TAO

TAO: THE TEACHINGS OF THE TAO TE CHING AND ZHUANGZI

Some of us continue to search for a deeper truth. The path to ultimate reality takes hard work and practice. If we value truth and reality, we chip away at falsehoods, both large and subtle in our lives. This also applies to living a virtuous life; do not distinguish between small and large. We all know , in our hearts. What is right and what is wrong.

Being held in Mother Earth’s tender embrace helps us to slow down long enough to look at our own lives, and the lives of others. And what you end up with is unconditional love for all beings. I think the reason this is so is because beauty makes you ache to be worthy of it.

Look lovingly upon the present, for it holds the only things that are forever true. All healing lies within it. The miracle comes quietly into the mind that stops an instant and is still.

TAO: ‘THE WAY’

‘In our culture we are not so familiar with the notion of ways or paths. It is a concept that comes from China and originated as well by the Buddha in India. The ‘Way’ is known as ‘Tao’ and in Buddhism we walk the Eightfold Paths. They provide refuge from the chaos of modern society. The Tao, or simply ‘the way’ is the world unfolding according to its own laws. Nothing is done or forced, everything just comes about. To live in accord with the Tao is to understand non-doing and non-striving/ your life is already itself.’ Jon Kabat-Zinn (Coming to Our Senses by Jon Kabat-Zinn is a good read)

‘So the challenge is whether you can see in this way and live in accordance with the way things are; to come into harmony with all things and all moments. This is the path of insight, of wisdom, and of healing. It is the path of healing. It’s the path of the mind-body looking deeply into itself and knowing itself. It is the art of conscious living.

‘This is the art of conscious living, of knowing your inner resources and your outer resources and knowing that fundamentally there is no inner or outer. There is little of this in Western education. Schools do not emphasize being. We are left to sort that one out by ourselves. It is ‘doing’ that is the currency of modern education.

Sadly though, it is a fragmented doing for the most part; divorced as it is from any emphasis on who is doing the doing (or why) and from what we might learn from the domain of ‘being’. So often the doing is done with the pressure of time, as if we were being pushed through the world, without the luxury of stopping and taking our bearings, of knowing who is doing the doing. Awareness itself is not highly valued nor are we taught the richness of it and how to nurture it and use it.’ Jon Kabat-Zinn

In life we judge every single experience that we have. There’s an inner dialogue judging everything as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or ‘for’ or ‘against’. Life is meant to be experienced, not judged. It comes from a deeper place inside that has not been taught the skills of living in the present moment. You can’t truly experience, experience, just as you can’t find meaning by looking for meaning. Albert Camus said as much and I have no idea where that is! I found it -below! (3 hours later)

‘You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads? You cannot create experience. You must undergo it. Nobody realizes that some people expend enormous amounts of energy merely to be normal.’ Albert Camus

We don’t receive more love from God by asking for it. Rather we awaken to the truth that God has always loved us unconditionally.

We don’t turn into a Buddha by striving for it. Rather, we awaken to the truth that we have been buddha all along.

Forget the years, forget distinctions. Leap into the boundless and make it your home. When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be. Explore your essence. Learn how to trust your own intuition. Listen to your own heart. If something doesn’t feel right, then you need to examine why. Let go of judgements that hold you back

The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the world; to match your nature with Nature. The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. Your sacred space is where you find yourself again and again.

THE TAO TE CHING AND ZHUANGZI

THE MASTER: The Master has mastered Nature; not in the sense of conquering it, but becoming it. In surrendering to the Tao, in giving up all concepts, judgements, and desires, her mind has grown naturally compassionate. She finds deep in her experience the central truths of the art of living, which are paradoxical only on the surface: that the more truly solitary we are, the more compassionate we can be; the more we let go of what we love, the more present our love becomes; the clearer our insight into what is beyond good and evil, the more we can embody the good. Until finally she is able to say, in all humility, ‘I am the Tao, the Truth, the Life.’

The teaching of the Tao Te Ching is morality in the deepest sense. Unencumbered by any concept of sin, the Master doesn’t see evil as a force to resist, but simply an opaqueness, a state of self- absorption which is in disharmony with the universal process, so that, as with a dirty window, the light can’t shine through. This freedom from moral categories allows for her great compassion for the wicked and the selfish. Thus the Master is available to all people.

The person with a secular mentality feels themselves to be the center of the universe. Yet, they are likely to suffer from a sense of meaninglessness and insignificance because they know that they are but one human of among seven billion ‘others’-all feeling themselves to be the center of things- scratching out an existence on a medium sized planet circling a small star among countless stars in a galaxy lost among countless galaxies.

