Tao Te Ching – Verse 30
Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn’t try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself.
Category: Taoism
“Make a singular bold move for all to see. When the time is right they will follow suit. It is a time of chaos, so change is in the air.” – Today’s Reading
Make a singular bold move for all to see. When the time is right they will follow suit. It is a time of chaos, so change is in the air.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.
Try these meditations:
Meditation: LA015 780227 – To Bring Swift and Powerful Change
Meditation: NM091 – 19921110 – Self Emboldenment, Engagement, Vision
49 – Forty-Nine. Ko / Revolution
Fire ignites within the Lake, defying conditions that would deny it birth or survival:
The Superior Person reads the Signs of the Times and makes the Season apparent to all.
The support you need will come only after the deed is done.
Renewed forces, however, will provide fresh energy for exceptional progress.
Persevere.
All differences vanish.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
A revolutionary Change must be made forcibly.
There is no negotiating with the Established Order.
Perfect timing is essential.
Let the abuse of power become apparent and oppressive to those around you before making your move.
Lay the groundwork, sow the seeds for Revolution without tipping your hand prematurely.
You will need a strong foundation, because you will have to bring about this necessary change alone.
You cannot count on popular support, so you must wait until there is massive dissent.
Then the avenue for your assault will be cleared.
Nine in the fifth place means:You transform into a tiger before their eyes. The great man changes like a tiger.
Tiger camouflage |
| A tigerskin, with its highly visible black stripes on a yellow ground, shows its distinct pattern from afar. It is the same with a revolution brought about by a great man: large, clear guiding lines become visible, understandable to everyone. Therefore he need not first consult the oracle, for he wins the spontaneous support of the people. |
62 – Sixty-Two. Hsiao Kuo / Lying Low
Thunder high on the Mountain, active passivity:
The Superior Person is unsurpassed in his ability to remain small.
In a time for humility, he is supremely modest.
In a time of mourning, he uplifts with somber reverence.
In a time of want, he is resourcefully frugal.
When a bird flies too high, its song is lost.
Rather than push upward now, it is best to remain below.
This will bring surprising good fortune, if you keep to your course.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
There is no profit to striving here.
To be content with oneself is the greatest success imaginable.
The enlightened person has nothing to prove to himself or others, and thus may always operate from a position of sincerity, with no pretense or posturing.
His humility is guileless simplicity.
His mourning is selfless compassion.
His frugality is an unshakeable faith that he is but a conduit, letting what is needed flow through him to others, with no loss to himself.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 29
Do you want to improve the world?
I don’t think it can be done.
The world is sacred.
It can’t be improved.
If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it.
If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 29 – Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done.”
“What you are being liberated from is your expectations. Accept the harsh reality and find your place in it. The strength in your durability lies in your adaptability.” – Today’s Reading
What you are being liberated from is your expectations. Accept the harsh reality and find your place in it. The strength in your durability lies in your adaptability.
It pays to accept things as they are for now.
If there is nothing else to be gained, a return brings good fortune.
If there is something yet to be gained, act on it at once.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female
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Meditation: NM0336 – For Inner Strength
40 – Forty. Hsieh / Liberation
A Thunderous Cloudburst shatters the oppressive humidity:
The Superior Person knows the release in forgiveness, pardoning the faults of others and dealing gently with those who sin against him.
It pays to accept things as they are for now.
If there is nothing else to be gained, a return brings good fortune.
If there is something yet to be gained, act on it at once.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
The relief you experience here is not your own personal pardon, but the release of others from your rigid expectations.
Like a hot air balloon, you will rise to new heights as you cast the heavy sandbags of resentments and restrictions away from you.
Feel the lightness of being that results from forgiving others and accepting them as they are.
Free yourself of the endless vigil of policing the behavior of others.
See them for who they are, not what they can or can’t do for you.
Six in the third place means:
The porter carries his burden in a gilded carriage well beyond his means.
This attracts not only the resentment of his peers, but bandits as well.
Injury and humiliation ahead.
If a man carries a burden on his back
And nonetheless rides in a carriage,
He thereby encourages robbers to draw near.
Perseverance leads to humiliation.
