| Even for those who may understand the depths of | | | | Certainly all of this must have a deeper meaning. |
| ancient Chinese thought, the term "Tao" can be a | | | | Yet as I try to explain ... I cannot find the words. |
| mystifying word. | | | | Some Thoughts about Tao Qian -- An Ancient Poet in |
| Often translated into English as "The Way", this term | | | | Search of the Way |
| has become a famous phrase that has described a | | | | Upon learning about Tao Qian it is interesting to find |
| religion, philosophy and approach for daily living. | | | | that accounts of his life have at times appeared |
| Master's of the "Tao" are however quick to point out | | | | somewhat varied. |
| that the meaning of the term may lie somewhere ... | | | | Born during the later stages of the Eastern Chin |
| beyond the meaning of ordinary words. | | | | Dynasty in Jiangsu province, Tao's family descended |
| As a term that has intrigued and inspired a tremendous | | | | into poverty after years of relative prosperity. Ironically |
| number of people, the "Tao" has been described as a | | | | much of Tao's writing focused on his desire to live a |
| universal force that circles, surrounds and flows | | | | simple, solitary life. |
| through all things ... both living and non-living alike. | | | | In his immortal quest to live in accordance with his own |
| The "Tao" controls the natural forces of the universe. | | | | unique proclivities, some scholars have described the |
| And it embodies the natural harmony of opposites | | | | illustrious Tao as a poet consumed by his love of wine |
| such as male and female, light and dark and love and | | | | and nature. Other people have focused upon his deep |
| hate. | | | | meditation and keen erudition. |
| In reference to this mysterious term, | | | | In any event it is known that Tao Qian's ventures into |
| Tao Qian,a humble Chinese poet writes.... | | | | public life were brief. |
| I made my home amidst this human rumble. | | | | Reports indicate he enjoyed work as a gentleman |
| Yet I hear no ruckus from the carts and horses. | | | | farmer as he read books and entertained guests. |
| My friend you ask ... how can this be true? | | | | And some people have called him among other things |
| I answer distant hearts will travel to like places. | | | | ... "the poet of the fields". |
| So from the eastern bush I pick chrysanthemum | | | | He once wrote "I will not break my back for five |
| flowers ... | | | | bushels of grain". |
| And look idly to the southern hills. | | | | For twenty-two years he lived in retirement before his |
| Yes, the mountain air is so beautiful both day and night. | | | | death. |
| And the birds have flown back to be together. | | | | |