stan herman

The Tao is many thing to many people. To some it is a pleasant justification for what they like to do To some it is an intellectual exercise in Chinese translation To some it is a way to meet gentle new friends To some it is a finger pointing in a new direction To some it is a step to take To some it is a resting place

16. Every now and then consider your life as a total (including your death as well). For some the absolutely most difficult thing of all to learn is that they are no better than anyone else, for others it is that they are no worse than anyone else. If you are able, reflect a little as well, that you are no better nor worse than all else that appears before you, composed of sub-atomic particles that are tracks of energy. All contained together, within 'the system'. If that view seems too abstract, too lacking power, too passive or fatalistic, reflect further. Destiny does not lack power nor is it often passive. Blindness and anxiety are the costs of denying destiny. Understanding destiny is enlightenment. It does not require your surrender but rather your embrace. In return it offers the knowledge of your immortality.

YOU NEVER KNOW There were times when Bill knew how to be exasperating. Craig Lopez had just heard that he was going to be transferred, and he didn't have much choice about it. Several of us were sympathizing with him while he explained and complained about what a rotten deal he was getting. Craig didn't like the city they were sending him to and he was convinced being that far away from headquarters would soon put his career on the shelf. As he saw it the move was the first step on his way down. We tried to reassure him but weren't getting anywhere, when someone turned to Bill in desperation and asked him if he had any suggestions. Well, I don't know if I mentioned this before, Bill said, but my daughter Janice left her job a while ago. She didn't have any choice, she was laid off. Bill's face was a pitcher full of gloom. Since we were all in a sympathetic mood anyway, it wasn't long before someone said, That's too bad, Bill. I suppose it could have been worse, Bill said. She got another offer in couple of weeks, it even paid better. That's great! someone said. It would have been except that she had to move to a different city, just like Craig. Bill's gloomy face got a little gloomier. If she hated that half as much as I do, said Craig, that must have been a tough decision for her. Bill shoulder twitched in a small shrug. Actually, it turned out she had been wanting to spend some time away from her boy friend. They’d been talking about moving in together and she wanted to think about it for a while. Really, Craig said suddenly. You could see he was getting involved in the story, "that can be a good idea. Time away in another place, maybe dating some other people, that can be helpful. Bill looked up at Craig and seemed all at once brighter eyed. That's just what happened, he said. After a few months Janice found out that she really does want to live with him. He's offered to finance them both until she gets a job in the city. They may even get married. Right! said Craig, who was savoring his own good judgment. I’m glad it turned out well. No sooner had he said it than Bill clouded up again and looked like the gloom pitcher was about to run over. The trouble is they just couldn't come to an agreement on where they were going to live. He wanted to keep his apartment, but Janice didn’t like it and wanted to find a new place so they can start together fresh. They got very polarized about the subject, had some real arguments. That's too bad, Craig sort of mumbled warily. He was beginning to look a little glassy eyed. Actually, said Bill, who looked like he could go on forever and might just do it, they decided just a few days ago to find a new place and this morning Janice called and said they found one they both like very much. Uh-huh, murmured Craig. We could hardly hear him, but Bill's saga kept marching on. Unfortunately the rent is very high. They could afford it if she were working, but they want to save some for a house too. And then they're talking about starting a family. Bill tapered off and it was real quiet for what seemed like a very long time. Then Bill looked directly at Craig, and this time you couldn’t tell whether he was gloomy or happy. When Craig couldn't hold out any longer he had to ask it, Well, Bill how did it finally turn out? Good question, Bill said, good question. 24. Self-confidence is a strong signal when it is quiet. When it is broadcast at high volume it turns to static. The leader who is her own publicist is no more likely to convince her audience than her client. In advancing toward the peak a leader who throws her weight around is more likely to lose her footing. One who carries her weight in proper balance is more likely to hold the trail. When her early advances have been made in long, easy strides, a young person may come to expect the same in future. Thus, considering only her past, she values only one direction--forward, only one speed--fast, and only one mood--'look at me'. But the trail is long and wiser travellers learn to move occasionally from side-to-side, to slow the pace or even to retreat at times. And to feel as comfortable in the background as the front.

