream to constantly flow in the direction of the source? can you constantly be aware of your DivineUnity? can you focus upon your breath till you are one with your being and thus as supple as a baby? Can you purify all aspects of your self? can you polish your mirror till the blazing reflection of your focus illuminates all who look to you? Can you lead so gently that your reign is never felt? Can you ascend within your mind hold the globe within your eye be discerning and yet not defined by what you see? Can you open the gate of love accept and receive what the universe gives be content to love to live and let live? birthing, nurturing without seeking to control acting without obligation leading without domination these are some virtues of the Divine Tao Questions to ponder: What is a mindstream? What is our DivineUnity? What does it mean to focus on the breath? What is your mirror? How do you polish your mirror? Why is it important to lead gently? How is someone defined by what they see? What is the Gate of Love? What is the difference between a partnership relationship versus a dominator relationship?