Chinese carriage
This refers to a man who has come out of needy circumstances into comfort and freedom from want. If now, in the manner of an upstart, he tries to take his ease in comfortable surroundings that do not suit his nature, he thereby attracts robbers. If he goes on thus he is sure to bring disgrace upon himself. Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:
Carrying a burden on the back is the business of a common man; a carriage is the appurtenance of a man of rank. Now, when a common man uses the appurtenance of man of rank, robbers plot to take it away from him. If a man is insolent toward those above him and hard toward those below him, robbers plot to attack him. Carelessness in guarding things tempts thieves to steal. Sumptuous ornaments worn by a maiden are an enticement to rob her of her virtue.
|
‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, circa 1665 – 1667 – Johannes Vermeer
Mauritshuis – The Hague – Holland
32 – Thirty-Two. Hêng / Durability
Arousing Thunder and penetrating Wind.
Close companions in any storm:
The Superior Person possesses a resiliency and durability that lets him remain firmly and faithfully on course.
Such constancy deserves success.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Endurance is the key to success in this situation.
However, durability is not synonymous with stone-like rigidity.
True resilience requires a flexibility that allows adaptation to any adverse condition, while still remaining true to the core.
Can you maintain your integrity under any circumstance?
Can you influence the situation without giving opposing forces anything to resist?
Then you will endure to reach your goal.
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Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female
Tao Te Ching – Verse 28
Know the male,
yet keep to the female:
receive the world in your arms.
If you receive the world,
the Tao will never leave you
and you will be like a little child.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 28 – Know the male, yet keep to the female”
“Let go of what you have been clinging to. Give up trying to control. Seek happiness instead.” – Today’s Reading
Let go of what you have been clinging to. Give up trying to control. Seek happiness instead.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving
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Meditation: LA958 A00413 Grace My Grace Is Me! 20000413
59 – Fifty-Nine. Huan / Dissolution
Wind carries the Mists aloft:
Sage rulers dedicated their lives to serving a Higher Power and built temples that still endure.
The King approaches his temple.
Success if you stay on course.
You may cross to the far shore.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Walls meant to protect have instead separated and isolated.
Your defenses have kept you apart from those whom you most need to touch.
Whatever the reason for discord between you, it is time to lay down your arms.
Dispel the inflexible demands and fears of the Mind so that you may reunite in the Heart.
If you have begrudged, forgive.
If you have torn down, repair.
If you have injured, heal.
If you have judged, pardon.
If you have grasped, let go.
Nine in the fifth place means:He cries in pain as he sweats out this fever. His loud cries are as dissolving as sweat.
|
| In times of general dispersion and separation, a great idea provides a focal point for the organization of recovery. Just as an illness reaches its crisis in a dissolving sweat, so a great and stimulating idea is a true salvation in times of general deadlock. It gives the people a rallying point – a man in a ruling position who can dispel misunderstandings. |
19 – Nineteen. Lin / Noble Calling
The rich, loamy Earth on the banks of the Marsh provides fertile soil for exceptional progress.
The Superior Person is inexhaustible in his willingness to teach, and without limit in his tolerance and support of others.
Supreme Success if you keep to your course.
But be aware that your time is limited; your power will wane, as Summer changes to Fall.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
You are in a position to help another.
This is a temporary situation, because your power is cyclical, seasonal.
Knowing this, you must perform your good deed without hope of reward.
You are not furthering your own process, but another’s.
Though you may cherish this other, you will never possess.
Touch without grasping.
Take comfort in becoming a fond memory.
Nurture, then let go.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving
Tao Te Ching – Verse 27
A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving.
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants.
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts
and keeps his mind open to what is.
Thus the Master is available to all people
and doesn’t reject anyone.
He is ready to use all situations
and doesn’t waste anything.
This is called embodying the light. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 27 – A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving”
“You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without. Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything. What is important will emerge from the rest.” – Today’s Reading
You must contain the deluge of impressions that come from without. Rather than trying to sort everything, just include everything. What is important will emerge from the rest.
This phenomenon is no accident. We are now, and will remain, under siege by disruptors and other bad actors. Experience will show us the truth.
Try these meditations:
Meditation: LA935-980608- Connect the subconscious and intuition
Meditation: NM190-19951031-Connect Yourself to the Reality
Meditation: NM335 – A00111 Connect Up to Infinity
Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect
30 – Thirty. Li / Igniting
Fire sparks more Flames:
The Superior Person holds an inner Fire that ignites passion in every heart it touches, until all the world is enlightened and aflame.
