tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11154771357761463472024-02-08T07:44:51.857-08:00Journey of a Thousand MilesDerek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-31659569738987185172011-02-27T21:44:00.000-08:002022-06-25T09:01:54.271-07:00Success and the Tao<span id="internal-source-marker_0.036552597286606314" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
Question</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Derek, the title of your new book, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Tao of Success</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, is a bit puzzling to me. Shouldn’t the Tao be more about spirituality rather than the pursuit of success?</span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Answer</span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The book addresses this question in its introduction, so the best way for me to answer is to present an excerpt from the relevant section:</span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are those who feel strongly that the Tao is diametrically opposed to the quest for lifelong success. They may have studied Eastern philosophy previously, and some of them may say, “there is no success or failure in the Tao” or “ultimately, success has no meaning” or “there is nothing to do in seeking success, because you are already successful.”</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">These expressions all seem quite profound, and yet if you delve into Chinese culture, you will discover that there are no common sayings that match them. The Chinese people are very much success-oriented. They will gladly discuss </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cheng gong zhi dao</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (the Tao of success) with you, but if you try to convince them that it is ultimately meaningless, you will only puzzle them. They may point to the parent working hard to build a family, or the kung fu master practicing rigorously for years to perfect a skill. These honorable individuals certainly do not believe they are already successful, or that they have nothing to do.</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How can this be? How can Chinese people themselves not understand the basic concept of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">wu wei</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, the essence of nonaction in the Tao? Haven’t Taoist thoughts permeated every aspect of the culture for centuries?</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The simple answer is that the Tao that is usually presented in the West is not the same as the ubiquitous Tao of the East. The version we see has been distorted by the language barrier. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wu wei</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> does not mean nonaction, and some of the teachings we end up with are more like the fortune cookie or chop suey—widely assumed to be Chinese but are in fact invented in the West.</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The truth is that there are deeper teachings of the Tao that go beyond the meaningless nature of everything. Most people never get exposed to them, so some will automatically assume that the lack of meaning must be the highest form of wisdom. In actuality, it is only the entry point.</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Tao tradition has a story that illustrates this:</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin: 0pt 22.3pt 0pt 58.3pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Once upon a time in ancient China, there was a young man who was so awestruck to learn about the emptiness of existence, he could not stop talking about it. He told anyone who would listen: “When you get to the bottom of it all, you realize nothing has any intrinsic meaning.”</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin: 0pt 22pt 0pt 58pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One day, a sage heard him discussing this topic with his friends. “Everything is meaningless,” he insisted. He challenged them to refute his statement, but his reasoning seemed so strong that no one could do it.</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin: 0pt 22pt 0pt 58pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The sage joined them and asked the young man: “Why do you suppose that is? Why is everything meaningless?”</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin: 0pt 22pt 0pt 58pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The young man said: “Why ask why? Reason is also meaningless. Perhaps there is no reason at all.”</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin: 0pt 22pt 0pt 58pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“There is always a reason,” the sage said. “Everything is meaningless because that is exactly how it should be. It has to be that way because its void is what frees you to create your own meaning. The emptiness of a vessel is what gives it usefulness. Existence is a blank slate that invites your creative contribution.”</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin: 0pt 22pt 0pt 58pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It was as if a light came on in a dark room. Everyone gained a piece of enlightenment that day. The young man also became aware that he had a lot more to learn. His path on the Tao was just beginning.</span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 22pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It is exactly the same with success. What you have here is an open invitation to create your own meaning and contribute your creativity. Make use of the emptiness and fill it with your unique, personal definition of the good life. Your path on the Tao of success is just beginning.</span></p>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-79366502534995770832011-01-09T23:38:00.000-08:002022-06-25T09:05:25.685-07:00Same Great Truth<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">
Therefore the good person
is the teacher of the bad person
The bad person is the resource of the good person
Those who do not value their teachers
And do not love their resources
Although intelligent, they are greatly confused</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">
</span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">
- Lao Tzu, <span>Tao Te Ching</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> Chapter 27 </span></span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">“I have learned silence from the talkative; tolerance from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.”
</span><i style="font-family: times new roman;"></i></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><i style="font-family: times new roman;">- </i><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Kahlil Gibran</span></span>
</div><span style="font-size: 130%;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Different minds, different cultures, different expressions</span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: 130%;"><span face="trebuchet ms,sans-serif" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span><span face="Calibri,sans-serif" style="line-height: 17px;">—</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">same great truth.</span>
</span><hr size="2" style="font-family: times new roman; height: 4px;" />Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-4788437993198865652010-07-28T11:52:00.000-07:002022-06-25T09:02:23.869-07:00Killing Plants<b>
Question
</b>
Derek, some of the people who study the Tao are vegetarians and some are not. When I ask those who are about their dietary practice, they tell me they prefer to avoid killing. I respect that, but I also think they contradict themselves, because eating plants is killing, too. You are taking life every time you eat something, whether it is meats or plants, so what's the difference? If you say the difference is suffering, well there are experiments that demonstrate plants also feel pain. Doesn't this prove that life is just life, and in the Tao there really is no distinction whatsoever?
<b>Answer
</b>
This idea, that there is no difference, has become a popular meme. It is likely to come up whenever people discuss vegetarianism, whether online or in person.
The authentic Tao is not so much about mystical vagueness as it is about practical, everyday reality, so the first point to consider is whether the idea can survive the real-world test. Compare using a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">machete</span> to hack away at vines versus puppies. Is it really the same to kill a plant as it is to kill an animal? Can you really convince yourself that there is no difference between the two?
Another angle is to ask if little kids can tell the difference. Children have not yet learned the many methods of rationalization that sophisticated adults employ on a regular basis. If they can tell the difference between killing plants and killing animals while we cannot, then chances are pretty good that we may be using philosophical sophistry to fool ourselves.
Yet another angle is to test the implications of an assertion. If there is no difference between eating plants and animals, then what about the difference between eating animals and humans? We are animals too, so whatever makes us different from cattle would be nothing compared to the difference between beef and broccoli. If everything really is the same, then can you honestly support eating meat but not give cannibalism the same enthusiastic support? Why apply different standards if life is just life and there is no distinction whatsoever?
Also, take a look at the consumption of fruits. Plants use fruits to recruit animal assistance in the hopes of spreading their seeds more widely. Can one really claim that the eating fruits hurts fruit trees? Where is the killing there, exactly? And what about the consumption of leaves?
Lastly, let us address the assertion that plants feel pain. What the experiments actually show is that plants have reactions to external stimuli that are imperceptible to our senses but can be measured by our instruments. Thus, we cannot say that the plants are completely oblivious to being cut down just because we don't hear any screaming. At the same time, we also cannot say that the reactions of plants are the same as the physical pain of animals. It is a stretch to equate the two, and the more one understands the central nervous system and the lack thereof in plants, the more of a stretch it becomes.
