With a great group of guests today I enjoyed my time with Max and Laura, talking reality and #46. Kristina joined me, on purpose this time, for #8. then Julie popped up to discuss #41.
#8 "Be Like Water"
Water is humble,
Always traveling to the lowest place,
Nourishing, without taxing
Everything along the way.
In so doing, it is like Tao.
The Master aims to resemble water:
In thinking, she is simple.
In conflict, she is yielding.
In governing, she doesn't need control.
In work, she does the obvious thing.
In family life, she is continually present.
When one can be content with being,
And not require comparison or praise,
It is said they invest in their life
By making of it a donation.
#41 "Laughing at Tao is Perfectly Reasonable"
Those who live with sincerity, when they hear of Tao, immediately begin to embody it.
Those who live casually, may trust it at times, but aren't quite sure what do with it.
Those who embrace the manifestation completely laugh and scoff at the very idea.
If they didn't laugh and scoff, it wouldn't be Tao.
Therefore, you may have noticed:
Progress doesn't always seem to advance.
Beauty oft times can come off as obscene.
The powerful can tend to seem weak.
True love can appear tough or indifferent.
Wisdom can be mistaken as childish.
Great art can appear unsophisticated.
Tao is hidden in all of these,
Imparting what is needed,
Completing everything.
#46 "Knowing When to Stop"
When Tao is followed shelter, food, and water are prioritized.
Going counter to Tao war, excess, and hoarding are praised.
He who believes there isn't enough, is cursed to never have enough.
He who believes he must acquire, will acquire nothing that lasts.
There is no greater waste of time or energy than being discontent.
Therefore the Master knows what is enough and is content to stop there.