The person with a spiritual mentality, on the other hand, does not feel themselves to be the center of the universe. They consider the center to be elsewhere and ‘other’. Yet, they are unlikely to feel lost and insignificant precisely because they draw their significance and meaning from their relationships, their connection with that center of the ‘other’.

Are we the stars of our own movies, our own personal narratives and are we obsessed by these particular narratives, this ‘secular’ perspective? And does it cause us suffering? You betcha!

WU WEI: One of the key principles of Taoism is called WU WEI, which can be translated as ‘doing without doing’ or ‘effortless action.’ This is difficult to describe but it fundamentally means that instead of straining to force things to happen which usually entails fighting against the current of life, the Taoists yield to the flow, allowing the right action to spontaneously arise. I Western parlance we could use the age-old adage, ‘haste makes waste.’

Although, it is not specifically spelt out in the Tao, living in the Tao is living in the present moment at all times. Living in the present moment is emphasized in Buddhism, but it is obviously implied in living the Tao.

Look lovingly upon the present, for it holds the only things that are forever true. All healing lies within it. The miracle comes quietly into the mind that stops an instant and is still.

A metaphor that I like to use in explaining WU WEI, is if you have an aquarium full of mud and water. If you start taking the mud out with your hands, then it mixes with water and chaos ensues. It is best to wait and let the mud settle to the bottom and then very carefully and gently pour the water out into the sink! I use this when I meditate. I try to let the mud settle.

Living the Tao means living in a state of Wu Wei and by doing so our actions become effortless and the results far more likely to yield positive results. It is like planting seeds and then having the patience to have them sprout and grow to fruition.

Nothing is done because the doer has wholeheartedly vanished into the deed; the fuel has been completely transformed into flame. This nothing is, in fact, everything. It happens when we trust the intelligence of the universe in the same way that an athlete or a dancer trusts the superior intelligence of the body.

Hence Lao-Tzu’s and Zhuang Zhou’s emphasis on softness. Softness means the opposite of rigidity, and is synonymous with suppleness, adaptability, and endurance. Anyone who has seen a t’ai chi or aikido master doing not-doing will know how powerful this softness is. Lao-Tzu’s central figure is a man or woman whose life is in perfect harmony with the way things are. This is not an idea; it is a reality.

The Tao TE Ching warns that forcing actions are likely to lead to chaos.

VERSE FIFTEEN: Alert as a warrior in enemy territory. Courteous as a guest. Fluid as melting ice. Shapeable as a block of wood. Receptive as a valley. Clear as a glass of water. Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself? The Master doesn’t seek fulfillment. Not seeking, not expecting, she is present, and can welcome all things.

THE NATURAL WORLD: The Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi (the two fundamental texts of Tao) were inspired by the observation of the harmony and beauty of the natural world: the ebb and flows of the tides, the phases of the moon which tells us when to sow and when to harvest, the cyclical nature of the seasons, rivers flowing effortlessly to the sea, returning to their source, the clouds nourishing all life with precious water, and the sun setting at dusk and rising again at dawn. One only needs to spend some time in nature to feel the pulsating harmony of life.

Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable: then ten times a day something happens to me like this- Some strengthening throb of amazement- some good, sweet empathetic ping and swell. This is the first, wildest and wisest thing that I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely of attentiveness.

‘Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination- calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting, over and over announcing your place in the family of things.’ Mary Oliver

‘Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature- the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter.’ Rachel Carson

‘All the time I was getting closer to animals and nature, and as a result, closer to myself and more and more in tune with the spiritual power that I felt all around. For those who have experienced the joy of being alone with nature there is really little need for me to say much more; for those who have not, no words of mine can even describe the powerful, almost mystical knowledge of beauty and eternity that come, suddenly, and all unexpected. Jane Goodall from A Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey

‘With compassion you will be brave. With moderation you will be able to give to others. With humility you will be able to live with integrity.’ Lao Tzu

To the wise person who truly understands the nature of reality, there is no place for complacency or arrogance. There is no time for that! The wise person lives with utmost humility and gratitude, and in constant awe and wonder at the miracle of existence. Life is full of miracles. That is why the Tao can’t be described. All life is a mystery. Embrace the mystery of life. Be silent and look around and pay attention and you will begin to experience the utmost gratitude and humility for the gift of life and live in a sense of awe and wonder.

