80
Many have interpreted the 80th verse from the Tao Te Ching as a suggestion that the Taoist remain always close to his physical home, keep things simple, and avoid unnecessary physical creation. For some this is their calling, their Way. We are fortunate for those that maintain homes and conserve that which is worth conserving, but this will not be the Way for all of us and also fortunately so.
***
The master is like a content nation
He governs his thoughts as a leader his people
Ensuring they are given industry and rest
To every day there must be industry
To every day there must be rest
The master allows his thoughts their pleasure
There is no need to strip the countryside bare
A bare countryside cannot nurture the people
An empty mind cannot nurture a master ...
***
The Tao within is consistent and unchanging. The Tao reflected before our eyes is always changing and to persist, it must. Creation will and must evolve. Some are called to aid this evolution. Some are called to make sure it does not result in chaos. Evolution is found through mutation and thought. Thoughts are not our enemies; they are tools; but they can also be the root of suffering. The enlightened, first and foremost, govern their thoughts, allowing those based in love and reason to flourish, ignoring and rooting out those based in fear. All Ways are the Tao, but fear obscures your Way. Always. Suffering finds root in fear. Fear is the greatest of all destroyers and perpetuator of chaos.
***
(80 continued)
His thoughts, like people, may be called to travel
Always the call of home, of the Tao, is louder
The master allows what is used
To be carried through and away
He does not fight its going
He does not mourn its loss
There is nothing to fight for
Fighting the Tao will bring suffering
The master loves his mind as a benevolent ruler
He would not have it suffer
The master understands
All comes from and returns to the Tao
***
The enlightened inhabit the Tao and allow the Tao to inhabit them. They have presence whether they move about or stay in one place. The choice is not governed by fear. Fear obscures the Way. If you are afraid, you are not attuned to the Tao, no matter where your physical body finds itself.
That said ... sailing in a hurricane will likely get you lost. Sometimes it is better, even for the most avid journeyer, to stay put until the storm passes. All storms end. This one will too.
Spoken Word
Words and images are my own. The Tao Te Ching is long since in the public domain.
Looking to delve a little further into my share of mind. Additional reading can be accessed through clicking on any title below. Titles can also be ordered in through your local libraries and bookstores.
Very timely. Lets hope this storm ends soon...
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Yes ... fingers crossed:)
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Great word's my friend Pryde, i'm staying put till the storm passes, what an awful situation we are in. Love your word's
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Thanks, Ray. Really, outside of the fear that many are feeling, the world is actually very beautiful at the moment. The weather is improving and many have more time to spend with family. Perhaps this time will show us a better way.
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Yes the weather is lovely here too, blue skies, and no vapor trails, hopefully it will show us a better way, the whole world is in the same situation,, we're in it together, one world .
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One world:)
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