Guest guest Posted October 7, 1999 Report Share Posted October 7, 1999 This is from another OneList group - TheOasis. It seemed very apropos of the discussion on Polarity. diana ********************************************* The Tao te Ching (The book of the way in life, living, being) (also > Dao deh Jing and other spellings) is a collection of philosophy in > verse by Lao-Tzu (also Lao-Tse and some other spellings) from about > 550 BC. > > These bits are from the Stephen Mitchell translation. Mitchell is a > serious Zen student whose Chinese is not deep, but people who do read > archaic Chinese say this is the best version going in English. > Governing a large country > is like frying a small fish. > You spoil it with too much poking. > > Center your country in the Tao > and evil will have no power. > Not that it isn't there, > but you'll be able to step out of its way. > * > Peace is his highest value. > If the peace has been shattered, > how can he be content? > His enemies are not demons, > but human beings like himself. > He doesn't wish them personal harm. > Nor does he rejoice in victory. > > He enters a battle gravely, > with sorrow and with great compassion, > as if he were attending a funeral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 Dear Xena: This is a very good translation. We should also then be mindful of Lao Tzu's admonishments about seeking to be Virtuous or Humble. He believed, (and I agree) that those who strive to show the world their humility are not true in their non attachment or in overcoming ego. In fact, Lao Tzu would warn people to be most wary of those who manifest a too evident posture of humility. Such humility is like "Ice melting" meaning that it wishes to show that it is not one form, but another. Yet, we all know that ice and water are but aspects of the same thing. True non attachment or egoless understanding is neither proud nor humble. It certainly is not virtuous nor strives to convince others of what virtue is. Once one becomes enthralled in the pursuit of virtue, then everything becomes a world of non virtue...everything and everyone are judged according to some virtuous standard...and inevitably fail. Move aside rather than fight...good advice when one is avoiding a rushing bull or attack. It is wisdom. Being silent or accepting of error or false intent...no, even Lao Tzu would quickly point out if another said something that seemed not in harmony with the posture or claims of others. Mindfulness is always good, and we all need to measure ourselves by our own reflections, as others provide us with. I often examine my motives and inner feelings when I read comments and what I look for inside of myself is a sense of authenticity or sense that rises above my own self needs. This sounds funny. I know that I have never expressed this to any lists, before, so maybe it has value here. I examine myself and my words, very critically, particularly when others disagree or have some emotional moment with them. What I look for is not just the words, but the motives. What did I have to gain or lose in expressing some idea or opinion? Was it in jest, serious, upset? Why upset? Then I look deeper. If my feelings were injured and I reacted, then I see my normal human error. If I did not have any "feelings" attached, but this idea was strongly expressed because of my experience of reality...then I search for parallels or examples that might make the context clearer for others to understand or see the rationale behind. This does not ever suggest that I expect agreement on all issues! Hahah. That would be funny and scary. I seek only the middle path area...where agreement is not needed, but some understanding of the point of view is gained. Many times I have misread other comments and then said things that must have seemed way off. I am quick to apologize and usually pretty chagrined at my actions. However, if I understand what someone says, and believe I also understand their inner motives for acting or saying something, and I feel that they have an agenda or are trying to prove something (for whatever reason) and the sense behind it does not seem sensible, then I will question it. The questions do not intend harm, only the striking away at illusion and false thinking. We'd all like to fly, but wishing so rarely allows us to leap from tall buildings. So, I examine my motives and words, and the motives and words of others to sort out this gray area of "reality" or critical thinking first, then proceed to some loftier goal. If there are major errors in critical thinking, basic logic, or history, then we need to work out those details and come to a common acceptance of definitions and ideas, before proceeding further. If after that has been accomplished there are still significant differences in our perspectives (and often there is little or no difference once this has been done) then it is necessary to see if the values placed on the ideas relate to my motives or the motives of the other person. If I have no ax to grind and no motive based on "helping myself" in some way, then it usually leaves the "other person's motives" exposed as the major element needing to be resolved. If they do not wish to examine their own thinking or motives, then their actions or behavior cannot change. If this has been the source of problems...then it will continue to be. A long, long babble, huh? Maybe this is useful for those who think I always shoot from the hip. I sometimes shoot from the hip, but I am a pretty good shot. Usually I don't even try shooting, but wait for the other person to fire a shot or two. I enjoy ideas and enjoy the concept that by sharing ideas, people can become more than they were before they shared. I am enriched by this experience and value this highly. So, my most selfish motive is the need for mental stimulation, personal contact that is emotionally rewarding, fun, and educational. I enjoy being able to respond and offer my insights, simply as contrast or in humor. I am not Lao Tzu, and have not yet reached the point where I have no desire at all for anything. I still have desire and likes and dislikes. So, I am still a work in progress. Have I tried to sell real estate, tickets to a new Guru show, new diet-fad, political action group or any other vested interest activity or organization? Have I tried to get people to only chant "Yo Mama" or some other absolutely required method of attaining instant whatzit? No. And I won't. All roads lead to where they will end up anyway. We're all getting there, some slowly, some at break neck speed. I am willing to take time and arrive when I arrive and hope all of you will arrive in good shape, too! Blessings Love, Zenbob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 1999 Report Share Posted October 8, 1999 In a message dated 10/8/99 4:12:40 PM Central Daylight Time, ZEN2WRK writes: << I am willing to take time and arrive when I arrive and hope all of you will arrive in good shape, too! >> Amen! <g> diana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.