The foundation of the Tao paradigm is learning from the patterns we observe. Therefore, we should be wary of accepting assertions blindly, no matter how commonplace such assertions may be. Instead, we should engage the mind in making our own <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">observations</span>, extracting wisdom from the lessons we learn, and remaining truthful to ourselves in the Tao.Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-81867140924912885902010-04-12T16:59:00.000-07:002022-06-25T09:02:33.889-07:00The Sage Has No Goals?<b>
Question
</b>
Derek, I love the line in the Tao Te Ching that says, "Because he has no goal in mind, everything he does succeeds." Can you expand on this wisdom, and give us some thoughts on how we can let go of goals?
<b>Answer
</b>
Many people express a liking for this idea, and talk about how it is radically different from the Western mindset of endless goal-setting and tiresome to-do lists. However, the truth is that this line is a mistranslation that bears little resemblance to the original Chinese. The idea agrees with how people imagine Eastern philosophy to be, but not what it actually is.
The line comes from a popular translation of chapter 22, and is the last of four lines describing a Tao sage:
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><i>Because he doesn't display himself,
people can see his light.
Because he has nothing to prove,
people can trust his words.
Because he doesn't know who he is,
people recognize themselves in him.
Because he has no goal in mind,
everything he does succeeds.</i></p>They are supposed to match the following four lines from the original Chinese:
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-family: ";">不自見故明
不自是故彰
不自伐故有功
不自矜故長</span></p>The abovementioned English version shifts the order around and moves the fourth line to the second position, but even when you take this into account, the translation still fails. The first translated line corresponds with the original, but the other three do not. The original does not speak of goals, success, trust, recognition, or knowing oneself at all. Instead, all four lines describe how a sages does not show off or brag, and therefore becomes well known and enjoys an excellent reputation. Here is what they actually say:
<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><i>Without flaunting themselves – and so are seen clearly
Without presuming themselves – and so are distinguished
Without praising themselves – and so have merit
Without boasting about themselves – and so are lasting
</i></div>
The line that says "Without praising themselves – and so have merit" is the one that has been mistranslated as "Because he has no goal in mind, everything he does succeeds." The translator, knowing virtually no Chinese, mistakenly uses "goal" for "praise" and "success" for "merit." The result is a sentence that is not even close to the original in meaning, but by a quirk of fate has become embraced by some Western readers.
The larger, more important issue here is that there are no teachings in the Tao tradition that speak against setting goals. Quite the opposite. For instance, Lao Tzu's journey of a thousand miles and tower of nine levels are both metaphors for great goals that require long, sustained work. Chuang Tzu's flight of the giant Peng bird is also a metaphor for an ambitious, awe-inspiring goal. These sages not only want us to have goals, but also encourage us to think big.
If asked about letting go of goals, they would probably point out the paradox that the goal of letting go of goals is itself a goal. Goal-setting is just another tool that we can use to get what we want from life, neither positive nor negative by itself, so there is not much more to it than using the tool in a skillful way. Goals need not be the annoying burdens or traps as some seem to believe... so there is nothing we have to do to "free" ourselves from them.Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-24052310870170883882009-08-15T19:38:00.000-07:002022-06-25T09:05:40.623-07:00Having More<span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Times New Roman',sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><div>
</div>Recently, I chatted with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. He was an entrepreneur, so I asked him about his business.
"It's doing extremely well." He perked up: "We are growing, and I am hiring more people while my competitors are downsizing."
"That is great news," I congratulated him. "It must be satisfying to run a successful company, especially in this economy."
"Well... believe it or not, it's quite the opposite." He winced: "At the moment I am actually feeling more frustration than satisfaction."
"Why?" I was curious: "What can be so frustrating about a company that is doing well?"
"It's not so much the company but the people in it - my employees!" He explained: "The thing that really bugs me is seeing them do so little with their lives. I'm always looking to better myself by reading books and learning more about business. They go home and vegetate in front of the TV, or they go out partying</span><span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and get drunk. Where they are today is exactly where they were when I hired them years ago. They have not advanced themselves in any way. It's such a waste of time and potential."
"What makes them that way?" I asked: "What do they lack so that they end up wasting time and potential?"
He paused for a moment. "Motivation perhaps. Or, maybe they just don't realize that life is short and we have to make the most of what we have."
"We can call that clarity, in the sense that they are not seeing the finite duration of life clearly."
"Yes, that would be accurate," he nodded. "They don't have enough motivation and clarity, and that is why they waste their time and potential. Is there a Tao teaching that will help me not feel so frustrated with them?"
"There is - the same teaching as the one for people who are highly intelligent, and become arrogant or impatient with those who are not as smart as they are."
He was puzzled: "Isn't that humility? I don't see the connection at all."
"Take a look at chapter 2 of the Tao Te Ching." I pointed out the relevant passage to him:
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Long and short reveal each other</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">High and low support each other</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
"I remember your lecture on this," he searched his memory. "You said it was about things being relative to one another, and how every description gave rise to its opposite, like the complementary pair of yin and yang."
"Excellent!" I encouraged him: "Now apply that concept to what you just described. If some of your employees have less motivation and clarity, it must mean that you have more."
"Sure, that makes sense."
"If it were the other way around - they have more and you have less, then it may be that your situation today would be the exact opposite. You may be working for them instead of them working for you, and they may be feeling frustrated with you right now about your lack of motivation and clarity."
"Yes... that makes sense also."
"So how is it that you have more and they have less?" I asked. "We don't get to decide how much talent we should receive before being born. If we have more of a particular thing, it is only because we were given more of it, whatever it is. Thus, having more is essentially an arbitrary stroke of luck."
"Interesting," he turned the concept over in his mind. "I guess I've never thought of it that way."
"What this means is that when you have more of a good thing and others have less, the Tao perspective is not that you should feel arrogant because you are superior to them, nor frustrated because you are impatient with them. Rather, the idea is to recognize your abundance as the perfect reason to feel grateful. You were never entitled to more, and yet you ended up with more. Is this not the most remarkable good fortune for which we should feel the utmost gratitude?"
My friend sat stunned. "I guess I've never thought of it that way either," he shook his head in amazement. "Wow!"</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Once explained, this teaching seems so simple and obvious, and yet we may never realize it on our own without guidance. This is why we see so many people out there feeling negative emotions against others. They suffer from their negativity because they have never learned to always look at it from the perspective of the Tao. That perspective has the power to transform annoyance into appreciation in an instant!
