Act without acting
Engage without engaging
Know without knowing
These opening lines present the paradox of Tao, especially the first line which returns to the theme of non-action. People sometimes misunderstand this concept to mean that we all should sit around binge watching our favorite show instead of going to work, taking care of the kids, paying bills, pursuing hobbies, and all the things that make up our day to day lives.
How do we act without acting? We act without acting when we have a sense that action is happening through us but not by us. When we are fully present and respond naturally to our circumstances rather than trying to force other people or circumstances to conform to how we think things should be. This ability to respond naturally results from an inner alignment and harmony with reality.
Big small many few
Respond to injury (hatred, bitterness) with Te
This, to me, is the central and essential practice of the Tao Te Ching. First, all injury (by whatever name you want to call it) is the same, in the sense that every injury gives us a choice of how to respond. Second, our response to any injury can be the same, meaning that no matter the nature of the injury, we can respond from that place of alignment and harmony. In that case, the response is not a reaction from a defensive/offensive perspective. Rather, our response is an allowing of grace (Te) to manifest through us.
A Course in Miracles teaches that everything we do or think or say is one of two things: an expression of love, or a call for love. Everything.
When we have misperceived ourselves as separate and in conflict, we often call for love through anger, judgment, fear, manipulation. When we correctly perceive ourselves as connected and in harmony, it is easier to allow love to express itself through us and out into the world.
Let me be clear. No, the Tao Te Ching is not teaching us to go hug a serial killer. It is teaching us to practice compassion as we make sane choices about our safety and boundaries. Then, just like the arrows Buddha turned into flowers, injury is transformed into the gift of grace. Effortlessly. Action without acting.
Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed. ~Buddha
The harmonious connection is key, is it not? For me, I can take action without acting when I'm first surrendered to and grounded in God's will for me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Galen!
Exactly, Martha! Perfect example. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHi Galen, This action through non action and response to injury is encompassed, the way I see it and feel it, by allowing a state of flow. I try to practice this whenever I'm in a difficult situation, whatever that type of difficulty might be. Having said this, I don't seem to get myself into difficult situations so much these days, and where I live is pretty easy going, so maybe this is a sign that the flow is working - I don't know.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do know is a few days ago my sister got into an argument with another lady complaining about where I'd parked my car at my mothers and where my sister had parked hers. All connected to a mass of cars coming to collect their kids from the local school which my mother and sister live very close to and have 'suffered' from for years. The argument got heated between my sister and the lady, got nasty...(and the lady even complained to the police later, with no result - that's how angry she was, plus provoked by my sister) I withdrew at my sisters request. She was sticking up for both of us. But I couldn't help wondering how I would have responded to the criticism if the lady had caught me at the doorstep instead of my sister. A long tale, this is turning into, but I hope I would have NOT gone down the reactive anger route after my learning some buddhist and taoist practices! Harmony and flow is the aim always now.
A state of flow -- a perfect description. Alignment and harmony are fluid, like water. I don't doubt that your response to the woman would have reflected this had your sister not stepped in with her own reaction. It's good sometimes to witness an exchange like that to see the contrast. Thanks for commenting, Lynne.
DeleteI do like the Buddha quote; and believe it to be true. I liked the thought of A Course in Miracles teaches that everything we do or think or say is one of two things: an expression of love, or a call for love. Everything. I feel that is exactly what the Savior wants us to do. Love is the key. It's sad that it isn't more prevalent in today's world. Sending loving thoughts and hugs!
ReplyDeleteYes, very sad that we are not following the wise teachings of Jesus on love. Thanks LeAnn!
Delete'We act without acting when we have a sense that action is happening through us but not by us.'
ReplyDeleteSo well expressed Galen. We are the observer, or the awareness of the action taking place. We are not the action .We are the watcher of the action. Perfect! That is so liberating. We just have to practice action meditation all the time.
'This ability to respond naturally results from an inner alignment and harmony with reality.'
Another great statement Galen.
concerning injury you said:
'Rather, our response is an allowing of grace (Te) to manifest through us.'
This is the way to live,in a state of allowing grace to manifest through us. What is considered injury can be transformed into grace. Amazing!
'everything we do or think or say is one of two things: an expression of love, or a call for love. Everything.'
That is good to understand Galen . I will be thinking about this.
Great post Galen.
Thanks, Brian. I like your term "action meditation." I was practicing push hands with my tai chi teacher today. I was most "successful" when I was the most attuned to what was actually happening, and not trying to figure out something or plan something in my head. Not quite the same things as a state of grace, but gave me a sense of that process.
Delete