As I explained in Part 1, this unusually long chapter resembles a string of proverbs. Picking up from the earlier post, here are some key passages from the rest of the chapter.
Action leads to failure
Grasping leads to loss
Thus the sage refrains from action and does not fail
Refrains from grasping and does not lose
Once again we encounter this perplexing concept of non-action. Refraining from action to avoid failure reminds me of the athlete who said that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. We are encouraged to try and try again, to learn from our failures.
But remember that non-action in this context does not mean sitting around doing nothing in resignation or fear. It means not engaging in ego-driven action. It means allowing one’s actions to be guided by inner wisdom and alignment such that action is effortless and unforced.
And as we know from the Buddha’s teaching, grasping is at the root of suffering. Impermanence is the nature of the manifested universe. Our attempts to hold onto something that is changing create a struggle that we will inevitably lose.
Thus the sage desires no desire
Does not value material treasure
Allowing all things to return to their true nature
By not presuming to act
The Chinese characters for true nature are hard to translate. Literally, they mean “self so.” They sort of mean “what is so of itself” or “what is, as it is.” This pair of characters appear throughout the Tao Te Ching and, like non-action, represent a foundational concept in this ancient wisdom teaching.
When we refrain from ego-driven action or interference, and follow our inner guidance, then what is, as it is, naturally unfolds. We no longer create suffering with futile struggles with reality. We are aligned with the universal energy that manifests through us with effortless harmony.
Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t. It is who we are. It isn’t a matter of becoming. It’s a matter of remembering.
The Tao is not about grasping, but allowing, like water. ~Wayne Dyer
When we struggle or grasp egotistically, we are no longer at peace. May we all learn to go with the flow!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Galen!
Or, to add another quote, "Don't push the river; it flows by itself"! Thanks, Martha.
DeleteSuch an interesting idea to ponder. So much of this philosophy resonates with me. Trying to keep what we don't have is the story of suffering and loss. And I've discovered that almost everything flows better when I'm in a state of gratitude for it all. Thanks, Galen. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou know more than many folks about suffering and loss, DJan. You are a model of flowing grace.
DeleteTrue that. Lessons only get remembered when applied, and that is my struggle.
ReplyDeleteGood point, CW. That is where our struggle is. Not with the concept but with the application.
DeleteYou've explained this so well, Galen. And the point about remembering to practice the allowing when we get the chance through awareness. Feeling grasping, then reminding oneself that is is a kind of painful trap for the soul. 'Grasping' is a really powerful word full of tight action and holding on. Greed and grasping go together! And that ego, what trouble it causes. I say to myself, dump the ego, it only brings suffering. When I did some reading on this, I was astonished at how true the philosophy is, so I really try to put this into practice and life is so much easier when this works!
ReplyDeleteThat is a good description of the experience of "grasping." Greed and grasping do indeed go together and both arise from fear, the fear of not having enough, and below that the fear of not surviving. I was re-reading a book by Adyashanti this morning that describes so well the emergence and nurturing of the ego as we grow up. A necessary part of this human existence, perhaps, but a source of suffering when we believe in it and seek to protect it. Thanks for commenting, Lynne.
DeleteAnother post to ponder upon a bit more. I do like the thought of not taking on ego driven action. Right now, I am working on praying for help in knowing how to minister to others and then listening for promptings and then acting upon them. I have had some very sweet experiences as I listen to the spirit and then act. Sometimes, when I don't act up on what I feel then I find I lose out on a great experience. This is following our inner guidance and acting upon it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another moment of looking at things in a different way.
Blessings and hugs!
That is a beautiful description of listening to our inner guidance. When we do, we can sense the "rightness" of our action. When we don't, we feel off our center, out of balance, and maybe regretful at a missed opportunity. Thanks for commenting, LeAnn.
Delete'...grasping is at the root of suffering...'
ReplyDeleteThis grasping, attachment or clinging to desire is what the Buddha seemed to realize was the root of our dissatisfaction in life and this is what creates mental suffering. At my age I am tempted to grasp at or become attached to the maintaining of what remains of youthful health and strength. I am going to lose. Surrender and acceptance of 'what is' is a much better approach. And as you say....
'We no longer create suffering with futile struggles with reality. We are aligned with the universal energy that manifests through us with effortless harmony.
Another great post Galen, Thanks! It reminded me once again of the need to practice non-attachment in all the many facets of life. This is a proven path to diminish suffering in a world that is rooted in suffering. Happiness is also a desire we strive and grasp at, but it is a fleeting target, its much better to find meaning in life.
Thanks for your reflections, Brian. I paused on your last paragraph. I wonder if happiness just naturally flowers when we quit grasping for it. Maybe not a happy mood all the time, but a spiritual context of joy -- our natural habitat.
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