</span></div></span>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-56034636169601812802009-05-10T21:59:00.000-07:002022-06-25T09:05:52.847-07:00Human Being or Human Doing?<b>
Question
</b>
Derek, last week I heard a spiritual guru say: "Remember, you are a human being, not a human doing. This is the highest wisdom of the Tao."
I thought this was good advice, but I did not know it was a Tao expression. I did some research, but was unable to find any references to it in Tao literature. Can you help me get more information?
<b>Answer</b>
The expression itself does not come from Tao teachings or Chinese culture. The wordplay on "human being" is specific to the English language. It is one of the many lines in the repertoire of motivational speakers, similar to "Luck means Living Under Correct Knowledge" and "the best way to handle procrastination is to put it off."
The meaning of the expression, of course, is that we are often too stressed out by the many things we think we have to do. We need to take a step back from all the frantic doing and spend a moment just being. We can simply be in many different ways: meditation, prayer, or just a quiet moment alone.
The closest match to this idea in Tao teachings is <i>wu wei</i>, which some have translated as "non-action" but is actually closer to "minimal action" or "unattached action." The concept is not that we should not do anything at all, but that we can often achieve more by doing less when our actions are in alignment with the Tao.
Does this match with <i>wu wei</i> mean that the idea behind "human being, not human doing" is indeed the highest wisdom of the Tao, as the guru claims? No, not quite. It is good advice (as you have noted) that can get people to realize that they are rushing around unnecessarily. As such, it is an excellent tonic for our busy modern lives, but it is only a basic concept from the Tao perspective.
What, then, would be the highest wisdom of the Tao? In order to explore this question, we should realize that either-or choices are often illusory. That is certainly the case here, because it is much more accurate to say you are <i>both</i> a human being and a human doing. You embody not only the states of being but also the dynamics of action. There is no need to deny either.
Consider these two aspects as a manifestation of yin and yang within you. They are complements that support one another. The "being" part of life - relaxing, resting, recuperating - is the yin that recharges your batteries for yang, the "doing" part. Conversely, after an honest day's work, the good job you have done gives you the satisfaction and peace of mind to fully enjoy being together with friends and loved ones. The two give rise to one another and need to be kept in balance.
In this respect, the sages follow nature. They see the patterns of nature where activities such as wind and rain are invariably followed by calmness. They also see that calmness, just like activities, cannot last forever either. The two alternate back and forth. In emulation of this, the sages see both "being" and "doing" in themselves. They are capable of stillness and silence, but just as the ocean cannot always be at peace and the lake cannot always be placid, they are also capable of diligent work and meaningful actions.
Just as the sages emulate nature, we can emulate their wisdom. Next time you hear someone say "human being, not human doing," give yourself a little smile. You understand the basic level of the Tao is that one should slow down and take a pause that refreshes. At the same time, you also understand the higher level where you can embrace being <i>and</i> doing. When it comes to life, both are essential!Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-7589023797668367482008-09-12T12:52:00.000-07:002008-09-12T12:56:21.988-07:00The Tao Follows Nature<b style=""><br />Question</b>: Derek, what is the real meaning of <i style="">dao fa zi ran</i>? The translation I have says "the Tao follows itself." Is this correct?<o:p> </o:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Answer</b>: This is an important phrase that comes from chapter 25 of the Tao Te Ching. Let's take a closer look at its four characters.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Dao</i> is the new romanization for the Tao. <i style="">Fa</i> has multiple definitions, but in this context it means to follow or to model after. Put these two together and we can see that the first half of your translation is correct.<o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Zi ran</i> means nature or natural. Therefore, <i style="">dao fa zi ran</i> means "the Tao follows nature." We can express this in different ways and still remain faithful to the original: the Tao follows the laws of nature; the Tao follows that which is natural; the method of the Tao is natural, etc.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some choose to analyze <i style="">zi ran</i> as two separate characters. <i style="">Zi</i> means self and <i style="">ran</i> means correct, or "just so." This leads them to the explanation that naturalness in the Tao means "of itself so." It also leads to the translation that the Tao follows itself.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Many translators accept this, but is it what the original really says? It turns out that analyzing the characters separately may not be necessary at all. In addition to chapter 25, the Tao Te Ching also uses <i style="">zi ran</i> in chapters 17, 23, 51, and 64. In each usage, the context is always nature or natural, and never "of itself so." There is no particular reason why chapter 25 should be an exception to the rule.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Simplicity is treasured in the Tao. "The Tao follows nature" is simpler because it requires only the basic definition of <i style="">zi ran</i>. It is also more meaningful. The phrase tells us that the functioning of the Tao must always be consistent with natural laws and universal principles. Miracles in the Tao are not impossibilities resulting from supernatural intervention. Instead, they are achievements within reach of human beings who understand how to work with nature rather than against it.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>The last four lines of chapter 25 are as follows:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><i style="">Humans follow the laws of Earth<o:p></o:p><br />Earth follows the laws of Heaven<o:p></o:p><br />Heaven follows the laws of Tao<o:p></o:p><br />Tao follows the laws of nature<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Once we understand Lao Tzu's message, it should become obvious why "the Tao follows iteself" is only a shadow of the real teaching. When we refrain from making things too complicated, we see a clearer image of the Tao - one that also happens to be more practical and applicable to everyday living!</p>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-49478201913295631512008-09-05T12:04:00.000-07:002008-09-12T12:51:05.029-07:00 <h1 id="k008"><font size="3">Translation Differences</h1> <p id="k0082" class="MsoNormal"><b id="k0083"><font size="3">Question</font></b><font size="3">: Derek, I noticed your translation of the Tao Te Ching has significant differences from other versions. As I study further, I begin to see the underlying truth in your approach, which leads me to suspect that others may be somewhat flawed. Is this a common occurrence? If so, why? Is it because other translators believe differently and let bias get into the work?</p> <p id="k0087" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <p id="k00810" class="MsoNormal"><b id="k00811"><font size="3">Answer</font></b><font size="3">: That's certainly possible. We're all human beings, and probably one of the toughest things for any of us is to just be aware that we have blind spots - never mind actually looking into them, and overcoming the "blindness" in one's thinking.