With so searing a flame, success will not be denied you.
Take care to be as peaceful and nurturing as the cow in the meadow; you are strong enough to be gentle.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
A Promethean flame is delivering light and heat to the situation at hand.
This radiance will cause such an alchemical transformation of circumstances that the changes will seem magical, miraculous.
Yet they are only shifts of perspective and attitude that bring clarity.
The passions kindled by this fire must be harnessed and used judiciously, or they threaten to consume your hopes and dreams.
Nine at the beginning [yang at bottom] means:Meek and uncertain, he nevertheless approaches the radiance. The footprints run criss-cross.
Footprints in the sand |
| It is early morning and work begins. The mind has been closed to the outside world in sleep; now its connections with the world begin again. The traces of one’s impressions run criss-cross. Activity and haste prevail. It is important then to preserve inner composure and not to allow oneself to be swept along by the bustle of life. If one is serious and composed, he can acquire the clarity of mind needed for coming to terms with the innumerable impressions that pour in. It is precisely at the beginning that serious concentration is important, because the beginning holds the seed of all that is to follow. |
56 – Fifty-Six. Lu / The Wanderer
Fire on the Mountain, catastrophic to man, a passing annoyance to the Mountain:
The Superior Person waits for wisdom and clarity before exacting Justice, then lets no protest sway him.
Find satisfaction in small gains.
To move constantly forward is good fortune to a Wanderer.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
You are a stranger to this situation.
It is your attraction to the exotic that has led you here, but you will move on to a new vista when this one has lost its mystique.
Because much of this environment is foreign to you, you must exercise only the best judgement.
You don’t know the custom here, and it’s too easy to cross a line you don’t know is there.
Because you are the foreigner in this setting, you have no history to acquit you.
Watch, listen, study, contemplate, then step lightly but decisively on.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 26
The heavy is the root of the light.
The unmoved is the source of all movement.
Thus the Master travels all day
without leaving home.
However splendid the views,
she stays serenely in herself.
Why should the lord of the country
flit about like a fool?
If you let yourself be blown to and fro,
you lose touch with your root.
If you let restlessness move you,
you lose touch with who you are.
(translation by Stephen Mitchell, 1995)
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Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 26 – The heavy is the root of the light. The unmoved is the source of all movement.”
“The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable. Do not rely on them for guidance. Know and follow your own heart. Those who do the same will join you.” – Today’s Reading
The collective intentions of the masses are obscure and unreliable. Do not rely on them for guidance. Know and follow your own heart. Those who do the same will join you.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 – There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.
Try these meditations:
Meditation: NM327-990930 Know Your Heart
Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect
31 – Thirty-One. Hsien / Attraction
The joyous Lake is cradled by the tranquil Mountain:
The Superior Person takes great satisfaction in encouraging others along their journey.
He draws them to him with his welcoming nature and genuine interest.
Supreme success.
This course leads to marriage.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
There is no greater natural law in the Cosmos than Attraction.
From the magnetic pull of an atom’s nucleus to the centrifugal force that spirals a galaxy, the face of the universe is shaped by Attraction.
On a human scale, it is Attraction that fuels procreation and furthers our species.
Yet it is also Attraction that spawns greed and covetousness, threatening our extinction.
Attraction is the underlying force of the situation in question.
You are refined or debased by the objects of your desire.
What gravitational pull are you now under?
Around what sphere of influence do you circle?
Can you use your own ability to attract?
Six at the beginning [yin at bottom] means:He skillfully hides his excitement, but is betrayed by the twitching of his big toe. The influence shows itself in the big toe.
|
| A movement, before it is actually carried out, shows itself first in the toes. The idea of an influence is already present, but it is not immediately apparent to others. As long as the intention has no visible effect, it is of no importance to the outside world and leads neither to good nor to evil. |
49 – Forty-Nine. Ko / Revolution
Fire ignites within the Lake, defying conditions that would deny it birth or survival:
The Superior Person reads the Signs of the Times and makes the Season apparent to all.
The support you need will come only after the deed is done.
Renewed forces, however, will provide fresh energy for exceptional progress.
Persevere.
All differences vanish.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
A revolutionary Change must be made forcibly.