The question is the problem. 'Exist' and 'non-exist' are merely terms. The question is similar to asking whether light is a particle or a wave. Consider: In the Buddhist context, form and the 'idea of emptiness' both exist in maya. But when one talks in the context of the ordinary world, form is distinct and meaningful. Emptiness is merely a philosophical idea. When one talks in the context of the Diamond Sutra, form is merely "a manner of speaking", not truth. So we both exist and don't exist. One must become comfortable with paradox, or it's hard to move.

It's mine too. I was first struck by the incongruity of "those who know don't speak, those ..." Now, why should we believe this 'speaker'?

56. Those who hold wisdom do not scatter words. Those who scatter words do not hold wisdom. Being, quietly, without explanation, releasing one's hold, untangling ones ties, clearing ones head, accustoming one's vision, grounding one's self, These are the means of Tao The one unswayed by passion, profit or praise is champion. Following the way, he has become the way.

Seems clear, just as the sound of a tree falling in the forest depends upon a 'hearer', your existence depends upon a 'perceiver'. Nevertheless, one may think of the world as a movie, and the self as the projector. Thus, the whole world is here just for you. Without paradox there is nothing.

I find this verse particularly interesting. It is one of the few (or the only?) that seems to prize the masculine (yang) in a way similar to our times (e.g. "His manhood is strong." "He does not yet know the meeting of male and female, yet his organ is aroused". My impression is that translators of the Tao, with few exceptions, are oriented toward the yin (i.e. receptivity and passivity). Does this give evidence that while Lao Tzu favored the yin view, he as most philosophers, was constrained by certain fundamental attitudes of his time?

55. The one who walks the way is not complex. He is able to withstand attack whether blunt or subtle. Whether required to press forward or to yield, his power is evident. Unthreatening as a child, yet his potential can be sensed. Though he suffers a hundred frustrations his stamina raises him up again. Though he is forced a hundred times to shout his case his voice remains inexhaustible and fresh. Striving with all his might he does not revere his success nor brood its lack. He leads a charmed life, at ease with events. It is not his will that makes him strong, but his nature. Depending on his will he would weaken.

About Wu wei There is considerable discussion now about Wu wei. Tao alludes to Wu wei athough its precise meaning is unclear. Does it mean non-action, or does it mean no deliberated action? Some will think assertiveness is clearly contrary to Wu wei. But Wu wei also means natural action--not forced or deviant--action flowing from innate energy. For the individual it would be a normal aspect of his/her behavioral repertoire. It would be 'spontaneous', not analytically deliberated, but it could be strongly expressed and purposeful. What is important to recognize, is that doing the natural thing is not the same for everyone. Just as, while it's natural for snow to fall in Scandinavia, it's natural for it not to fall in Central Africa. And, even while it is natural for snow to fall in Scandinavia, heavier snow falls are more natural in some areas than in others, and heavier snow falls occur naturally in some years than in others. So, it seems to me that when we speak of what is natural we are speaking not of a single, static position, but of a continuum reflecting the individual's unique character, the particular situation encountered and the time of action. And we see that what is natural is not a single thing but rather a wide variety of things. What is natural action for human beings also varies widely. In speaking of Wu wei this fact is frequently missed by many commentators. And so when observing human action that is swift, decisive and aggressive they automatically label it as a violation of Wu wei, and it may not be. Sol, what is the lesson here? First, it is legitimate within the path of Tao to have purpose and intent. Those who seek to follow the Way do so with purpose and intent. Lao Tzu dictated his verses with purpose and intent (to influence the ruling class of China). Second, the problem is not purpose and intent, but such narrowness of vision as to be blind one to all the possibilities that exist beyond one's intent, and freeze one's self into an unchangeable intent. Third, following the prescriptive declarations of others' words as a gospel of universal truth and righteousness is limiting. One must discover one's own best meanings. 25 (excerpt) . Like surfers on a wave, skiers on a slope, racers on a track, riding the world is what each of us does. There is no other possibility. How each of us rides the world is our way. . . Each person's way is a marvel of intricacy and significance, so too are the way of the earth and the way of the spirit. In an endless network each way sparks and is sparked by all others, and thus maintains life. 52 (excerpt) For a moment set aside your words and thoughts and things. Cherish emptiness for it quenches the fire of words and clears the view. Then you will know the whole, emptiness and fullness. The one who knows the whole may use it all, the visible and concealed, present and future, action and non-action. With such advantage you will never lose.