</p> <p id="k00815" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <p id="k00818" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3">If we survey existing translations, we can see some examples where personal beliefs may have been mixed in with the work:</p> <p id="k00821" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <ol id="k00824" style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li id="k00825" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3">The translator has studied the concept that everything in the world is ultimately meaningless. This gets weaved into the translation as well as the commentary whenever Lao Tzu talks about emptiness. However, the lack of meaning in everything has never been part of Taoism. It actually comes from the philosophy of nihilism.</ol> <p id="k00828" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <ol id="k00831" style="margin-top: 0in;" start="2" type="1"><li id="k00832" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3">The translator believes everyone is already enlightened and everything is already perfect, so there is nothing to do. Therefore, the concept of unattached action, </font><i id="k00834">wu wei</i><font size="3">, becomes distorted as non-action. This misconception may have come from depictions of Asian spirituality in movies; certainly it has embedded itself into the popular consciousness.</ol> <p id="k00836" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <ol id="k00839" style="margin-top: 0in;" start="3" type="1"><li id="k00840" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3">The translator may be a staunch supporter of women's rights, and intentionally uses female pronouns "she" and "her" in the translation. This may appeal to some readers, but masks the fact that in the original Chinese, words like "sage" and "ruler" are completely gender-neutral. Forcing a feminist position into the translation is contrived and unnecessary. The Tao Te Ching itself is already the ultimate statement on feminism.</ol> <p id="k00843" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <ol id="k00846" style="margin-top: 0in;" start="4" type="1"><li id="k00847" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3">The translator likes the notion of spiritual evolution, and uses it in the translation whenever possible. Thus, the characters for sage, </font><i id="k00849">shen ren</i><font size="3"> (literally a divinely wise person), are rendered as "evolved individual" even though the term says nothing about any kind of evolution. It is an addition that is solely based on personal preconception.</ol> <p id="k00851" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <p id="k00854" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3">Of course, words can never completely describe the Tao, and no translation is perfect. As a native speaker of both Chinese and English, I may be more aware of this than most, since I know not only the overall meaning that can be translated, but also the subtle nuances that cannot. This, however, does not mean we should give up the attempt to translate accurately, and one way to increase accuracy is to eliminate as much personal bias as possible.</p> <p id="k00857" class="MsoNormal"> </p></p> <p id="k00860" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3">Until we are able to get closer to the ideal of accuracy, I still recommend reading multiple translations and let your instincts guide you toward the meaning that resonates with you. Although words are imprecise and imperfect, I believe anyone who spends the time to experience the Tao will be able to sense truth from untruth. Anyone who invests the effort to apply the Tao will be able to reach through the distortions to touch the real essence. In the final analysis, none of the flaws and biases really matter - and that's the beauty of it!</p> <br>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-60782968735582951152008-07-14T12:29:00.000-07:002008-09-12T12:51:05.045-07:00 <div id="u:j6" style="text-align: center;"><b id="x9nt">Thank You!</b></div><div id="cdbv" style="padding: 1em 0pt; text-align: center;"><div id="jknc" style="padding: 1em 0pt; text-align: center;"><img id="g-:a0" style="width: 216px; height: 157px;" src="http://docs.google.com/File?id=ajfzfzghph3n_189frvvbrgg_b"></div></div>It's official! <i id="a7d-">The Tao of Daily Life</i> has won the Best Books Award in the Spirituality / Alternative Science category from the Coalition of Visionary Resources. This was announced at the awards banquet of the 2008 International New Age Trade Show in Denver, Colorado:<br id="g8:v"> <br id="m:_t0"><div id="g8:v0" style="text-align: center;"><a title="Announcement on COVR Web Site" target="_blank" href="http://www.covr.net/2008awards/08book_spiritaltsc.htm" id="c01.">Announcement from COVR Web Site</a> <br id="e4ro1"></div> <br id="g8:v1">I would like to express my gratitude to both COVR and INAT for this great honor. I would also like to thank Joel Fotino, Brian Tart, Sarah Carder, Sarah Litt and everyone else at Penguin / Tarcher who worked tirelessly to turn this book into reality; and of course I must thank Peter and Sandra Riva, literary agents extraordinaire who believed in the book and worked with me every step of the way; and most of all the readers from every corner of the world who supported the message of the Tao even before this book was published. You have made this possible. Thank you!<br id="q21v"><br id="x9nt2"> Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-28492589182993744942008-07-06T07:39:00.000-07:002008-07-14T12:32:24.729-07:00<b id="jx9k">Accept Reality or Create Reality?</b><br id="jx9k0"><br id="jx9k1"><b id="jx9k2">Question</b>: Derek, you say Tao cultivators accept reality as it is to avoid the pain and trouble of unrealistic expectations... but then in the following paragraph, you say we are ultimately responsible for creating our own reality. So which is it? Acceptance of reality, or creation of reality?<br id="d6np"><br id="d6np0"><b id="pn7w">Answer</b>: Great question! Tao cultivators both accept and create reality. This may sound like a paradox, but it really isn't.<br id="pn7w0"><br id="pn7w1">Accepting reality in this context does not imply not wanting to change anything. It means, at any given moment, we accept everything exactly as they are.<br id="pn7w2"> <br id="pn7w3">This may not sound like much, but think about the people who rail against the way things are. They complain bitterly. They wish things can be different. They regret having done something or having neglected to do something. They rage against fate. Thus, they experience bitterness, remorse, resentment and anger. These destructive emotions rob us of the ability to see things clearly, and therefore plan and implement meaningful changes. They are also expenditures of valuable mental energies which can be better directed to more constructive ends.<br id="pn7w4"> <br id="pn7w5">Therefore, acceptance of reality means you accept that what's done is done as of this point in time. Our good experiences are blessings for which we are grateful. The bad experiences are lesssons we can learn from, so they are also something to appreciate. We recognize that since none of us can travel back in time to change what has already taken place, we may as well make our peace with the universe, and realize that up until this moment, everything has proceeded exactly as it was meant to, and the result is the totality of our present being.<br id="pn7w6"> <br id="pn7w7">Then, from this mindset of calmness and composure, we can contemplate the next series of questions:<br id="kc3v"><br id="kc3v0"><ul id="e3y90"><li id="kc3v2">How should my reality be from this moment on?</li><li id="xyhh">What kind of reality in my future would give me the most fulfillment and satisfaction?</li><li id="e3y91">What exactly do I want my reality to be, if I can create whatever I want?</li><li id="a_m3">What will I attempt to achieve, if I know I cannot fail?<br id="a_m30"></li></ul><br id="pn7w9">Once you have developed fairly good ideas about the above, it's time to think about actively participating in the business of living so you can move closer to your vision. It's time to contemplate actions and changes. Cultivators of the authentic Tao realize that existence is all about the constancy of change, so wanting to make changes isn't "going against nature." Changes will occur - that is an ironclad given we have learned from Tao teachings. The only question is, will they be changes coming from us, or from random external factors?<br id="pn7w10"> <br id="pn7w11">If this leads you to making a mindful decision to take charge of your destiny, then you are ready to consider the most important question of all: What can I do to direct my destiny along the right path?