Tao Te Ching

[Masato]

This was another book that I can't even recall how I found that really rocked my world.



Somehow I discovered it right at the very peak of my adventurous youth years, and it really changed me/fucked me up lol

Then I lost the book and like 10 years later a good friend gave me a huge audio library of Alan Watts. I remembered that book all of a sudden and listened to all the files, it rocked my world again. Alan Watts is most completely enjoyable to listen to, especially when it comes to his interpretation of Taoism.

[Som-Pong]

I need to get a new one, always a good read.

[Masato]

SIX

The valley spirit never dies;
It is the woman, primal mother.
Her gateway is the root of heaven and earth.
It is like a veil barely seen.
Use it; it will never fail.

[Masato]

SEVEN

Heaven and Earth last forever.
Why do heaven and earth last forever?
They are unborn,
So ever living.
The sage stays behind, thus he is ahead.
He is detached, thus at one with it all.
Through selfless action, he attains fulfillment.

[Masato]

*note:

when the translators use the words 'Heaven and Earth', I think its important not to confuse any christian concepts of these terms. I don't think 'Heaven' is intended to imply any sort of a paradise or kingdom, nor any kind of opposite implying hell. All those christian images should be abandoned to understand the Tao Te Ching.

In this text, it is my interpretation that 'Heaven' just refers to all that is intangible; the cosmos, the dream world, past and future, etc; all the metaphysical shit.

'Earth' refers to the physical realm, the planet, matter etc.

But this too, is division... :D They are One; 'Heaven and Earth' is a singular noun, just like the 'ten thousand things' can be thought of as a singular, collective 'one' thing.

[Masato]

EIGHT

The highest good is like water.
Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.
It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao.

In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be just.
In business, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.

No fight: No blame.

[Masato]

Lets hear that again, lol:

In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be just.
In business, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.

- Is it not really just that simple?

[Masato]

NINE

Better stop short than fill to the brim.
Over-sharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt.
Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.
Claim wealth and titles, and disaster will follow.
Retire when work is done.
This is the way of heaven.

[Masato]

^ that one reminds me of Som-Pong
:D

[Masato]

TEN

Carrying body and soul and embracing the one,
Can you avoid separation?
Attending fully and becoming supple,
Can you be as a newborn babe?
Washing and cleansing the primal vision,
Can you be without stain?
Loving all men and ruling the country,
Can you be without cleverness?
Opening and closing the gates of heaven,
Can you play the role of woman?
Understanding and being open to all things,
Are you able to do nothing?
Giving birth and nourishing,
Bearing yet not possessing,
Working yet not taking credit,
Leading yet not dominating,
This is Primal Virtue.