When I reflect on what was on my mind over twenty-five years ago as I worked on this version of the Tao Te Ching, I realize my focus was on what it truly means to become whole. Are we merely who we appear to be, or is there more to our spirit than meets the eye? It was May 2000, and I had visited Qufu just six months earlier, in October 1999. So much had changed.
When I left, I was the Assistant Planner in Boynton Beach, but now I was the Neighborhood Specialist, with my own department and budget. After returning from China, I convinced the city to establish a sister city relationship with Qufu, and they agreed for me to facilitate it.
The stage was set. I had completed my own version of the I Ching and an introduction to Taoism, along with a manuscript titled “My Travels with Lieh Tzu” and had already visited Qufu. By May 2000, I was deep into writing my take on Lao Tzu while organizing delegation trips from the City of Boynton Beach to China and Qufu, and at the same time assisting Qufu in planning a return visit. The picture is of our first delegation to China and Qufu.
During this time, I sponsored Chinese New Year celebrations for 600 to 800 people in Boynton Beach. One was held in a large multipurpose building at a local HOA, and the other took place in the auditorium of the new high school in Boynton Beach to welcome a delegation from Qufu. The school hadn’t opened yet, but we were able to use its brand-new auditorium.
As the city’s Neighborhood Specialist, I sponsored multicultural events for the community, including celebrations for the Hindu community after they completed a new temple in Boynton Beach. What mattered most to me was being able to contribute in ways that aligned with my highest aspirations at the time, all while continuing to write every day about Chinese history and Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. I retired from the city in 2005 and began traveling to China year-round.
Years later, while teaching in China, I often told my students to live in a way that their actions always aligned with their highest aspirations and when they became teachers as well, they were to do the same for others. More on that later.
That we should live from the vision of who we see ourselves becoming and move toward it without fear. The final destination matters less than being ready to explore the next horizon, so we’re prepared when we get there. The end will evolve as we evolve along the way. When we get stuck thinking things must be a certain way or fit the mold of the present, we’re more likely to miss the ultimate opportunity. What’s important is Lao Tzu’s teaching that we should “hold onto the One as our original selves, or spirit” to where our memories play such a vital role.
Taoism and Lao Tzu
Verse 22 – On Becoming Whole
When all has passed through you – everything becoming the same with no opposites pulling at your attention, then you are free to follow the way of virtue.
When you can think and act as if innately following the Tao, you can become whole.
Knowing virtue and honesty are one, you make a list of those things not in keeping with the path you have chosen to follow and begin removing them, as they have become stumbling blocks to completing your endeavors as the sage. Once encountered and accounted for, they disappear and cannot be traced back to their maker.
Continually redefining the role of the traditional sage. Mirroring the Tao, you become adept at sharing your vision instead of simply trusting the word of others.
Instead of relying on the strength of others, you take all to otherwise unattainable heights through reluctantly displaying your own strength.
Your enthusiasm and vision carrying the day. Living in paradox, as in reality you prefer to remain hidden from view. You stand apart, not competing hens no one finding a foothold to compete with you.
Remaining steadfast you become whole.
第22节 论合一
当经历了一切之后，世间万物变得如此和谐协调，再也没有什么令你分心的了。你因此可以自由地踏上通向大德之路。当你能够象天生就信仰和追随道那样去想去做，你就合一了。
要明白大德和诚实是一致的。你把可能有违道德之事一一列出，当这些事情变为你成为圣人道路上的绊脚石时，就把它们搬走。一旦遇上，分辨清楚，它们就会永远消失，无影无踪。
继续完善作为一个普通圣人的职责，你代表道与大众分享你的憧憬，而不仅仅是相信别人。不要依赖别人的力量，你不情愿地显示你的力量，但必须把众人带向不可达到的高度。
的生活充满了热忱和希望。生活在一个矛盾百出，似是而非的世界里，你不愿意抛头露面。
你依然支离破碎，因此没有人可以找到与你竞争的立足之地。继续努力，终成合一。
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