oday, I explored several Tao verses with different participants, each bringing their unique perspectives to the discussion. I began by reading through five different verses. First, I read with Mr. Drafty, who selected #75. Then, I had a conversation with Jane, a new face, who expresse her appreciation for #4. Melissa joined us to share her praise for Jane’s insights, and I invited her to select a verse, which turned out to be #50 from the random number generator. Lastly, Julie joined to express her gratitude for "segment intending" which was an insight I had shared earlier in the week, and we took some time to discuss #45 together.
#4 The Void
Tao is the void
And the void is within everything.
As it relates to what is perceptible (cells)
Everything is mostly void.
As the origin of everything
It is hidden within every particular thing.
The Master knows it is even the source of God,
And yet others still go on searching.
#37 Inspired Action
Tao never does anything
Yet inspires everything to do.
When beings maintain the action of Tao
They spontaneously transform from within.
When that transformation acquires a name (an identity)
External forces inspire actions from desire.
Actions without identity
Are free from external goals.
Without desire, honoring stillness,
All things are at peace.
#45 The Influence of Excess
Fame or integrity; which of these do you focus on seeing and obtaining?
Possessions or fulfillment; in which do you spend your time investing?
Success or failure; of which has offered you the most growth?
Under the influence you spend yourself
Accumulating only loss and regret.
Fulfill your needs and be content,
When you know excess is excessive
You'll be open to receiving harmony.
#50 Awareness of Death
Every being is entrusted with life for a time
However, it is only a prelude to death.
Some live as optimists, embracing life,
Others live as pessimists, embracing death,
Some even live in preservation,
Passively living, advancing toward death.
The Master lives aware of her appointment with death,
This brings her to knowing Real Life.
She cannot be harmed by rhinoceros or man
Her movements flow from her being.
She cannot be fooled by illusion or hallucination
Her actions flow from her being.
She has freed herself of all separateness
Even the distinction between life and death.
#75 There Needs to be a Purpose
People are starved for purpose because everything they do is taxed.
That being so, why would they venture to do anything?
By being intrusive governments corral their people
Forcing them to "Make a Living," instead of simply living.
People have no purpose when their purpose is appointed.
Without purpose, why would they want to live?
All of this is intrusive meddling
It robs people of their lives and
Lines the pockets of those in authority.