Taoism and Lao Tzu
Sometimes it feels like we’re just passing through, revisiting the thread of life—our own life—just to see where we stand. Picture yourself as a spiritual being who’s returned to Earth, given the chance to mend old fences and grievances, or perhaps better said serve as a reminder to others of their own eternal journey. 
To shed light on the places we once left in the dark. Even while trying to balance the divine with the consequences, we ended up leaving more unfinished than achieved things we should have done, or could have done, if we had truly paid attention to who we are and how we shape the final outcome for ourselves and others this time.
You’ve been everywhere and experienced everything there is, yet your journey is stalled solely because of your own shortcomings and limitations. From the beginning, you knew there were three things you had to gather before heading home, yet here you are still unfinished. You’ve made some progress, but there are still challenges you haven’t tackled from within yourself. As though acknowledging now you have tasks yet to be completed.
Knowing the way of dragons or finding comfort while resting on the lower clouds with Lieh Tzu isn’t enough; you have to 
be able to reach for the higher clouds with more of the story yet to be told.
You’ve traveled to the mountain top several times and it appears that this lack of discipline and coordination are still evident in your actions. Although you know there’s not much more for you to do this time.
The saying “He who does not look back at from where he came will never get to his destination” has never been truer.
You’ve made great progress, but there are still qualities you need to refine. As always, the answer lies in our memories and with the stories we share and the memories that remain with us, never lost or forgotten. Knowing that Heaven is reflected by the relationships we build and cherish today that we make by spirit that last in eternity. It’s the true meaning of becoming a sage.
As you recall the words of the Christian mystic Catherine of Siena who taught us that we should understand “All the way to Heaven is Heaven”. This idea aligns with the Taoist belief in both a lower Heaven and an upper Heaven. Lower Heaven refers to the life we live each day, while Upper Heaven is the spiritual realm to which we will eventually return.
In many ways, this spirit is expressed as our fearlessness, intuition and our ability to adapt to change. Knowing what comes next as the result of what’s come in the past. For myself, it embraces the role as a keeper of memories and forever friends. Beyond the concept of divination in the I Ching, predicting the future is about the tangible, practical effort of preserving our language, culture, and identity for those who wish to remember. For many throughout history, it has simply been acknowledging the thread as the beginning and the ideal role of the storyteller.
The answers you seek will always be found in what you write on the next blank page, giving meaning to what has been said and adding context to the story that still needs to be told.
Before we go on with Verse number 13 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”. As referred to above, it’s important to note that Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching in the sixth century BC.
Verse 14 – Staying behind to Impart Immortality’s Wisdom
Coming home to visit with old friends, I am made whole again. Everything there is to see I have seen and everything there is to do I have done. I am home again to rest among old friends.
Revisiting the thread that reveals my true identity, I rejoice in the oneness of the universe. I am at peace as one who has found the grace to see what I must do next in His name. Shedding my worn baggage, my friends are reminded of the light cast by my eternal coat as I sit beside them to honor our being together once again.
While most are happy to remain within the confines of enlightenment, others are a little jealous of my desire to return to the world. Where attachments hold one down and keep their owner from attaining their true identity. Just as you are reminded that your path leads back to a place where you can help others to perhaps come forth to seek their own ultimate destiny. As you leave, you catch glimpses that convey warmth and gratitude and knowledge of the ultimate paradox…
Upon my return I begin by weaving together the fabric of shreds of a vision that has yet to become reality. Knowing that neither my light nor my shadow will leave a lasting impression. While what is left behind for immortality’s wisdom will only be known once I have returned home once again.
第14节 回家传授永恒的智慧
回家拜访老朋友，顿感精神焕发。该看的都看了，该做的都做了，我回到老朋友中间。
重访生我育我的故乡，我为宇宙的和谐合一感到欣慰。我心境宁静，因为圣人知道我下一步以他的名义将要做什么。当我卸下陈旧的行装，坐在老朋友身旁庆祝我们的重逢时，我提醒朋友们注意我永恒的外衣上发出的光芒。
许多朋友为我们的重逢而高兴，但也有人对我重返人世间有点妒忌。情感可以使人消沉，丧失真实的自我。你漫游天下之后又回到故乡，在这里你曾经帮助别人前去寻找他们的命运。当你离开时，你瞥见充满热烈，感激和理解的目光。
回家后，我开始设计我的前景。须知道我的光芒和影子都不能够留下永久的印象。等我下次回来，就会知道我给世界留下的永恒智慧是什么。
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