Dissecting The Tao Te Ching

For those of you who are not familiar with this ancient little Chinese treasure written by Lao Tzu, the ‘Tao Te Ching’, I would like to introduce you to its many frabjous wisdoms.

For those who are ‘old hat’ with the Tao — maybe this will serve as a refreshing reminder or even a tiny glimpse at a different perspective.

In today’s blog, I will be looking at teaching no. 11 (crikey! I sound like a school teacher!!!).

This particular teaching really resounded like a bell in my psyche…it is so profound!

“A wheel is useful, because of the hole at the centre of the hub.

A clay pot is useful, because it contains empty space.

Doors and windows are useful, because they are gaps in the walls.

The value of what is there, lies in what is not there!”

Dude, how cool is that?

Nothing Can Be Everything

The way I interpret this pearl of pensivity is that there is value in everything — seen or unseen.

In a world where (predominantly) what can be seen or proved is the only truth, this Lao Tzu diamond demonstrates that we shouldn’t be throwing the baby out with the bath water!

The unseen is just as valuable and palpable as the seen. Just like the Tao.

What is the Tao?

It is the great mystery. The absolute principle underlying the universe, uniting within itself the yin and yang and signifying ‘the way’, or code of behavior, that is in complete harmony with natural order.

Mmmmmm….what a beautiful concept.

“Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.” — Johnathan Swift

And what is life without a bit of mystery? There are so many questions that we as humans will probably never get answers to and perhaps that is alright. We need to make our peace with that.

The very essence of enigma is a tantalizing and playful state and, of course, joy is your purpose!

Other articles you may enjoy:

Audio: How to Stop Being a Doormat! (via Higher Self Channel)

Why Taking Things Personally Could Be Ruining Your Life

Did You Know That ‘Abracadabra’ Really is a Magically Loaded Word?

7 Ways You Can Conquer Stress

Serenity — that wondrous state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled.

But how do we get there? You get quiet — it’s really that simple.

“Nothing is so aggravating as calmness.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Have you ever tried remaining calm when someone else is raging at you? Have you noticed how quickly they stop? Why is that? Well, you look like an idiot for one thing — it’s the best form of defense.

Serenity is all about being calm in the face of reality and in the words of Lao Tzu:

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

When you are able to observe your emotions as they rise within you, you will begin to master having greater control of how you act upon them — if at all.

Here are some blogs that may help you get to your state of serenity:

5 Easy Steps to Meditating (No Lotus Position Required)

Do You Need to Meditate?

Free Serenity eCard

And last but not least, I haven’t forgotten that it’s Friday and that means you get another e-card to add to the collection (click on picture, right-click and ‘save as’):