YIN AND YANG: We tend to categorize our experiences as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and we cling to and resist things accordingly. But this is how reality is constructed. Instead, life consists of polar opposites, pleasure and rain, sunshine and rain, praise and blame, loss and gain, empathy and shame. They are simply two sides of the coin. If you’ve never experienced pain, you wouldn’t experience pleasure. If you were never hungry, then the joy of eating is not available.

Years ago, I was living in the far north of Canada and one evening something was weighing on my mind and I could not let it go. So I went out into the below 40 degree winter, and walked around until it was unbearable and I was getting frostbite. When I came back into the warmth of my apartment, whatever was bothering me went away as I experienced the luxury of warmth.

Taoist, therefore, seek to live with humility and acceptance; to take the ‘good’ with the ‘bad’ without rejecting anything that comes our way on our journey of life. Peace of mind is not found in absence of conflict and heartbreak, but in the acceptance of conflict and heartbreak

Forget the years, forget distinctions. Leap into the boundless and make it your home. When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be. Explore your essence. Learn how to trust your own intuition. Listen to your own heart. If something doesn’t feel right, then you need to examine why. Let go of judgements that hold you back.

The secret to life is the realization that living in the present moment gives us more time, if you have ever been in nature alone for a period of time, you will eventually feel as if time stands still. And it does. Why? Because you have slipped from ‘thinking’ mode and slipped into the eternity of ‘being’ mode. The suspension of thought is to just ‘be’ and it gives us more time.

The world we live in is a temple, and the miraculous light of the first stars is shining through it all the time. Like an innocent child we can rejoice in life itself; in the very fact that we are alive.. In place of original sin, celebrate your original goodness, we are the beauty we have been seeking all our lives.

If we are in harmony with life by living the Tao, when we start to feel anxious or depressed, instead of asking ourselves, ‘What do I need to be happy?’, the question becomes ‘What am I doing to disturb the inner peace that I already have?

VERSE THIRTEEN: Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear. What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? Whether you go up the ladder or down it, your position is shaky. Whether you go up the ladder your position is shaky. When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance. What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear? Hope and Fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don’t see the self as ‘self’, what do we have to fear?

Fear is the cheapest room in the house-

I’d rather see you

In better living conditions. Haziz

See the world as yourself. Have faith in the way things are. Love the world as yourself; then you can care for all things. When I am alone in Nature’s embrace it happens, I don’t see the ‘self’ as self’. This is the true essence of Tao. ‘Being’.

Why do you stay in prison

When the door is so wide open?

Move outside the tangle of fear-thinking-

Live in silence.

Flow down and down in always

Widening rings of being. Rumi

NON-SELF NATURE We are interconnected in every conceivable aspect to others, to the world, to the universe. But we don’t feel connected to anybody or anything. It is unhealthy to see ourselves as totally separate individuals. This leads to debate and confusion about the notion of non-self nature. We find this difficult to understand or believe.

But in order to practice mindfulness, or to be creative and change our world-view we need to let go of our ‘egos’. . The Buddha said ‘Nothing is to be clung to as I, me, mine.’ And yes, everything is impermanent, including ourselves.

DO NOT FEAR DEATH: ‘Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides. If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.’ Zhuang Zhou

CONCEPTIONS BECOME PERCEPTIONS: FREE FROM VIEWS

If we continue to look at any object or situation and use our minds to peel away the layers of projections, concepts and reactivity, we come closer and closer to reality and truth- things, just as they are, in all their splendor. We can become a little closer to reality every day that we walk the path. Buddhists call this ‘deep looking’. By looking deeply we see the interdependence and impermanence of all phenomena and all beings

However, when we live in a world where illusion and delusion are part of the human condition: In a world that is increasingly filled with deceit, manipulation, and exploitation, it is easy to become cynical about truth. We fail to acknowledge the truth of what’s happening in our own lives as it’s taking place. Often, we see what we want to see, hear what we want to hear and ignore the messages we find distasteful.

Human beings have a profound tendency to conceptualize in terms of discrete entities. We perceive the world composed of such entities: putting all phenomena into categories, including ourselves and others. It is either this or that, but it can’t be both. I am I and you are you.

The I- identity is my identity and the you- entity is your identity and we tend to become quite confused and uncomfortable if our identities become mixed up. But Hindu and Buddhist thinkers, as well as the Taoist scholars believed that our perception of discrete entities to be an illusion or maya.

Our tendency to entity-thinking compels us to want to locate things and categorize and judge all phenomena and each other, even when we know that this tendency is interfering with our comprehension of such matters: whether it be particle physics or our own spiritual growth.