There is no negotiating with the Established Order.
Perfect timing is essential.
Let the abuse of power become apparent and oppressive to those around you before making your move.
Lay the groundwork, sow the seeds for Revolution without tipping your hand prematurely.
You will need a strong foundation, because you will have to bring about this necessary change alone.
You cannot count on popular support, so you must wait until there is massive dissent.
Then the avenue for your assault will be cleared.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 – There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 25
There was something formless and perfect
before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty.
Solitary. Unchanging.
Infinite. Eternally present.
It is the mother of the universe.
For lack of a better name,
I call it the Tao.
It flows through all things,
inside and outside, and returns
to the origin of all things. Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 25 – There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born.”
“As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.” – Today’s Reading
As you climb on your noble path to success, hold to your inspiration and aspiration. Forget to assess compulsively how you are doing.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm
Try these meditations:
Meditation: NM0415 – 20010910 – Karma & Dharma
Meditation: LA010 – 19780210 – Gobinda – Project to the Infinite
Meditation: TCH20 02 960722 – Increase the Power of the Infinite Within
Meditation: NM335 – A00111 Connect Up to Infinity
Meditation: KWTC-980710 – Life Is Lift To Infinity
Meditation: LA007-780117-Sadhana Yojina-To Infinity Upon Death
35 – Thirty-Five. Chin / Aspiration
The Sun shines down upon the Earth:
Constantly honing and refining his brilliance, the Superior Person is a Godsend to his people.
They repay his benevolence with a herd of horses, and he is granted audience three times in a single day.
Promotion.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
This is a time of reward for good works.
Those you have helped want to show their gratitude.
Benefits come both from on high and from the humble you uplifted.
Accept all gifts graciously, though the reward may not be what you truly need or hoped for.
Some may bestow more than they can afford to give, but you must realize that they need to feel that they have repaid you.
Six in the fifth place means:
Advancing along this path will prove rewarding if you don’t lose your focus with visions of success or failure.
Remorse disappears.
Take not gain and loss to heart.
Undertakings bring good fortune.
Everything serves to further.
Collage – Mixed Media
The situation described here is that of one who, finding himself in an influential position in a time of progress, remains gentle and reserved. He might reproach himself for lack of energy in making the most of the propitiousness of the time and obtaining all possible advantage. However, this regret passes away. He must not take either loss or gain to heart; they are minor considerations. What matters much more is the fact that in this way he has assured himself of opportunities for successful and beneficent influence.
33 – Thirty-Three. Tun / Retreat
The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven:
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.
Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.
SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Retreat in this instance is not a desperate flight in disarray, but a conscious choice to distance yourself from forces that would rob you of your peace.
It is not a surrender, but a regrouping.
Retreat from this conflict is actually an advance toward your own center.
You move toward balance, and thus a much stronger position.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm
Tao Te Ching – Verse 24
He who stands on tiptoe
doesn’t stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn’t go far.
He who tries to shine
dims his own light.
He who defines himself
can’t know who he really is.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 24 – He who stands on tiptoe doesn’t stand firm”
“Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.” – Today’s Reading
Those who cling tightly to noble principles will prevail and are worthy of your support. You may in turn share your principles far and wide.
Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates that which is correct and in line with duty. Oxhide is strong and not to be torn.
While the superior men retreat and the inferior press after them, the inferior man represented here holds on so firmly and tightly to the superior men that the latter cannot shake him off. And because he is in quest of what is right and so strong in purpose, he reaches his goal.1Thus the line confirms what is said in the Judgement:
“In what is small” – here equivalent to “in the inferior man” – “perseverance furthers.”
1. A similar idea is suggested in the story of Jacob’s battle with the angel of Peniel: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26).
Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet
Try these meditations:
Meditation & Healing Workshops at Park Slope Brooklyn May 15-16, 2015
Meditation: LA822-950201-Healing the Physical
Previous Readings:
The tranquil Mountain towers overhead, yet remains this side of Heaven: Such a retreat sweeps the path clear to Success. SITUATION ANALYSIS: Retreat in this instance is not a desperate flight in disarray, but a conscious choice to distance yourself from forces that would rob you of your peace. He lashes himself to his cause with thongs of yellow oxhide. He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. Yellow cowhide 1. A similar idea is suggested in the story of Jacob’s battle with the angel of Peniel: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26). Wind follows upon wind, wandering the earth, penetrating gently but persistently: Small, persistent, focused effort brings success. SITUATION ANALYSIS: Gentle persuasion is the key in this instance.Read the texts translated from the I Ching for today's reading
33 – Thirty-Three. Tun / Retreat
The Superior Person avoids the petty and superficial by keeping shallow men at a distance, not in anger but with dignity.
