| In a book of 5000 words early Chinese Philosopher | | | | apprentice about how to find themselves by lowly |
| Lao Tzu outlines a way of life. The book first written | | | | listening. The master is like a compassionate |
| about 450BC is many times translated throughout | | | | grandfather speaking from generations of experience |
| history. I find the translation by Stephen Mitchell in 1992 | | | | who helps us see things clearer. |
| resonates with me. Tao De Jing teaches the value of | | | | · Empty mind |
| "wei wu wei'' or "doing-not doing" meaning; to enter a | | | | The prerequisite to knowing is to have an empty mind, |
| state where less and less doing is necessary and the | | | | like a glass of pure water where seeing through is |
| need to act comes from the deepest levels of | | | | easy and images are clear. Every mind is crowded |
| knowing. It is contrary to our current way of life where | | | | with the agreements made with the world from the |
| we feel we must always strive to accomplish to have | | | | beginning of life. The process of living takes instruction, |
| meaning and value. When explaining the "Way" Lao | | | | relationships, and the acceptance of belief systems to |
| Tzu uses the following expressions: | | | | survive. Some things taught that appear as real are |
| · Those who know don't talk; those who talk | | | | illusion in the mind from veiled perception. |
| don't know | | | | · Mud settles |
| Anyone who is in the role of teacher has an issue with | | | | The mind could be compared to muddy water. In order |
| this phrase. How do we shut up when we know so | | | | to see clearly the mud must settle. Nothing of genuine |
| much? The possibility surfaces that maybe we do | | | | value can enter the mind until the mud settles and the |
| know everything and we need teachers to open our | | | | mind is empty and clear. |
| minds. Could it be that the mystery of life is like a dirty | | | | With the trials of the world today the challenge to be |
| window that needs washed? | | | | quiet and listen to our inner guide is difficult. I find |
| · The Master speaks | | | | reading a few verses of Lao Tzu's; Tao Te Jing each |
| In all of the Tao Te Jing the master speaks to the | | | | day helps my perspectives. |