There is considerable variety among sects in "Buddhism's" beliefs. If one takes into account that interpretation of experiential soundness is dependent upon the 'context' within which an event occurs and is interpreted (e.g. intellectual, emotional, spiritual, local, cosmic, etc.) and the particular 'consciousness' brought to bear upon it (e.g. genetic makeup, past education and experiences, self-interests etc.), one can understand that both views expressed above can be correct. It all depends, doesn't it? Realizing that takes one a substantial step further on the path. But it's hard to assent to because it dilutes one's theory. And for many their theory is the flag of their ego.

Nice piece above. Of course what it all comes down to is nothing, though within that vacancy each mind is busy churning up something--many things. I think it likely that as long as (and only as long as) there continue to be minds, there will be an endless varieties of things (and theories about things--and even theories about nothing).

17. The best leader seldom interferes. Less desirable is the one who is well known and admired by everyone. Worse is the one who is feared, and worst the one held in contempt. To become an excellent leader, you have to abandon addiction to praise from above and flattery from below. The excellent leader leads least. He studies the distinctive skills and natural inclinations of both those above and those below and directs their attention to accomplish what is required to benefit all. When this has been done all declare they have been part of a worthwhile purpose.

It's interesting to note how much thinking there is here about non-thinking action. It would seem we can not escape thinking. However one can say that there is 'thinking' that is thought about (analysis) and there is 'thinking' that is an instantaneous flash (insight, intuition, inspiration). This is 'action' thinking. Is it less of a doing than any other action? 51. All things are created in Tao, given their shapes and natures, and their movement. Each thing is moved according to its shape and nature, and all things are moved according to their interaction with each other. Tao does not push all things, nor does it pull them. It is satisfied, as a parent to give them birth to watch over them to furnish nourishment for their growth to accord them opportunity to provide the arena for their play. For this Tao expects no reward.

I appreciate this one--a clearer message. I also like this one: 50. People, in commensurate numbers, are busy being born and dying. Fearful, many strive for impregnability. Seeing only death at the end of life, they long for immortality. Perceiving no other means than through their progeny, they propagate. But, those who know the way know they live in immortality now. In the midst of danger they are not threatened. Confident of their invincibility they allow themselves to be vulnerable. They do not fear because there is no place in them for death to dwell.

28. A person who can plunge ahead and wait patiently can foster the appropriate strategy. One who values expansion and appreciates contraction is better able to perceive the possibilities latent in others. Managing diversity, he can distinguish those who are best at risking and creating, those best at caution and maintaining, and those who are best at toughness and compelling. As he respects all he can provide modulating for the entrepreneur, stimulating for the bureaucrat, and tempering for the autocrat. Only one who is high in stature and low in vanity can truly grasp the worlds of those he leads, and because of this he is an endless source of usefulness to them. The capacity for such non-discrimination grows within the leader. Such a leader can lead the many not alone the few.

Me I'm a woodcarver. And when I begin a carving, I need to start with an INTENTION--is it to be a head, an object, a freeform? Then I need to consider the OTHER--in this case the wood to be carved--giving due attention to its natural grain and shape, the advantages and obstacles presented. I need to notice these. Finally as I lift my tool, I open myself to the unplanned ideas that arise through intuition from within and inspiration from without--the stuff of Wu wei. When considering Lao Tzu, it's useful to remember, even as he placed his emphasis on minimizing deliberation and allowing nature to guide, he had intention when he began to dictate the Tao. He took into account his 'other'--the 'grain and shape' of those to whom he was speaking--the ruling class of Chinese society. Lao Tzu's Times Lao Tzu was a person--or many persons. As a person, he lived his life in a time and place, and they affected his perceptions. Lao Tzu dictated his 81 verses in ancient, Imperial China when rulers were rulers, the mass of people were illiterate peasants, and nobody voted. He was also a member of the elite and an adviser to the power structure. When he composed the verses Lao Tzu was an old man--an old man heading away from the activities of advising royalty, and into the quieter times of retirement. There is an underlying passivity and submissiveness (non-intentionality) to many of the Tao's verses that I think reflect this time of life. Having experienced a similar situation myself, I realized that those 'senior' feelings -- the lures of peace, contentment, affection, stability -- have become increasingly attractive to me too -- in contrast, for example, to competition, excitement, challenge and discovery. Nevertheless, the fact is that since the beginning of humanity and among primates before, that latter set has been with the world, and except for those who renounce the world entirely, they will endure. In examining Chinese history at the time, they endured for Lao Tzu's clients too. The significance I find in these observations is hardly profound. Rather it's one of the traditional adages that note 'for every season there is a turn'. And so for every person. And so for one's spiritual evolvement. At different times in one's life different philosophical/spiritual paths will be appropriate. To me, what seems best is to bring one's spirituality into the daily world--not by decrying the daily world and insisting on converting it to the world you think it should be (no matter how nice and spiritual) but, like the woodcarver, taking into account the blending of the world as it is, and the intentions of the teachings of Lao Tzu and others, both ancient and recent, according to the intuitions and inspirations granted to you by grace.

