Tao, the way, …

The literal translation of Tao is “way” or “path.” It is associated with a life of simplicity, quietude and harmony, both in relation to the natural world, as well as in our interactions with social/political institutions. Being a man or woman “of the Tao” means being attuned to cycles of change; being consciously aware of our place within the web of Life; and acting in the world according to the principles of wu wei – naturalness, ease and spontaneity

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A MASTER who lived as a hermit on a mountain was asked by a monk, “What is the Way?”

“What a fine mountain this is,” the master said in reply.

“I am not asking you about the mountain, but about the Way.”

“So long as you cannot go beyond the mountain, my son, you cannot reach the Way,” replied the master.

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THE STUDENT Doken was told to go on a long journey to another
monastery. He was much upset, because he felt that this trip would interrupt his studies for many months. So he said to his friend, the advanced student Sogen:

“Please ask permission to come with me on the trip. There are so
many things I do not know; but if you come along we can discuss
them – in this way I can learn as we travel.”

“All right,” said Sogen. “But let me ask you a question: If you
are hungry, what satisfaction to you if I eat rice? If your feet
are lame, what comfort to you if I go on merrily? If your bladder
is full, what relief to you if I piss?”

source: Doken

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the journey

A young man who wanted to take a look at the statue of Lao Tzu, the Tao master, set out one night on his embarkation. The statue was atop a hill, a hundred kilometers away and the path to it was rugged and risky to embark in the night. Hence after having gone a few kilometers he decided to wait until day break to pursue with his journey.

As the young man sat by the roadside, an old man came by and made enquiries. He then persuaded the young man to go along with him, to the hill, promising rest whenever he wanted to.

The young man agreed and the two set off on the journey. The path was beautiful and the old man readily agreed to rest whenever the young man wanted to. The two then reached the hilltop where the statue of Lao Tzu stood. A sense of utter fulfillment brimmed the young man’s heart on his mission being met.

The old man stoked, “Get up. What are you resting for? The journey is not over. It does not end with this. The path is beautiful. You will have to pursue it. There is nothing called the goal, but only the path!”

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Tao~~

May peace and tranquility be with you as you make your ‘way’ through your day

(~_~)