The old Zen Buddhist and Taoist Masters saw the boundaries of the individual entity as marked by a most permeable membrane, through which all other phenomena belonging to this world can flow.

Modern physicists concerned with relativity, wave-particle phenomena and quantum mechanics are becoming increasingly aware of the limitations of our conceptual approach in terms of entities. But it is hard to escape from- we have been taught to think this way.

THE THREE JEWELS OF THE TAO

Lao Tzu outlined what he called the three jewels that are key to a life of virtue, integrity and harmony. The Three Jewels are:

ONE: COMPASSION

TWO: MODERATION

THREE: HUMILITY

‘With Compassion you will be brave. With Moderation you will be able to give to others. With Humility you will be able to live with integrity.’ Lao Tzu

These three jewels should be natural Compassion for others comes about with the awareness of our shared connection with others as embodiments of the Tao. This interconnectedness of all living things is also taught in the dharma of Buddhism.

The human ego often feeds off of judgement, competition, and negative comparison. When this happens we become alienated and disconnected from our fellow humans and we lose touch with the natural world. Perhaps, at no time in human history have we become so alienated. We see this in our original definition of WU WEI. There is no exertion of the ego, no ‘I. me, mine to lay claim to the result.

Lao Tzu and Taoist scholars who followed his teachings warned that men were violating the principles of Tao, and therefore, life. Both Lao Tzu and Zhuang Zhou were alive during the Warring Period in China. Although Zhuang Zhou is well-documented as a Chinese Taoist Scholar and Philosopher, there have been speculations that Lao Tzu may have only contributed to the Tao Te Ching. I am very skeptical of that claim, because the Tao Te Ching is so consistent in its teachings and wisdom.

MODERATION: Moderation is a key principle as the second ‘Jewel’ of the Tao. Lao Tzu and the Chinese sages noted how the balance of the natural world appeared to be maintained in an effortless manner or by the principle of wu wei. Over and over, water is used as a metaphor. It is so soft, but it can create the Grand Canyon. They observed how water ‘nourished all of creation without trying to compete with it.’

Never compete or compare. This leads to an unhealthy striving towards what other people are doing. Wherever you are, be your own true person. Then we are free to rest and allow life to be as it is. No struggle, just silence.

HUMILITY: Humility is the Third Jewel of the Tao. Humility is to be grateful for life, for the very breath that keeps us alive. But we don’t own it. It is on loan to us and thus all the more precious and eventually we will have to give it back.

The easiest way to slip into ‘being mode’ instead of ‘doing’ mode is to spend time in Mother Nature’s healing embrace. Have you ever been in nature and your mind stands still? Time stops. And it is so healing, because you have slipped into ‘being’ mode- beyond thought. You embody the interconnected nature of all things on this planet. The Earth is You and You are the Earth. Taoist and Zen adepts see the distinction between the world as very porous, like a thin veil which can be lifted

VERSE EIGHT OF THE TAO TE CHING

The supreme good is like water

Which nourishes all things without trying to

It is content with the low places that people disdain.

Thus, it is like the Tao.

In dwelling, live close to the ground.

In thinking, keep to the simple.

In conflict, be fair and generous.

In governing, don’t try to control.

At work, do what you enjoy.

In family life, be completely present.

When you are content to simply be yourself

And don’t compete or compare

Everyone will respect you. Lao Tzu

ZHUANG ZHOU: Zhuang Zhou was an influential Chinese Taoist philosopher who lived around the 4th century BCE during the Warring States period, a period of great development in Chinese philosophy known as the Hundred Schools of Thought. He is credited with writing the Zhuangzi, which is one of the two texts of Taoism, alongside the Tao TE Ching.

GO WITH THE FLOW OF LIFE

The Master travels all day

Without leaving home

However splendid the views,

She stays serenely in herself.

Why should the Queen of the country

Flit about like a fool?

If you let yourself be blown to and fro

You lose touch with your roots.

If you let restlessness move you,

You lose touch with who you are. Zhuang Zhou from Zhuangzi

Discovering the writings, insights and poetry of Chuang Tzu whose name has been modernized to Zhuang Zhou was a revelation to me. Why? Because Zhuang Zhou is the bridge between Tao and Zen! I am no Zen-Master by any stretch of the imagination, but Zen Buddhism relieves you of the burden of sutras, dharma talks and concepts which only impedes the truth.