Nicely said. Just as long as it leaves a bit of space for the young and striving

Yes indeed. It relieves my concern to see you make those points. My addition (from a post I'll be placing in 'Tao Now'. It's important to remember that Lao Tzu dictated his 81 verses in an ancient and quite different time--Imperial China when rulers were rulers, illiterate peasants were the masses, and nobody voted. He was also a member of the elite and an adviser to the power structure. Further, when he composed them Lao Tzu was an old man--an old man heading away from the activities of advising royalty, and into the quieter times of retirement. Having experienced such a situation myself, I realized that those 'senior' feelings he championed-- peace, contentment, affection, stability -- were becoming increasingly attractive to me too -- in contrast, for example, to competition, excitement, challenge and discovery. But, the fact is that since the beginning of humanity and among primates before, that latter set has been with the world, and except for those who renounce the world entirely, they will endure. From examining Chinese history at the time, they endured for Lao Tzu's clients too. Seems to me there is a time for each season, as is said.

I've mentioned a few times that I thought it important to remember that Lao Tzu dictated his 81 verses in an ancient and quite different time--Imperial China when rulers were rulers and nobody voted. He was also a member of the elite and an adviser to the power structure. There is an underlying passivity and submissiveness to many of the Tao's verses that I think reflects those conditions. When he composed them Lao Tzu was an old man--an old man heading away from the activities of advising royalty, and into the quieter times of retirement. Having experienced such a situation myself, I realized that those 'senior' feelings -- peace, contentment, affection, stability -- were becoming increasingly attractive to me too -- in contrast, for example, to competition, excitement, challenge and discovery. But, the fact is that since the beginning of humanity and among primates before, that latter set has been with the world, and except for those who renounce the world entirely, they will endure. In examining Chinese history at the time, they endured for Lao Tzu's clients too. The significance I find in these observations is hardly profound. Rather it's one of the traditional adages that notes for every season there is a turn.

Hello deci. I like what you're saying. With a little clarification we may find ourselves not so far apart. Here are some responses to your post: About Lao Tzu's approved text. I believe one ought to take into account his time and place (as well as the fact of Chinese character translations and the numbers of interpretations thereof. More about this in the post that follows. About " The gist of the story is to keep this kind of knowledge alive. It is ultimately about each individual's self-refinement." Self-refinement differs by time and culture, as you know. I have no quarrel with the direction of Lao Tzu's teachings in general. These are often profound and worthy of deep personal consideration. They are not however, in my view, a complete compendium of wisdom. There are gaps, and there is obsolescence. I believe if Lao Tzu were speaking today he would say some things in a different way, and sometimes different things. I have a thread here called Tao Now... that touches on some of these. I'd be pleased to have you look at and criticize them. My views are not frozen. About " It is the way it is for no reason at all. No one knows why." I could not agree more. And at the same time we have been placed (or placed ourselves) here in this particular world, and most of us must (or choose to) deal with it within the provisional 'truths' that work best for us. About "... and not hypothetical requirements of yer average world leader...". I said nothing about world leaders. I spoke of " leaders of worldly affairs". By worldly affairs I mean the matters people need to deal with in their daily lives--especially in the leadership function. I've had a good deal of on-the-ground experience in this area during my career (details on request) About your poem, there's not much with which I disagree. I do think it's from a pretty cosmic point of view (I like cosmic/mega/meta views and always carry them back there behind my thinking mind).

Can it be any other way? Even when I strive--for riches, status, glory or enlightenment, aren't the forces of the moment at work? When we say 'being natural' can that mean other than allow the mind to quiet, as best you can, before proceeding?