<br id="fe7u"><br id="fe7u0">When you arrive at this point, you have owned up to your ultimate responsibility to create your reality. You have, essentially, set foot on the Tao that stretches ahead of you into eternity.<br id="bknp0"><br id="jx9k9"> Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-54645764797380913382008-06-30T20:46:00.000-07:002008-09-12T12:51:05.060-07:00<b id="v9vc">Book Signing</b><br id="v9vc0"><br id="v9vc1">The next book signing is coming right up. If you are not too far away from North Hollywood, I would love to meet you in person. See you there!<br id="v9vc2"><br id="v9vc3">Time: Saturday, July 26, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.<br id="u.v40">Place: Many Paths Bookstore in North Hollywood<br id="alcp"><br id="u.v42"><a title="Book Signing Info" target="_blank" href="http://taoism.net/books/booksigning2.htm" id="wbvq">Book Signing Info</a> <br id="w7yw"> <br id="khvt">Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-90040434341957379772008-04-21T17:08:00.000-07:002008-05-26T22:33:43.333-07:00 <font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" id="p7yy" size="3"><span id="ivfh"><b id="bffd">Debate</b></span><br style="font-weight: bold;" id="c2yb"><br id="xlry"></font> <p id="ck6t" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"> <font id="erue" size="3"><b id="ic0r">Question</b> : Derek, you have "Those who are good do not debate / Those who debate are not good" in your translation of chapter 81. Are you sure "debate" is the right word? I do not see debate as a bad thing. Historically, rigorous debates have always been the basis of our scientific advances as well as our democracy. Other translations use "argue" instead of "debate." Wouldn't that be more correct?</font></p> <p id="s_d3" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="lb_d" size="3"><br id="aq3-"></font> </p> <p id="l-m_" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="nr.n" size="3"><b id="lrqn">Answer</b>: The Chinese character in the original text is <i id="ina3">bian</i>, which has a meaning that is much closer to "debate" than anything else. To those who study the Tao Te Ching from the Chinese cultural perspective, Lao Tzu's position against debates comes as no surprise, because it is consistent with his overall objection against too much reliance on intellectuality. It is also perfectly consistent with traditional Asian cultures that emphasize the importance of harmony.</font></p> <p id="q.5l" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="xkic" size="3"><br id="dd:l"></font> </p> <p id="pdsc" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="h8nk" size="3">By comparison, Western cultures have more affinity to conflict. Perhaps this is why the usage of "debate" doesn't seem right to you. Perhaps it is also why some translators use "argue" instead - their thinking may be similar to yours, so they choose to soften Lao Tzu's position against debates, thereby distorting the original meaning.</font></p> <p id="v-xa" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="hki." size="3"><br id="ou4o"></font> </p> <p id="ng.d" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="qhqe" size="3">In theory, debates seem like they can be a very constructive thing. However, when Tao sages observe personal debates in practical, everyday reality, they notice much more harmful effects. Instead of achieving consensus, both sides become ever more entrenched in their beliefs. The participants expend a tremendous amount of effort, but accomplish no particularly useful results.</font></p> <p id="qrn:" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="a84o" size="3"><br id="yfa2"></font> </p> <p id="vsb9" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="c3mg" size="3">This is usually how things work because we are human as opposed to perfectly rational beings. In a debate, we tend to become defensive, mocking, and combative. Ego rears its head and clouds our judgement. In order to win, we'll do anything - cut the opponents off in mid-sentence, twist their words, manipulate the facts... anything at all. Thus, far from helping us improve ourselves, debates only seem to bring out the worst in us.</font></p> <p id="eud6" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="actm" size="3"><br id="fnqr"></font> </p> <p id="hhcg" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="e2ls" size="3">Generally speaking, when people get together in a meeting, their interactions range from discussion to argument. Debate is between the two in this scale, and represents the starting point of the downward spiral. This means things start to go wrong as soon as people transition from discussion to debate. If they fail to do something to reverse course, the debate is likely to degenerate into an all-out argument. At that point, they can forget about making any meaningful progress.</font></p> <p id="n1n6" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="g5s4" size="3"><br id="u60b"></font> </p> <p id="wodz" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="rmga" size="3">This is a pattern that is persistent and pervasive in any culture. Recognizing this clearly, Tao cultivators always prefer discussions to debates. After all, how good can they be in the skill of living the effortless and joyous life, if they let themselves be dragged into a shouting match?</font></p> <p id="i4l:" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="c8.d" size="3"><br id="uk10">Let's keep chapter 81 in mind when we talk to others. Be careful of discussions that begin to feel like a debate. The moment we detect this happening, let's stop immediately and review the situation. Will an adversarial exchange really result in anything good for anyone? Is winning the argument worth the sacrifice of harmony? Lao Tzu tells us the answer is a resounding no... and he is absolutely right!</font></p> <p id="w21o" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Times New Roman;"><font id="rch2" size="3"><br id="o0ug"></font> </p> <font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" id="uuoh" size="3"><br id="x83g"></font> Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-76898587287764662932008-04-17T17:22:00.000-07:002008-04-19T16:33:37.857-07:00 <span id="kn3y"><b id="hsdr">Friends</b></span><br id="kb4x"><br id="kub7"><span id="np2w"><b id="u2ei">Question</b></span>: Hello Derek! I began studying the Tao last year when I received your translation for my birthday. It's like a whole new world opening up, so I want to thank you for that. I have a question for you, and it's about my friends. Recently, whenever I get together with them, I keep finding that my interests, outlook on life, and aspirations are becoming more and more different from theirs. I feel as if I am drifting away from them, or perhaps they are drifting away from me. I have known them for many years and value their friendship, but now I sense some discomfort on their part, as if a wall has gone up between us. What should I do? Is there anything I can do?<br id="spn9"><br id="dcs4"><span id="yefu"><b id="l313">Answer</b></span>: Over the years I have seen many people go through the same thing you are experiencing. At some point, they made a personal decision to uplift themselves, but their friends continue on the same trajectory as before. At first, nothing seems out of place, but as time goes on, these different paths diverge more and more. Former buddies end up with less and less in common, and become more and more distant from one another.<br id="y48s"><br id="tzvy">It's important to recognize that they haven't changed. You are the one who has changed. Because of your self-cultivation, you have started to develop spiritually. You are starting to experience soul growth. The friendship can go back to the way it used to be if you go back to the way you used to be, but if you are like the others I have observed, you won't be able to do that. Once a mind has been expanded, it is impossible for it to return to its previous, more limited dimensions.