the kongdan foundation

Taoism and Lao Tzu

I often enjoy discussing the words we use and how expanding our vocabulary can broaden our horizons. Number fifteen of the Tao Te Ching talks about looking at what we call indiscernible, or something that cannot be seen or perceived clearly. This concept is key to grasping how we bring to life something we can’t physically see, yet it shapes how we’re perceived beyond the present, helping us understand the true value of spirit.

Living virtuously without depending on any external rules means being free to choose a life in harmony with the heart and mind that guide you. To me, this captures the true essence of Taoism. When you can extend this idea to your neighbors having the same freedom, you can begin to see the meaning of Heaven on Earth. As Matthew 7:12 reminds us that we are to do unto others as we would have them do unto you.

I like to put it in the context of how the sage Su Ch’e says “Darkness is what penetrates everything but cannot itself be perceived. To be careful means to act only after taking precautions. To be cautious means to refrain from acting because of doubt or suspicion”. Expanding our vision, exploring how paradox can help us see things differently, and searching for answers within ourselves are all steps that encourage us to pause and wait until we can understand what the likely outcome will be as our spirit is meant to guide us.

The sage Su Ch’i continues by saying,

“Melting ice reminds us of how the myriad things arise from delusion and never stay still. Uncarved wood reminds us to put an end to human fabrication and return to our original nature. A valley reminds us how encompassing emptiness is. And a puddle reminds us that we are no different than anything else.”

Wang Pi responds by saying

“All of these similes are meant to describe without actually denoting. By means of intuitive understanding the dark becomes bright. By means of tranquility, the murky becomes clear when it becomes still, and by means of movement the still becomes alive. This is the natural Way.”   

All of this is simply saying that we live in a symbolic reality where the events we experience, whether happening to us or around us, never occur in isolation but as part of spirit. Everything is constantly evolving and changing as a way of transforming both Heaven and Earth, which, according to the I Ching, we exist as sentient beings, i.e., as those having the power of perception by the senses characterized by sensation and consciousness.

It reminds us that everything in nature should be seen as transcendental and alive, with its own destiny to fulfill. Through this constant change and transformation, we are meant to grow as eternal beings, and it’s this journey that makes us immortal.

Before we go on with Verse number 15 of 81, it’s worth noting that the title of the book we’re adding commentary to—Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching—is my own version, titled “Thoughts on Becoming a Sage: The Guidebook to Leading a Virtuous Life” that I wrote in May and June 2000. As referred to above, it’s important to note that Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching in the sixth century BC.

Verse 15 – Staying on Course

Taking stock, you stop to reflect why you are here in this place and time just now.

You have succeeded in getting the attention of many as your reflection has cast a long shadow.  You have shown an uncanny ability to uncover the indiscernible and penetrated contradictions previously covered by darkness.

As you become concerned your ego is bringing you to the forefront, while your nature tells you it is better to stay behind.

You are reminded to remain empty and still. 

That you are not here to make a show of yourself and that you are to leave no tracks. To be so conscience of the correct action that needs to be taken that you simply flow with events.

That the essence of the Tao consists of nothing more than taking care, as you know that inner truth cannot be perceived, only the outward form of your actions.

That it is by intuitive understanding that the darkness becomes clear and by means of movement the still becomes alive.

That it will be by letting each thought remain detached and each action well considered that your ultimate success is determined with your virtue the only measure taken home.

第15节      循道而行

漫游中，你停下来沉思冥想，为什么此时此刻你会在这里。你的成功已经举世瞩目，因为你在空

中的影像已经给大地投下了一个长长的影子。你已经证明你自己具有解决重大疑难的非凡能力。

你担心自我会把你推向前沿，但你的悟性告诉你不要抛头露面。

圣人提醒你，要保持虚空和宁静。你来这里并不是炫耀自己，不要留下任何痕迹。为了小心行事，你必须随波逐流。道的本质仅仅是对你略施关心而已，因为你知道内心的真实是不可感知的，只有外表行为才能够通过直觉感受。直觉可以化黑暗为光明，运动能够使僵硬变灵活。

让每一个思想都能够自由发挥，每一个行动都得以深思熟虑。你用带回家的大德来衡量你的最后成功。

The picture is of me at the ancient school of Mencius in Zoucheng about an hour south of Qufu. He is often described as the Second Sage to reflect his traditional esteem relative to Confucius himself. He was part of Confucius’s fourth generation of disciples, inheriting his ideology and developing it. Living during the Warring States Period, he is said to have spent much of his life travelling around the states offering counsel to different rulers. Conversations with these rulers form the basis of the Mencius, which would later be canonized as a Confucian classic.

One primary principle of his work is that human nature is righteous and humane. The responses of citizens to the policies of rulers embodies this principle, and a state with righteous and humane policies will flourish by nature. The citizens, if they enjoy freedom under good rulers, will willingly take the time to care for their families, learn to perform proper rites, and become better citizens.