Taoism and Lao Tzu
Thinking about our study and writing on those we might call Taoist philosophers, or the sage, makes you wonder if you can really stay the same person, as you were before. If nothing in you has shifted, maybe you haven’t been truly paying attention.
Looking first to Chinese history, as the storyteller crafting what could one day become the spoken expression of Lao Tzu, we find ourselves drawn to the central idea of the Tao—the Way. Associating ourselves with the stars providing the connection of what we find in nature. Mythology and storytelling became like a ritual that told us we were a part of something bigger than ourselves. That we too have an eternal role to play.
What was to become Taoism was a way to see this linkage to the calendar that connected each person and thing to the stars. If you were born under the Libra constellation then you could be said to have the attributes of a dragon, etc…
It’s the same with the great works of Western literature, thought, and philosophy. How do we shape the person we’re meant to become when there are still pieces missing that will define who that person is? Are we here for any other purpose other than the growth of spirit, both our own and the natural world. Connecting to the universe and stars above with vibrations that are meant to define and give us an identity and purpose.
Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching is a classic of Chinese literature and philosophy, rich with meanings that inspire endless interpretation and reinterpretation and commentary. Lao, Chuang, and Lieh Tzu became influential in shaping what would become Taoism in Chinese history by highlighting humanity’s deep connection to nature and offering guidance on how to live in harmony with it. Once we recognize our personal link to the stars and the cosmos, we understand the role we have to play in the greater whole.
To truly understand Lao Tzu, you need to start with the original text. If you can’t read, speak, or write Chinese, then we should explore multiple translations in our own language and study them closely. We’re fortunate to have so many people who, over the centuries, have studied and shared commentaries that have shaped what I think of as the development of Chinese thought. These interpretations seem to take things a step further, offering what I see as a reflection on the deeper meaning and significance of Lao Tzu’s writings.
What truly opened the door to a deeper understanding of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching was the discovery of the Ma-wang-tui Texts. I personally enjoy referring to Robert G. Henricks’ translation. When exploring translations, interpretations, and commentaries, it’s natural to wonder—what did he really say or mean?
There are countless versions out there, and I’ve even had my own published in China. Instead of just examining how words relate to things, we often explore how they connect to other words and to human imagination. The voices of Lao Tzu and countless others speak through many of us.
In the end, this leads us to the core questions of understanding and interpretation. For me, the words leave a deep impression on my mind, especially during my travels through China, where I took thousands of photos of historical significance and spent time living and teaching. As though walking in the footsteps of mentors. In the end, when you feel touched by the spirit, you can’t help but wonder—what is our role? 
In chapter 58 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu teaches that when the government is muddled and confused, the people are genuine and sincere. But when the government is strict and clear, the state becomes crafty and cunning.
The line that fascinates me is,
“Disaster is what good fortune relies on, and good fortune hides disaster within it.” Lao goes on to say, who can tell when it will end? The point is, there’s no fixed definition of what’s right when what’s considered right can turn wrong or veer off course. Sometimes I think what we read shouldn’t be taken carte blanche, but rather as a starting point to define something for ourselves… the role of a good teacher, I think.
When good turns into evil show that peoples state of confusion has lasted a long time. When this occurs the sage becomes an edge that does not cut, a point that does not pierce, is straightforward but not unrestrained, and a light that does not blind”.
Verse 58 – Bringing the world along for the ride.
The sage understands that most things under the sun are temporal, things coming and going with no lasting impact or purpose.
That once a certain direction becomes popular, indirection is what succeeds and that those who can remain still and inactive ultimately come forth to have the final say.
The sage knows that it is when we attempt to conquer the world we lose it. That the greater the prohibitions, the poorer the people become. The sharper the weapons, the greater the chances we will live in darkness.
The more we scheme, the more complicated the outcome becomes. The greater the treasure, the more people strive for things outside themselves.
Therefore, the sage changes nothing and the people transform themselves. He stays still and the people come to their senses.
He does nothing, neither talking nor teaching and the people correct themselves thereby enriching themselves.
Wanting nothing, everyone around him simplifies himself or herself. By accepting the will of heaven the sage brings others to enlightenment. By knowing the final outcome his virtue remains intact. With his virtue intact the sage simply continues along on his way.
58. 与世人一同前行
圣人明白，普天之下，绝大多数事物都是暂时的。世事来去匆匆，没有恒久的影响或目的。
一旦某个方向变得流行，无方向却能成功。保持宁静和无为的人才能够笑到最后。
圣人知道，正是当我们企图征服世界时，我们却失去了世界。禁令越严厉，人民就越穷困。武器越锋利，我们生活在黑暗的机会就越大。计划越周全，结局就越复杂。拥有财富越多，贪心就越大。因此，圣人不改变什么，人民就能够改变自己。圣人保持宁静，人民自然醒悟。圣人不必做事，不必说话或上课，人民纠正自己，丰富自己。
圣人没有欲求，周围的人自然保持简朴。圣人接受上苍的意愿启蒙他人。圣人已经知道最终的结局，他的大德丝毫无损，继续前行。
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