<br id="m7my"><br id="eek_">What is the solution? Is there a solution? I would suggest that the discomfort you sense is something you can address. You will find openness and communication to be the best tools for you in this situation. They probably won't bring up the topic, so you'll have to take the initiative. Find an appropriate opportunity to have a heart-to-heart conversation. If you aren't sure what to say, here are my suggestions:<br id="j68i"><br id="cenz">1) First, bring illumination. Shine a light on the issue. Let them know you are aware of the discomfort. Tell them you are not oblivious to the gap that has been widening. They will probably be relieved. They may say, "Wow, I thought it was me!" or "Thank God someone finally says what we've all been thinking!" or "I thought I was imaging things and, you know, didn't want to make a big deal out of it."<br id="b80n"><br id="ewo8">2) Explain your path. They may think you are a little crazy (especially if they know you well), so let them know you haven't actually lost your mind. Assure them it is something you've thought about carefully and deliberately. Explain that it isn't a phase you are going through, and it isn't something that will pass. Talk about the benefits you have experienced, but be careful - you don't want to make this a recruitment drive. Stick to the facts, clarify your position, and don't try to convert anyone.<br id="pp2q"><br id="jl_c">3) Be clear about the implications of your decision. As a result of your evolving values, priorities and goals, you'll be allocating your time differently in the future. While you have no wish to give up your friends, you may need to make adjustments in your schedule, and not have as much time for them as before, or you may wish to participate in activities that hold little interest for them. Ask for their understanding. If they value you as much as you value them, then there is no question that they will extend their support. Even if they cannot follow you on your journey, even if they do not fully understand your reasons, they can still help you and encourage you.<br id="k8:3"><br id="a:2j">Your clarity and insights into this matter may make them curious about the Tao. Some of them may want to learn more. If so, gladly share the information you have, but again, be careful not to become overly enthusiastic. Forcing your ideas on anyone would be contrary to the Tao. Your detachment in this case may even pique their interest. They may decide to tag along with you, just to see what it's all about. If so, then your divergent paths will begin to converge back together.<br id="njr9"><br id="v0wr">No matter what they decide, one thing is for certain: if you follow the Tao correctly, then as you continue your cultivation, you will encounter more and more kindred spirits. Their connection with you will inspire you to greater heights of personal development. Right now, you may be at a crossroads in your life, but it is not a bad thing at all. It is an opportunity where you have the possibility to bring your friends along, as well as the prospects of making new friends down the road. Both are exciting things to look forward to. Although you may feel a bit troubled at the moment, I can guarantee that years from now you'll look back and realize that this is actually the beginning of something great. Start thinking about how to approach your friends... and good luck!<br id="hx:o"><br id="ffup">Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-6738716942029541762008-04-04T19:03:00.000-07:002008-04-17T17:22:29.068-07:00 <span id="bb8m"><b id="v15u">Goals</b></span><b id="q6sn"><br id="rzbm"><br id="np-5">Question</b>: Derek, I would like to get your thoughts on goals from the Tao perspective. I've been told that the Tao Te Ching teaches us to let go of goals and allow everything to proceed naturally. My problem is that I have always set and achieved goals all my life, so I'm not sure how to do without them. Can you give me some tips? <p id="s2r1" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p id="mc70" class="MsoNormal"><b id="ec:1">Answer</b>: This may surprise you, but you do not need to give up any of your goals. What you've been told may sound like something from the Tao Te Ching, but if you actually study the text, you'll see that Lao Tzu has nothing against goals.</p> <p id="xl7o" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p id="le2z" class="MsoNormal">For instance, in chapter 63, Lao Tzu tells us that handling many small and simple tasks will, over time, add up to the completion of a huge, seemingly impossible task. The lesson here is all about achieving goals, not doing without them.</p> <p id="dd7o" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p id="a_.l" class="MsoNormal">This becomes even clearer in chapter 64, where Lao Tzu talks about the journey of a thousand miles and the tower of nine levels. Reaching the destination of the jouney and completing the construction of the tower are both goals, and the best way to achieving them is a little bit at a time. Tao cultivators who really understand this are powerful individuals indeed, because to them no tasks are too big or too difficult. They have the ability to turn their dreams and grand visions into reality.</p> <p id="f673" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p id="vwtb" class="MsoNormal">This idea that we have to let go of goals probably comes from a misunderstanding. In authentic teachings of the Tao, we learn that if we become too attached to a goal, we can trip over ourselves and sabotage our own progress. Therefore, it would be best for us to let go of any obsessions or expectations about the end result. We should direct our focus and awareness to the process at hand, so we can enjoy the journey in the present moment. This allows the task to proceed naturally to completion.</p><p id="vwtb" class="MsoNormal">When we understand this teaching clearly, we can see that goals are very much part of the Tao, so there is no need to let go of them. We can use them skillfully for our benefit. We can also see that the Tao Te Ching is actually a manual for living life -- with clear instructions on how to achieve success. The Chinese have known this for centuries; we in the West are now beginning to figure it out for ourselves.</p><p id="vwtb" class="MsoNormal"><br id="eqcf"></p>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-39409566042604388512008-04-02T22:19:00.000-07:002008-09-12T12:51:05.095-07:00 <p id="rdku" class="MsoNormal"><b id="hpfd">Emulate the Tao</b></p> <p id="pee8" class="MsoNormal"> </p><span id="s3al" class="plogBodyText"><p id="sodi"><b id="og5h">Question</b>: Derek, Tao Te Ching chapter 4 says that the Tao blunts the sharpness, unravels the knots, dims the glare, and mixes the dust. Does the idea that we should emulate the Tao apply in this case? If so, how?</p> <p id="yc_-"> </p> <p id="oxzy"><b id="p2x:">Answer</b>: Yes, we emulate the Tao. Exactly how we can do that may be a bit puzzling at first, but keep in mind that the macrocosm of the Tao is reflected in individual human beings. The descriptions from chapter 4 refer to the eternal nature of the Tao at the macroscopic level. At the same time, they are also life lessons to us at the personal level.</p> <p id="oe67"> </p> <p id="hkxq">To blunt the sharpness means being careful in what we say to others. Words can carry a sharp edge, and sometimes we say things that hurt others without meaning to. The wise cultivator of the Tao is someone who uses words in skillful and gentle ways.</p> <p id="btm4"> </p> <p id="p10e">Knots represent complexity. To unravel the knots means to reduce complexity. Those in tune with the Tao always seek to simplify life as much as possible. Living this way means freedom from clutter and greater peace of mind.</p> <p id="xozb"> </p> <p id="w6st">Glare in this context means mental brilliance. To dim this glare means not display or flaunt one's intelligence. People who understand the Tao tend to be very intelligent, but they are also low-key and do not wish to draw attention to themselves. They are secure in their self-knowledge, and therefore have no need to show off.</p> <p id="pk2l"> </p> <p id="d_0l">Dust is an often-used metaphor for the material world. To mix with dust means to participate fully in the worldly affairs of human society. Real cultivators of the Tao do not run away from civilization in order to live like a hermit in remote wilderness. Instead, they learn from social interactions, and measure their progress by how well they handle everyday life with other human beings.