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Dear Reader, There are several chapters of the Tao Te Ching that I am fond of, but Chapter 23 is particularly wonderful because it shows that living with the Tao is much more than meditating on lofty mountaintops. To me, this chapter is a celebration of an individual's vitality, and an explanation of how to embody the Tao in our daily lives. This is done by completely immersing ourselves in the present moment. I especially love the line encouraging us to be like the forces of nature. We have the capacity to be as fierce as a gale storm, as powerful as the drenching rain, and then as calm and clear as a sunlit day. It makes me think of the vigor of a newborn baby. We were like that, once. We are like that, still! I read this as a strengthening of the connection to our primal self. Not in an externally violent way, but internally, to the truth of our existence. Be true to yourself; trust yourself. If this is done, then the path forward will become clear. What I find most appealing is that anyone can tap into this purely authentic way of living. It isn't a secret for only the masters to hold, but available to anyone willing enough to try. I also appreciate the acknowledgement of the passage of time, or the conclusion of an experience. We're not meant to live in some kind of perpetual high-intensity limbo. We're advised to be as receptive as possible to our experiences, that we may continue to grow, learn, and adapt to our singular existence. When I read this passage, I am inspired to be open to the full gamut of what life has to offer. By sharing these thoughts, it is my hope that the citizens of the Kingdoms and those in the lands beyond may benefit as well. <b>CHAPTER 23 (Tao Te Ching) Express yourself completely, then keep quiet. Be like the forces of nature: when it blows, there is only wind; when it rains, there is only rain; when the clouds pass, the sun shines through. If you open yourself to the Tao, you are at one with the Tao and you can embody it completely. If you open yourself to insight, you are at one with insight and you can use it completely. If you open yourself to loss, you are at one with loss and you can accept it completely. Open yourself to the Tao, then trust your natural responses; and everything will fall into place. Sincerely, -doragonn | |