‘The humor, the sophistication, the literary genius and philosophical insight of Zhuang Zhou are evident to anyone who samples his work. But before one can begin to understand even a little of his subtlety, one must situate him in his cultural and historical context. That is to say that one must see him against the background of Confucianism which he did not hesitate to ridicule, along with all the other sedate and accepted schools of Chinese thought from that of Moti to that of Zhuang’s contemporary friend and constant opponent, the logician Hui Tzu.’ Thomas Merton

‘The true inheritors of the thought and spirit of Zhuang Zhou are the Chinese Zen Buddhists of the Tang period (7th century to 10th centuries C.E.) But Chuang Tzu continued to exert an influence on all cultured Chinese thought, since he never ceased to be recognized as one of the great writers and thinkers of the Classical period. The subtle, mystical, sophisticated Taoism of Zhuang Zhou and Lao Tzu has left a permanent mark on all Chinese culture and the Chinese character itself. There have never been lacking authorities like Daisetz T. Suzuki the Japanese Zen scholar, who declared Zhuang Zhou to be the very greatest of the Chinese philosophers.’ Thomas Merton

When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad. Being and non-being create each other. Difficult and Easy support each other. Long and short define each other. High and low depend on each other. Before and after follow each other. Therefore the Master acts without doing anything and teaches without saying anything. Things arise and she lets them come; things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn’t possess, acts but doesn’t expect. When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.” Zhuang Zhou

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them- that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. Zhuang Zhou

‘Nothing is softer or more flexible than water yet, nothing can resist it. Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.’ Lao Tzu

If you overestimate great men, people become powerless. If you overvalue possessions, people begin to steal. The Master leads by emptying people’s minds and filling their cores, by weakening their ambition and toughening their resolve. He helps people lose everything they know, everything they desire, and creates confusion in those who think that they know. Practice non-doing, and everything will fall into place.

Silence is a great source of strength

For the mind that is quiet

The whole universe surrenders Zhuang Zhou

‘There was a man so displeased by the sight of his own footsteps, that he was determined to get rid of both by running away from them. But every time he put his foot down, there was another step, and his shadow kept up with him without the slightest difficulty. He thought he must not be running fast enough, so he ran faster and faster and faster, without stopping, until he finally dropped dead of exhaustion. He failed to realize that if he merely stepped into the shade, his shadow would vanish, and if he sat down and stayed still, there would be no more footsteps.’ Zhuang Zhou

EMPTY YOUR BOAT

If a man is crossing a river

And an empty boat collides with his own skiff,

Even though he be a bad-tempered man,

He will not be angry.

But, if he sees a man in the boat,

He will shout for him to stay clear.

If the shout is not heard, he will shout again

And yet again, and begin cursing.

And all because there is somebody in the boat.

Yet, if the boat is empty

He would not be shouting and not be angry.

If you can empty your own boat

Crossing the river of the world,

No one will oppose you,

No one will seek to harm you. Zhuang Zhou

If you can empty your own boat crossing the river of the world, no one will oppose you, no one will seek to harm you.

If we look at the world through the lens of the mind, we readily notice what we are looking for, because the mind will focus on it. Given that the world we look through is limited, if we can train our mind and choose wisely where to focus, then we will be able to experience the world according to our state of mind.

‘Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness. If you ask ‘what ought to be done’ and ‘what ought not to be done’ on earth to create happiness, I answer that these questions do not have an answer. There is no way of determining such things. Yet, at the same time, if I cease striving for happiness, the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ at once become apparent all by themselves. Contentment and well-being at once become possible the moment you cease to act with them in view, you will have both happiness and well-being.’ Zhuang Zhou

NO EXPECTATIONS: Whatever you try to accomplish in life, if you hold on too tight- if everything is riding on a positive outcome- you inevitably will frack it up. It doesn’t mean you don’t give it your best- but if you are worried about the outcome- you can’t give it your best. You’re too busy worrying and obsessing over how things will turn out. This causes you to not pay attention.

If you’re filled with anxiety and angst, you miss opportunities because your perspective is so narrow and confined to one definite outcome. Again, it all boils down to an inability to pay attention and to concentrate on the task at hand. A narrow perspective also stifles creativity and greatly restricts the ability to realize new possibilities and recognize opportunities.

CERTAINTY: When people are asleep, their spirits wander off, when they are awake their bodies are like an open door, so that everything becomes an entanglement. Day after day, they use their minds to stir up trouble; they become boastful, secretive, sneaky. They are consumed with anxiety over trivial matters but remain arrogantly oblivious to the things truly worth fearing.

When you are content to be simply yourself, and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you. Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage. From caring comes courage.

USELESS: Hui Tzu said to Zhuang Zhou: ‘All your teaching is centered on what has no use.’