</p></span>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-78026506193449049652008-03-23T07:43:00.000-07:002008-09-12T12:51:05.123-07:00<B id=wm6.>Free Books for Prisoners</B><BR id=qzm4><BR id=jgh.><B id=lfbl>Question</B>: Derek, I understand you donate copies of your Tao Te Ching translation to prisoners, and I have a friend who is currently incarcerated. I believe he can benefit from your writing, but as much as I like your translation, I think he would be more receptive to your stories. Do you have a similar program of donation for your other book, <I id=n0qh>The Tao of Daily Life</I>?<BR id=j16q><BR id=nkfe><B id=w-ar>Answer</B>: Yes, I do indeed give away both <I id=g.s9>Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained</I> and <I id=mfnk>The Tao of Daily Life</I>. The terms are exactly the same for both in that there is absolutely no charge - I will pay for the books as well as the shipping costs. If you are interested, you can visit the following links for more information:<BR id=c:2h><BR id=wgps><A id=j8.v title="Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained - Free Books for Prisoners" href="http://www.taoism.net/ttc/bookinfo/freebooks.htm" target=_blank><I id=jjkt>Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained</I> - Free Books for Prisoners</A> <BR id=bedg><BR id=mu3e><A id=bl:o title="The Tao of Daily Life - Free Books for Prisoners" href="http://www.taoism.net/dailylife/freebooks.htm" target=_blank><I id=fx1q>The Tao of Daily Life</I> - Free Books for Prisoners</A> <BR id=mppx><BR id=ix8t><BR id=dve2><BR id=uzto><BR id=e-xf><BR id=uwcb>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-11070271655460601652008-03-14T20:32:00.000-07:002008-03-14T20:36:22.450-07:00<p><b>Ancestor Worship</b></p><p></p><p><b>Quesiton:</b> Derek, I have always been under the impression that Chinese people practice ancestor worship, but recently a friend from Asia tells me that "worship" isn't really the right word. Can you explain this to me? Also, what is the relationship, if any, between ancestor worship and the Tao?</p><p></p><p><b>Ancestor:</b> Your friend is correct, in that what the Chinese people actually do is express gratitude and commemorate the past in a ritualistic way. The ancestors are not being worshipped in a religious sense, so the term "ancestor worship" can give the wrong impression.</p><p></p><p>The true essence of the Chinese practice is very much connected to the Tao. Someone who cultivates the Tao appreciates everything that has taken place in order for the present moment to be exactly what it is. This appreciation certainly includes our parents, grandparents, and ancestors, for without them we would not exist.</p><p></p><p>If you would like to see more discussions on this topic, please take a look at the following:</p><p></p><p><a id="ob9." title="http://taoism.net/living/1999/199909.htm" href="http://taoism.net/living/1999/199909.htm" target="_blank">Drink Water, Think of Source</a> </p>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-87446735247153907052008-01-11T22:05:00.000-08:002008-09-12T12:51:05.141-07:00 <b>Common Threads</b><br><br><b>Question</b>: Derek, I have a question concerning the fundamental unity of all religions. For many years, I have studied both Christianity and Buddhism, and now I am reading your books and studying the Tao. The more I learn about the different spiritual traditions, the more it seems to me that despite their superficial differences, deep down they are very much alike. Do you notice the same thing? If you do, what would you say are the common threads that unite all traditions?<br><br><b>Answer</b>: Yes, I agree. There really does seem to be something deep in the core of humanity that is the same regardless of your background of origin. It's something that resonates with the divine. For the lack of a better description, it seems to be a sense of awe, a sense of overwhelming wonder. Everyone has it, even those who do not consider themselves religious. Even atheist scientists, when they bear witness to the marvelous workings of the universe, can also resonate powerfully with this profound feeling.<br><br>I also find common threads in the beauty of music, art, and nature - indeed in every aspect of life. Manifestations of beauty have the power to reach deeply into the heart to touch this common core. Virtuoso performances, lines of poetry, panoramic vistas... these glimpses of sacred beauty move us and inspire us, transcending our differences and bringing us closer.<br><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Among all the common threads that unite all spiritual traditions, the most central is the thread of love. This common thread surpasses all the rest, and unites not only all spiritual traditions, but all human beings. Love is the ultimate golden thread, weaving all of us together in an unbreakable, indestructible bond.</p> <br> Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-41541706050734265302008-01-10T21:40:00.000-08:002008-03-03T12:02:06.163-08:00<b>Mystical Experiences</b><br><br><b>Question</b>: Derek, I've been reading up on mystical experiences and find the subject fascinating. Why is it that some people have them while others do not? What can I do to have the experience myself?<br><br><b>Answer</b>: No one can guarantee you mystical experiences, but you can increase the odds in your favor by understanding them better. Mystical experiences start out with the basic recognition that there is more to existence than what we can perceive with our physical senses. This is followed by the understanding that we are all connected to this unseen mystical domain at a fundamental level. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This leads to the question that if we are all fundamentally connected to the mystical, why can we not access that domain as easily as we walk into the next room? The answer is that most of the time we are distracted by the material world. As the Tao Te Ching says, when we are full of desires, we can only see the manifestation. It is only when we free ourselves of these distracting desires that we can see the mystical essence.</p> <p style=" margin-bottom: 0in;"><br> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Mystical experiences are characterized by a sort of active tranquility, a serene dynamism. If we can quiet the mind completely, to match the natural tranquility of the Tao, we will find that following the connection back to the source becomes not only easy, but also effortless and spontaneous.</p> <br>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-39764208650507273332008-01-09T22:06:00.000-08:002008-09-12T12:51:05.151-07:00<b>The Truth Beyond Words</b><br style="font-weight: bold;"><br><b>Question</b>: Derek, I'm a newcomer to the Tao, and I've been told that in Taoism there are advanced teachings pointing to the Truth that cannot be spoken. Is this correct? And if so, can you direct me to them?<br><br><b>Answer</b>: Yes, in the Tao we learn that Truth is beyond words. Not only spoken words, but written words as well. This is not something that requires time and effort to discover in the Tao. You literally cannot miss it, because it is clearly spelled out in the first line of the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching.<br><br> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">This central message is further reinforced by the other 80 chapters of the Tao Te Ching, where we learn that the way to fully understand the Truth is not to dwell on the words, but to go beyond them. While discussions and books can be valuable, we still must experience the Tao by living it, feeling it, acting from it and acting upon it. People cannot learn how to swim by talking about swimming; they have to get in the pool and start moving. It is the same with the Tao. We can become one with it if we are willing to jump right in and be fully immersed.<br></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br></p>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-37782384375544080542008-01-07T20:29:00.000-08:002008-09-12T12:51:05.159-07:00<b>Love and Compassion</b><br><br><b>Question</b>: Derek, what is the Tao perspective on love and compassion?