Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Thirty Six “That which shrinksMust first expand.That which failsMust first be strong.That which is cast downMust first be raised.Before receivingThere must be giving.  This is called perception of the nature of things.” One cannot exist without its opposite and it’s the nature of the universe to pass from one to the other. When we can see this working we can see its true nature. “Soft and weak overcome hard and strong.  Fish cannot leave deep waters,And a country’s weapons should not be displayed.” The power of softness and apparent weakness can then be … Continue reading That Which Shrinks Must First Expand

The Tao Te Ching Explained Part Thirty Two  “The Tao is forever undefined.Small though it is in the unformed state, it cannot be grasped.If kings and lords could harness it,The ten thousand things would come togetherAnd gentle rain fall.Men would need no more instruction and all things would take their course.  Once the whole is divided, the parts need names.There are already enough names.One must know when to stop.Knowing when to stop averts trouble.Tao in the world is like a river flowing home to the sea.” Because The Tao can only be found by stillness and silence it’s hard to … Continue reading The Tao Is Forever Undefined

Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Thirty  “Whenever you advise a ruler in the way of Tao,Counsel him not to use force to conquer the universe.For this would only cause resistance.Thorn bushes spring up wherever the army has passed.Lean years follow in the wake of a great war.” The universe is always in a state of chaos. War is bad but unfortunately inevitable, it always leaves humanity and our environment worse off. Therefore how we deal with it is important. “Just do what needs to be done.Never take advantage of power.  Achieve results,But never glory in them.Achieve results,But never … Continue reading Achieving Results With The Tao

Explanation Of Tao Tao Ching Part Twenty Nine  “Do you think you can take over the universe and improve it?I do not believe it can be done.  The universe is sacred.You cannot improve it.If you try to change it, you will ruin it.” Without a doubt the universe is a delicate balance. From the from stillness to movement, this movement creates an ever spiralling world of opposites always seeking balance. This is karma, the quality of nature, every action creates a reaction. It would take far more than any human mind to create better. “If you try to hold it, … Continue reading The Universe Is Sacred

Tao Te Ching Part Eighteen “When the great Tao is forgotten,Kindness and morality arise.When wisdom and intelligence are born,The great pretence begins.” The ‘pretence’ is when humans think that their cultural and religious values are in accordance with the Tao and that’s not always true as universal values are different. People say “that person will get their karma” assuming that the universe works to their sense of justice – and it doesn’t work that way. “When there is no peace within the family,Filial piety and devotion arise.When the country is confused and in chaos,Loyal ministers appear.” Love and peace in … Continue reading The Great Pretence

Tao Te Ching Part Seventeen “The very highest is barely known.Then comes that which people know and love.Then that which is feared,Then that which is despised.” This is the hierarchy of recognition. The lowest minds will be subject to their base emotions and despise and fear, the higher minds will recognise but still be subject to knowledge and love. The highest will be objective with a much broader view and able to recognise the ‘way’ that cannot be defined.  “Who does not trust enough will not be trusted.  When actions are performedWithout unnecessary speech,People say, “We did it!”  Those that … Continue reading The Very Highest Is Barely Known