Every being in the universe
is an expression of the Tao.
It springs into existence,
unconscious, perfect, free,
takes on a physical body,
lets circumstances complete it.
That is why every being
spontaneously honors the Tao.
. . .
Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell
Something I know but often forget: “Every being in the universe is an expression of the Tao.” Look at the economy of words, here. The Tao is perfect for Twitter—concise and to the point. I wrote in the margins of the Mitchell translation: “Obama’s Cairo speech, 6-5-09." Why? Obama lives the Tao and his awareness of the unity of all living things is what that speech is about. Not an inkling of war or a desire to frighten the people. It seems to me, his mission is to educate and spread the word that we are all expressions of the Tao. “. . . creating without possessing, acting without expecting, guiding without interfering.” I think of Obama and his style of governing. Healthcare, his biggest challenge right now, he leads by allowing Congress, the Republicans and Democrats, to thrash it out and it is ugly. Cable news and pundits are always critical always angry and always shouting—as are the members of Congress and the air in any town is full of the yellers and screamers—the opponents of change. How can you take yourself seriously when your biggest beef is “Stop the change”—? Some days the whole world is yelling and screaming and insulting. . .Obama keeps moving forward, quietly so, he moves forward.
ReplyDeleteJohn C.H. Wu translation:
ReplyDelete"Virtue. . .covers them under her wints"
"To give life but to claim nothing,
To do your work but to set no store by it,
To be a leader, not a butcher,
This is called hidden Virtue."
Obama is considering the fate of the war in Afghanistan--how to be a leader and not a butcher when the enemy is ruthless? And, the decision at the end of advice--is his to make--his decision.
What does it mean when they say the answer is in the question? The solution is in the problem? I don't know. I do know that meditation will help, finding your Silence will help, letting go of the decision will help. Know that the answer is already--the solution exists. You don't have to do a thing.