<br><br><b>Answer</b>: Love and compassion are the very nature of who we are. That is why we feel such happiness and joy when we have love, and why we long for it and look for it everywhere when we don't. It is also why there can be no defense against someone who treats us with kindness and compassion.<br><br>It is no accident that love and life are inextricably linked together. Love is the source of life, and life in turn is the source of love. Without love, life becomes meaningless; without life, we lack the means with which to express love to the fullest.<br><br>In chapter 51 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says that reverence for the Tao is due not to command but to nature. It is the same with love and compassion. We need both and cherish both, not because we are under command to do so, but because it is natural to our very being. Love is the Tao of humanity.<br><br>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-46405452110651475472008-01-06T19:03:00.000-08:002008-09-12T12:51:05.166-07:00<P><b>Inner Peace</b></P> <P> </P> <P><b>Question:</b> Derek, for the year 2008 my goal is to create an environment where I can enjoy peace of mind. Do you have any suggestions from the Tao perspective as to how I can go about doing that?</P> <P> </P> <P><b>Answer:</b> Yes, but the Tao perspective is about inner peace leading to outer peace, not the other way around. We need to let go of the idea that how we feel internally is dependent on the external world, and embrace the concept that ultimately it is the internal landscape that becomes reflected as physical manifestations externally. The illusion is that we are victims of circumstances beyond our control; the reality is that we are powerful creators of our own personal reality.</P> <P> </P> <P>What this means, specifically, is that if we are unable to accept ourselves in the present moment - if we keep revisiting the past with regret or resentment - then it won't matter how quiet our environment is, or how much we resort of practices like meditation. We may achieve temporary calmness, but lasting peace will still remain elusive, beyond our reach.</P> <P> </P> <P>The Tao Te Ching says "returning to the root is called tranquility." This is a clear direction to us on finding peace. We need to go back to the basics, to the root of the true self. If we can be at peace within, we will be able to address spiritual turmoil at the root level. Only after that will the path to real peace of mind be revealed to us. Thus, the best recommendation I can give is to turn your attention inward, establish your tranquility within, and then let it radiate outward naturally and effortlessly.</P> <P> </P>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-19323481778972672762007-10-25T18:59:00.000-07:002007-10-26T15:30:40.435-07:00 <b>An Easy Way to Understand Wu Wei</b><br><br><b>Question</b>: Derek, I am having trouble with the concept of <i>wu wei</i>. My friend says it means doing nothing and going with the flow. But my question is, what if the flow won't take me where I want to go? What if my life is headed for disaster? Should I do nothing and let myself move toward destruction? That makes no sense at all!<br><br><b>Answer</b>: <i>Wu wei</i> is often misinterpreted. The easiest way to understand it is to think of surfing. You'll see that <i>wu wei </i>makes a lot of sense - even if you don't know how to surf!<br><br>Imagine what you would do if you were surfing. You wouldn't want to fight the wave - that would be foolish and futile. This may be the part where people get the idea that <i>wu wei</i> means going with the flow. They may not understand the other equally important part, that you also wouldn't want to stand motionless and let the wave wipe you out. That wouldn't be smart either.<br><br>What you really want to do is ride the wave. Move with it, not against it. Make use of its tremendous power. Exercise skillful control of your body and the surfboard. Remain responsive to surrounding conditions. Anticipate and take advantage of changes. It takes practice, but eventually you get good at it. To the crowd at the beach, your movements seem natural, graceful, and almost effortless.<br><br>It is the same with life. You don't want to waste your energy in a useless struggle against the way things already are. At the same time, you also don't want to be a couch potato. People who are apathetic and indifferent won't stay on the surfboard for long.<br><br>Ride the wave of life. Move with it, not against it. Make use of its tremendous power. Exercise skillful control of yourself. Remain responsive to surrounding conditions. Anticipate and take advantage of changes. It takes practice, but eventually you get good at it. To other people, your actions and progress in life seem natural, graceful, and almost effortless.<br><br>The art of surfing is no different from the Tao of living. This is the true meaning of <i>wu wei</i>.<br><br>Note: Ancient Chinese sages did not know anything about surfing, but they understood <i>wu wei</i> perfectly, as Chuang Tzu demonstrated in his story, <a title="The Waterfall" href="http://taoism.net/living/200702.htm" id="ed5l">The Waterfall</a>.<br><br>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-2036909597481017462007-10-24T21:31:00.000-07:002007-10-26T15:33:31.847-07:00 <b>Review of </b><b><i>The Tao of Daily Life</i></b> <br><br>The first in-depth review of <i>The Tao of Daily Life</i> is now online. You can find it at the following location:<br><br><a title="www.taoism.net/daily" href="http://www.taoism.net/dailylife" id="v5m-">www.taoism.net/dailylife</a> <br><br>Many thanks to Michelle for this great review!<br><br>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115477135776146347.post-53500604357393487312007-10-11T07:47:00.000-07:002007-10-11T16:54:33.112-07:00 <h1><font size="3">The Tao and God 2</font></h1> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Question</b>: Derek, I find your previous blog entry on chapter 4 interesting. When you say the Tao comes before God, and that this idea applies to any concept of God, I get the impression that the Tao is the creator of God, just as God is the creator of the universe. Is this what you mean?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Answer</b>: Not exactly. Oftentimes people think of the Tao as a deity, but that's like assigning "God status" to electricity, gravity, or the Theory of Relativity. The Tao cannot be rigidly defined in that manner. It may be more useful, in the context of this discussion, to think of the Tao as "the way things are." Imagine the following conversation where a young child poses questions to his father, who is religious:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Boy: "Dad, where does that car come from?"</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Father: "It comes from the car factory."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Boy: "Where does the factory come from?"</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Father: "People built the factory years ago."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Boy: "Where do people come from?"</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Father: "Well, God made us in His image."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Boy: "Where does God come from?"</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Father: "God has no beginning."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Boy: "Why not?"</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Father: "That's just the way God is, son."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The usage of "way" above maps perfectly to Lao Tzu's usage of "Tao" in the last line of chapter 4. Once we understand this, we'll be able to see that ultimately, it is not God at the very beginning of everything. Rather, it is the Tao of God.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This understanding can also take us another step further and enable us to see that Lao Tzu's principle applies just as easily if the father were an atheist. If his explanation involves the Big Bang cosmological model instead of God, we would still ultimately end up with the Tao.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <a title="www.Taoism.net" href="http://www.Taoism.net" id="d6z8">www.Taoism.net</a> <br>Derek Linhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10592108804208616512noreply@blogger.com7