Chuang Tzu replied: “If you have no appreciation for what has no use, you can’t begin to talk about what can be used. The earth, for example, is broad and vast, but of all this expanse a man uses only a few inches upon which he happens to be standing. Now, suppose you suddenly take away all that he actually is not using, so that all around his feet, a gulf yawns and he stands in the Void, with nowhere solid except under each foot. How long will he be able to use what he is using?’

Hui Tzu said: ‘It would cease to serve any purpose.’

Chuang Tzu concluded: ‘This shows the absolute necessity of what has ‘no use’.

THIRTY SPOKES

Thirty spokes join at the hub;

Precisely where there is nothing

Causes the carriage to function.

Working clay to make vessels;

Precisely where there is nothing

Causes the wheels to function.

Opening doors and windows for a room;

Precisely where there is nothing

Causes the room to function.

Therefore, the benefit of the existent is

The use of the non-existent!

This is known as the Way! Chapter 11 Tao TE Ching

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Zhuang Zhou’s wife died and when Hui Tzu came to offer his condolences, he found Chuang Tzu hunkered down, drumming on a pan and singing.

Hui Tzu said, ‘You lived with this woman, raised children with her, and grew old together. To not weep at her death is enough, already! But this drumming and singing, isn’t this a bit too much?’

‘No’, Zhuang Zhou replied. ‘That’s not how it is. When she was first born into death, how could I not have felt grief? But I looked deeply into it and saw that before she was born into life, she was lifeless. Not only was she lifeless, but she was formless. Not only was she formless, but she didn’t even have any qi.

Somewhere in the vast imperceptibility there was a change, and she had qi ; then the qi changed and she had form; then the form changed and she had life. Now, there has been another change, and she is dead. This is like the mutual cycling of the four seasons. Now she lies resting quietly in the Great Chamber. If I were to go running in ‘Boo-hooing’ after her, that would certainly show a failure to understand what is fated. So I stopped.’ Translation by J.P. Seaton and Sam Hamill

PERFECT JOY: ZHUANG ZHOU: Is there to be found on earth a fullness of joy, or is there no such thing?’ What the world values is money, reputation, long life, achievement. What the world counts as joy is health and comfort of the body, good food, fine clothes, beautiful things to look at, and pleasant music to listen to.

What it condemns is lack of money, a low social rank, a reputation of being no good, and an early death. What it considers misfortune is bodily discomfort and labour, no chance to get your fill of good food, not having fine clothes to wear, having no way to amuse or delight the eye, and no pleasant music to listen to. If people find that they are deprived of these things, they go into a panic or fall into despair. They are so concerned for their life, that their anxiety makes life unbearable, even when they have the things they think they want. Their very concern for enjoyment makes them unhappy.

‘If men would stay as they really are, taking or leaving these eight delights would make no difference. But if they will not rest in their right state, the eight delights develop like malignant tumors. The world falls into confusion. Since men honor these delights and lust after them, the world has gone stone-blind.

When the delight is over, they will not let go of it: they surround its memory with ritual worship, they fall on their knees to talk about it, play music and sing, fast and discipline themselves in the honor of the eight delights. When the delights become a religion, how can you control them?’ Zhuang Zhou

Heaven does nothing; its non-doing is its serenity.

Earth does nothing; its non-doing is its rest.

From the union of these two non-doings

All actions proceed; all things are made. Lao Tzu

ZHUANG ZHOU: THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES : Zhuang Zhou spoke of the four cardinal virtues, teaching that when we embrace them as a way of life, the truth of the universe reveals itself. The ancient Chinese master said that practicing and living these teachings can open you to a higher wisdom and a greater happiness. This is because they bring you closer to your innermost source- a place of balance and peace.

THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES

ONE: KINDNESS

Kindness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates wisdom.

Kindness in giving creates love.

Kindness signifies compassion to others. Sometimes we can lose ourselves and forget what is important. I would say that being kind to others is the most powerful tool that we have for fostering kindness in others and making our world a better place.

TWO: REVERENCE FOR ALL LIFE: Living in the moment brings you a sense of reverence for all of life’s blessings. Lao Tzu believed that respecting all forms of life was essential for harmony: ‘All creation and creatures are equally important and they require equal respect.’ Lao Tzu Trying to dominate and control all life only leads you away from enlightenment, as you can’t find peace in the midst of a struggle for control. A truly spiritual perspective tells us that love is freedom

THREE: NATURAL AUTHENTICITY: When pure authenticity forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people’s hearts. Without being authentic, we can’t live in harmony. Being swayed by outside forces makes us lose sight of who we really are and who we want to be. By accepting the truth about ourselves and others, we not only find peace in this life but we can help others along their paths as well.

