Taoism and Lao Tzu
I think much of seeing beyond our present selves is about raising awareness and what we call our consciousness i.e., the state of being awake… or what we are awakening to.
Recently, while writing about Lieh Tzu, it felt like we are meant to “let our mind be”, much like in meditation—rising with him, riding the wind, and becoming less reliant on what’s outside us, freeing ourselves from earthly wants and desires. It’s what we described in an earlier entry as an awakening to our eternal selves.
It’s a process often associated with both Zen and Emerson’s influence in shaping what we call transcendentalism. To the state of transcendence and wholeness where the mind moves freely and effortlessly, allowing us to act in a state of “no mind”. To learn to live in this “consciousness” is to act spontaneously, as if there’s no need to think ahead outside of what serves our ultimate enfoldment. It’s a state where living without rigid principles becomes natural, and virtue guides every action. It’s the space where those rooted in the tradition of awareness and meditation arrive when they find true freedom.
It’s like living in a space beyond ego, where we can speak openly and from the heart. From a place that frees our spirit simply through knowing who we are and, more importantly, learning to walk our own path.
This is the power of Taoist principles, encouraging us to release what no longer defines us. It’s why Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching has stood the test of time, guiding us to remain open to change.
Before we go on with Verse number 7, 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”. It’s important to note that Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching in the sixth century BC.
Verse 7 – Keeping to Heaven’s Promise
Keeping to Heaven’s promise through finding the immortality found on earth. Giving consent without expecting reward. Remaining humble – the only thing the sage seeking is virtue.
Forever creating an environment emulating and promoting the journey you must take to selflessness. As you have been given an opportunity to remain immortal simply by living for today. Truly living through grace.
Becoming adept at remaining in the background while setting the table for all who will come to eat their fill. Constantly reminded of your never-ending destiny as endeavors continue the process of your letting go.
As you remain content with who and where you find yourself. Living, dying and subject to change each moment. As you travel with no sense of age or time.
Reminded again and again that you can only move ahead by staying behind with a cheerful countenance with virtue to be shared by all. The utmost paradox living brings forth to greet you each day.
第7节 遵守诺言
寻找人间的永恒，恪守对苍天之诺言。给予承诺，不求回报。保持谦逊－圣人所期望的是大德。
努力锤炼，以达到无私的境界。上苍给你一个机会，使你只是活在今生今世，仍然可以达到永恒。要真正做到活得优雅。
要善于作幕后工作。比如摆好桌子让客人就餐。经常提醒自己的永无终结的使命，永不放弃努力。
你对自己和目前的处境感到满意，生死无常。漫游中，你不会觉得时光流逝。
你要反复提醒自己，保持乐观，与众人共享大德。你只能够置身殿后，才能向前。你每天面对的是悖缪的生活。
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