The chapter opens with the recurring theme of wu wei, or non-action.
Tao is ever without acting
Yet without not acting
Generally translated as “Tao does nothing yet nothing is left undone,” this concept causes much confusion when we interpret wu wei as static passivity. Rather, it is a dynamic energy of harmony with the basic order and nature of the universe.
Heroic actions are often manifestations of this energy. Ordinary people who do extraordinary things in a crisis sometimes describe what they did as happening without their thinking about it.
It can also manifest as creative inspiration, and yes, sometimes as stillness when action would be interfering with the natural order.
If princes and kings would abide by it
The ten thousand things will naturally develop or transform
The Tao Te Ching makes many references to ruling. These passages could apply to actual government, but can also be a self-referent, advising us on how to rule or govern ourselves. If we abide by the natural order of Tao, we are awakened as our true selves.
If there is still desire to act
One can return to the nameless simplicity of an uncarved block
Tao is without name. (“The name that can be named is not the eternal name.”) The uncarved block of wood is a perfect metaphor. In its natural simplicity there is unlimited potential, infinite possibilities. Once it is carved, it has a name, a purpose. It becomes this and not that.
Without desire there is tranquility
Everything below heaven is naturally at peace
The link between desire and suffering is part of Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths. I can see this in my own life. When I struggle by wanting the present moment to be something other than it is, I suffer. I am not tranquil.
Think of the words we use to describe this – out of sync, off my game, not comfortable in my skin, not in tune, out of sorts, churned up. We instinctively know, whether we consciously recognize it, when we are not in harmony with Tao’s natural rhythm.
And when we return to harmony, there is a sigh of relief. Even if there is a lot happening around us, we are at peace inside.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~John 14:27
I'm learning to settle into those times of angst or being out of sorts because when it's over, I come to some new level of being in this world. It's like little kids when they are out of sorts and no matter what you do, they're not settled. When it's over, they seem to have reached some new developmental milestone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for adding this great observation, Mona. Natural cycles of growth are often uncomfortable or even distressing. We need not struggle against them, or try to force anything. When we let things develop or transform naturally, we move through these periods with less suffering.
DeletePS--Do you have a blog or website, Mona?
DeleteNo, Galen, I don't. I was referred to some retirement blogs at a retirement seminar I attended I've always enjoyed reading and writing and reading these blogs (yours is one I look forward to) is part of my day. Thank you for your thought provoking blog.
DeleteOh, so you must have found my blog through Bob's. Thanks for your kind words, Mona. Always nice to hear from you.
DeleteI remember the Uncarved Block was a big part of the Tao of Pooh. It puts me in mind of a story I heard about Michelangelo using a block no one else wanted to pull forth the David. How he just liberated what was always there.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that story too. Fascinating, and a different angle (pun intended) on this uncarved block metaphor. Thanks for commenting, CW.
DeleteYour words open up a concept that is challenging in its simplicity. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt IS simple, isn't it? And yes, challenging. I asked one of my teachers if everything had to be so complicated. He said "No." I asked him if we could talk about it some more, and he said "No, the answer is still the same." Ha!
DeleteJesus' peace He left us came immediately to mind as I read your post, Galen. And to find the quote at the end? Perfect!
ReplyDeleteMay the peace of the Lord be with you this Christmas and always!
Same to you, Martha. And thanks, as always, for stopping by.
DeleteI do believe that there are truths in other beliefs. Truth should be sought for. When I read your thoughts it rings true to my beliefs in a loving Heavenly Father that sent us here to experience life, make choices and through the light of Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost we can draw closer to Him and our Savior Jesus Christ. We can find peace through Christ and be in harmony with His teachings; thus that is like being in harmony with the Universe. Since the Universe was created by by Him.
ReplyDeleteAlways something to thiink about in other teachings that really are similar in many ways.
Blessings and hugs for you dear friend!
I agree, LeAnn. Universal truths can be found in all teachings.
DeleteI've been thinking about the Hail Mary prayer, through learning the Schubert Ave Maria on piano. With some of my (in)famous language substitutions, I arrived at Mary being akin to the yin power that has been consuming my mind this last year. We know about yin power through the Tao. According to hermeneutics, I might decide Mary bearing Jesus to save us from sin so we can be with God could translate into a yin, yielding way that results in love, which saves us from ego/pride so we can approach unity and oneness. I'm wondering about statements of the feminine in the other Abrahamic faiths.
ReplyDeleteI love your interpretation of the Mary story. Wow. Really that is great! I might add that you also know about yin power through martial arts. Embracing the yielding energy of the receptive yin/feminine is immensely powerful. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
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