FOUR: SUPPORTIVENESS: Be supportive. Just like the other virtues, supportiveness applies to everything and everyone, including ourselves. It allows us to come from a healthier place and to be there for others who might need help along their own paths.

Over and over again central themes of the Taoist scholars and the original text of the Tao te Ching speak of ‘the flow’ and of all things eventually ‘returning to their source’, and water. The Taoist would not fear death because it is part of a grander scheme for us to effortlessly return to our source and is simply the yin and yang of existence.

TAOISM: PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING THE TAO

The confusing aspect for many is its definition. It doesn’t have one. Many religions teach philosophy and dogma. But Taoism and Zen stand this tendency on its head. The first chapter of the Tao Te Ching simply states the Tao is indefinable- teaching that each person can discover the Tao for themselves. Most people have a tendency to grasp after concrete definitions and conclude that without rules and dogma the Tao is impossible to ‘grasp’. But, ‘grasping’ is an impediment to self-realization. In today’s culture no one teaches ‘being’. ‘Doing’ is the currency in Education.

VERSE NINE: Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. This is the only path to serenity.

NO PAST- NO FUTURE : The reality of your life is always now and to realize this, and experience it, can be liberating. But, we spend most of our lives forgetting this truth- overlooking it, running from it, repudiating it. And for the most part, we succeed. We somehow manage to avoid being happy while struggling to become happy, chasing one desire after another, ignoring our fears, grasping at pleasure and seeking to avoid pain- and thinking incessantly about how to keep the ball going so that we don’t fall apart! It consumes our every waking moment. Sound familiar?

Look lovingly upon the present, for it holds the only things that are forever true. All healing lies within it. The miracle comes quietly into the mind that stops an instant and is still.

VERSE SIXTEEN: Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return. Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source. Returning to the source is serenity. If you don’t realize the source, you stumble in confusion and sorrow. When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, disinterested, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, dignified as a queen.

Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, you can deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you will be ready and have no regrets

DO NOT FEAR DEATH: ‘Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides. If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.’ Z Z

‘Throughout the whole life one must continue to learn to live and what will amaze you even more, throughout life one must learn to die.’ Seneca

Our priorities change, our heart opens, and our mind begins to clear off the old holdings and pretensions. We watch all life in transit and what matters becomes instantly apparent: the transmission of love, the letting go of obstacles to understanding, the relinquishment of our grasping, of our hiding from ourselves. Seeing the mercilessness of our self-strangulation, we begin to come gently into the light we share with all beings.

In regard to giving up one’s self, what Buddhists call non-self nature, may seem to us as a cruel joke which never can be accepted fully. This attitude is particularly true in present-day Western culture, in which the self is held sacred and death is considered an unspeakable insult. Yet the exact opposite is the reality. It is in the giving up of self that human beings can find the most ecstatic and lasting, solid, durable joy of life.

It is death that provides life with all its meaning. This ‘secret’ is the central wisdom of spirituality. It is in this lifetime which entails a series of simultaneous deaths and births. I call it growth. The Buddha came to believe that there is a way or path to overcoming suffering. His teaching would be based on rediscovering our true nature, which is referred to as ‘non-self nature’. If we could extinguish the delusion of self, we could see things as they truly are and our suffering would end.

Music in the soul is heard by the Universe. At the center of your being, you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. I have just three things to teach- simplicity, patience, and compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires. He who is content is rich. Mastering yourself is true power.

TAOISM: PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING THE TAO: Most people have a tendency to grasp after concrete definitions and conclude that without rules and dogma the Tao is impossible to ‘grasp’. But, ‘grasping’ is an impediment to self-realization.

Here are three easy steps to begin.

ONE: Don’t concentrate on the meaning of Tao.

TWO: Taoism is more than a philosophy or religion. It is to be understood as a ‘way’ of being

THREE: The path of understanding Taoism is accepting yourself. Live your life and discover who you are for yourself. Your nature is ever-changing (impermanence) and at the same time is always the same (basic goodness). This, however, is a paradox: something that the human mind resists.

But if we examine most spiritual and religious traditions they all have one element in common- the embracing of paradox- for the human condition, itself, is a paradox. Don’t try to resolve the various paradoxes of life- rather, accept them. Embrace the Mystery!

