The Master gives himself up
to whatever the moment brings.
He knows that he is going to die,
and he has nothing left to hold on to:
no illusions in his mind,
no resistances in his body.
Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell
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Chapter 50 is a tough go with seemingly no gift--which, of course, is my alert that there must be a jewel inside. No translation is the same. When reading several versions on the same basic text, something, some word or color of phrase speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteIn Ralph Allen Dale’s Tao all words seem politically based. In Chapter 50 he writes of the presence of the Great Integrity and the corrupt social environment we live in today. The text suggests that by becoming transformed ourselves we can then work for the transformation of our institutions—“It is only after we succeed in attaining these goals that any of us will be walking the waters, never fearing that weapons will harm us, because there will be no harmful weapons in a planet that embraces the Great Integrity.” I have noticed the way President Obama faces criticism. He first acknowledges it and then he walks through the thick of it—following the way of Hero.
Bright-Fey, Tao
“when the energy of heaven
meets the energy of earth” p.258
This is a good definition of creativity. I can use my energy to live life or to fear life. “. . .step deliberately and move toward the creation of life”
I quit my job in Iowa before snagging a new job. After four years of effort to fit into the mold, the suit of armor, I decided to follow the muse--meaning, I was utterly stuck. Working there was a living death for me. I knew it the first morning of the first day on the job. Four years later, I stepped deliberately into trust. It was the most exciting decision I had ever made. I was filled with joy—exhilarating breathless joy that I could do such a thing. This experience broke the ground for more. I sense the energy when life introduces an opportunity to step deliberately. I don't jump eagerly; I'm fearful of jumping. Life is a constant adventure. Sometimes, I am aware of this and can consciously approach walking the waters. (R.A. Dale)
“—because they know how to step deliberately and move toward the creation of life—The cultivator, engaged in transformative movement, halts all physical motion in midstream, but continues to project movement via the intention.” (Bright-Fey)
I think of Wayne Dyer’s Intention. From the beginning of my book I have seen it published and seen me discussing it at the Rainy Day Books talk at Unity on the Plaza. I’m thinking, “Oh, yes! First stop physical movement—writing—and then throw my intention ahead to do its thing.”