Occupy yourself with minute detail.
It is not a surrender, but a regrouping.
Retreat from this conflict is actually an advance toward your own center.
You move toward balance, and thus a much stronger position.
Six in the second place means:
No one can tear him loose.
Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates that which is correct and in line with duty. Oxhide is strong and not to be torn.
While the superior men retreat and the inferior press after them, the inferior man represented here holds on so firmly and tightly to the superior men that the latter cannot shake him off. And because he is in quest of what is right and so strong in purpose, he reaches his goal.1Thus the line confirms what is said in the Judgement:
“In what is small” – here equivalent to “in the inferior man” – “perseverance furthers.”
57 – Fifty-Seven Sun / The Penetrating Wind
The Superior Person expands his influence by reaffirming his decisions and carrying out his promises.
Seek advice from someone you respect.
Though the words are soft, their speaker must be firm, calm and confident.
Gentle words are worthless if spoken with trepidation.
Wordless influence by example is also effective in this situation.
All persuasion should be almost unfelt, yet consistent and persistent.
Ask for feedback from someone you know to be an effective persuader.
Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet
Tao Te Ching – Verse 23
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.
Continue reading “Tao Te Ching – Verse 23 – Express yourself completely, then keep quiet”
“You know the truth in your heart. It’s better to align your intentions with the truth and act on that rather than being often distracted by the lure of your compulsions. Work on that.” – Today’s Reading
You know the truth in your heart. It’s better to align your intentions with the truth and act on that rather than being often distracted by the lure of your compulsions. Work on that.
Today: “Some people waste their entire life showing off that they are somebody.” – Yogi Bhajan
Try these meditations:
Meditation: LA101 790419-Faith In Our Self And Our Own Discipline
Meditation: Release obstacles in your path
Meditation: 760422 – Balancing Projection with Intention
Previous Readings:
Thunder regenerates deep within Earth’s womb: You have passed this way before but you are not regressing. SITUATION ANALYSIS: You are about to experience a rebirth — about to be given another chance, a new lease on life. Return after return after return. Repeated return. Danger. No blame. “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”, 1907 – Pablo Picasso There are people of a certain inner instability who feel a constant urge to reverse themselves. There is danger in continually deserting the good because of uncontrolled desires, then turning back to it again because of a better resolution. However, since this does not lead to habituation in evil, a general inclination to overcome the defect is not wholly excluded. Warmth and Light are swallowed by Deep Darkness: Stay true to your course, despite the visible obstacles ahead. SITUATION ANALYSIS: This time calls for a saintly effort to turn the other cheek.Read the texts translated from the I Ching for today's reading
24 – Twenty-Four. Fu / Return
Sage rulers recognized that the end of Earth’s seasonal cycle was also the starting point of a new year and a time for dormancy.
They closed the passes at the Solstice to enforce a rest from commerce and activity.
The ruler himself did not travel.
This is progress, for the cycle now repeats itself, and this time you are aware that it truly is a cycle.
The return of old familiars is welcome.
You can be as sure of this cycle as you are that seven days bring the start of a new week.
Use this dormancy phase to plan which direction you will grow.
You have persevered, gone the distance through an entire cycle — through the Spring of hope or new passion, through a Summer of growth and building, only to be sacrificed like the archetypal Harvest King at the Autumn reaping.
You lie dormant like seed beneath Winter snows now, healing and absorbing new energies in preparation for the new young Spring coming shortly to your life.Six in the third place means:
Risky, but never a mistake.
36 – Thirty-Six Ming I / Eclipsing the Light
The Superior Person shows his brilliance by keeping it veiled among the masses.
You have been deliberately injured.
Going blow-for-blow will only escalate this war.
Abstain from vengeance.
Show all watching that you are above it.
Sidestep your aggressor’s headlong charge, giving him the opportunity to fall on his face.