Forget the years, forget distinctions. Leap into the boundless and make it your home. When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be. Explore your essence. Learn how to trust your own intuition. Listen to your own heart. If something doesn’t feel right, then you need to examine why. Let go of judgements that hold you back.

The secret to life is the realization that living in the present moment gives us more time. If you have ever been in nature alone for a period of time, you will eventually feel as if time stands still. And it does! Why? Because you have slipped from ‘doing’ and ‘thinking’ mode and into the eternity of ‘being’ mode. The suspension of thought is to just ‘be’ and it gives us more time.

PRACTICING TAOISM: Taoism teaches a person to flow with life. Taoism doesn’t apply labels to its nature, because it would limit a person. Taoism teaches us to live in the heart. It teaches that by living the Tao, you will express your own true nature. Here are some guidelines:

ONE: With care, aid those who are merely extended expressions of our own nature. We are all fundamentally connected. We often think that we have nothing to give. But we can give away information, give our time to help others, give love to all we encounter and give away smiles.

TWO: At the same time, be true to yourself. Be authentic. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and imperfect. You are perfect the way you are!

THREE: Connect to the world as you wish to be treated. ‘Do unto others’ Serving a cause that is bigger than ourselves is important for bringing to meaning in our lives

FOUR: To those unwilling to accept you for who you are, no action is required. If you become angry with someone who is always arguing, then you have already conceded defeat.

FIVE: Own nothing. You are merely a passing custodian of items outside of your nature. Material things will never bring you peace of mind, gratitude or joy and clarity.

SIX: Take time, relax, and just explore the world. Taoism has no fixed plans. Follow your instincts. It’s in the pause of the breath that each step of living becomes visible for your larger life to unfold and improve

‘SEVEN: Smile when you need to pick a possible next step. Breathe when needing a break since to breathe is to become one with yourself. Alternate the two and the path will become free and clear for a lifetime of wonder to explore. Anything is possible within this simple practice. As a wise Master once exclaimed, ‘When the path is clear, why do you hurl stones and rocks before you.’ In other words, Simplify, Simplify, Simplify your life.

EIGHT: Let go of expectations. The more expectations you have of your life, the less you will accomplish or become. A Taoist lives life without expectations, living fully in the here and now. However, as we know, people need a few expectations as it is part of navigating life. We can practice healthy-striving, but like the Stoics, let go of the outcome of your own actions. Here’s the secret:

Create only a single expectation at a time for any future experience: an expectation that you will smile or have some fun. Don’t place any expectations of learning or changing into your endeavors. Changing yourself for the better will occur on its own without the burden of expectations. Expectations plant the seeds for the opposite to occur- you won’t learn, change, or grow from your efforts or your experiences.

By creating a single, simple expectation such as smiling, this then becomes something you can always fulfill since you can empower that action to happen. Letting go of expectations is also practiced in Zen.

NINE: The process of learning Taoism is also a process of healing. Take time to heal. Don’t rush. Be patient. Embrace your body and mind with healing. We have the habit of running after things, we are bombarded by messages that tell us we had better get this now or we will lose it. We need to take care of ourselves: mind and body and be patient enough to allow healing to take place. Being impatient is essentially punishing ourselves. We want it all and we want it.

TEN: Embrace silence. Take time off for silence. Nothing could be more important. Silence is the soul’s break for freedom. The Wise Person believes profoundly in silence- the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind, and spirit. Silence is the soul’s break for freedom!

ELEVEN: Explore your essence. Learn how to trust your own intuition. Listen to your own heart. If something doesn’t feel right, then you need to examine why. Let go of judgements that hold you back. Remove conflict and anger from your relationships.

TWELVE: Be kind to yourself and pace your life to match your own true essence! You are so kind to others, and yet you always criticize yourself time and time again. You deserve your own love.

It is of practical value to like yourself. Since you spend so much time with yourself, you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship.’ Joseph Campbell

We all contain basic goodness and can begin our training in Compassion, transforming the suffering of others and nurture our sacrosanct connection with all life on our planet.

THIRTEEN : Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is feeling the fear but doing it anyway. Compassion gives you courage. Courage makes you more compassionate. Do not let fear stop you from having peace of mind. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within you, all in your way of thinking. You have power over your mind- not outside events! If you ask yourself if you are happy, you already have your answer.

Taoism is acceptance of your life.

Taoism is following your breath to find peace.

Taoism is opening up a smile to enable possibility.

To smile is to say yes to your life.

Explore your essence. Learn how to trust your own intuition. Listen to your own heart. If something doesn’t feel right, then you need to examine why.