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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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
(~_~)
5 comments
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May 19, 2012 at 7:53 am
Cat Forsley
LOVE IT ART …………………
KEEP ON GOING – NO MATTER WHAT 🙂 RIGHT ? XO
THAT TRANQUILITY CAN CARRY US A MILLION MILES FOR SURE ….
AND THAT PATH IS BEAUTIFUL – IF WE CHOOSE TO SEE IT THAT WAY –
IT’S ALWAYS CHOICE RIGHT – FIGHT THE PATH AND CONDEMN IT- OR
LOVE THE PATH AND CALL IT BEAUTIFUL – FOR ALL THAT IS WORTH ….:)
IS ALAN HOME TODAY ?
I HOPE HE IS WELL ……:)
SENDING YOU GUYS – IN TEXAS –
HEY – I HEARD THERE WERE EARTHQUAKES THERE – ? IS THAT TRUE ?
HOPE ALL IS OK ?
YOUR FRIEND – ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ———– ON THIS PATH …….
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL ONE ………..
FOR YOU XO
May 19, 2012 at 11:10 am
granbee
It is the path, the process, the journey itself in which we should rejoice and immerse ourselves. Bless you for these short tales teaching about this “Tao” way of living. (I always think of times when I have been in Taos, NM when I read anything about “Tao”. I do not look upon this as a diversion, either.)
May 19, 2012 at 3:17 pm
willowdot21
another story to help me along my road. I do know now that there is no goal only the way!
May 20, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Sue Dreamwalker
Yes only the path… and the lessons and learning are never ending.. Peace to you my friend ~Sue
May 21, 2012 at 11:22 am
letsspreadcompassion
The path is never ending…..and needs endurance!