What a great day! I have been dropped by Noom as an "Expert Voice" but the community that benifits from my show has shown great support and I want to thank all of them for showing me that what I am doing is valuable. I had Julie pick #45, Susan #28, Malissa #62, Tammara #11, and Jay K #22.
#11 "Emptiness is Valuable"
Spokes, tire, rim, and hub all make a wheel,
Yet it is the space where the axel goes that makes it worthwhile.
Clay is formed into a vessel,
A vessel"s function is to hold things,
Thus its form includes emptiness.
A house can be built
But if it were solid, it would be useless.
It is easy to see structure,
But structure is there to expose the value of emptiness.
#22 "Looking Away from What You Want"
To become complete
Know that you're partial.
To become straight
Know that you're crooked.
To become full
Know that you're empty.
To be new
Know that you're worn out.
He who wants it all
Must know what all includes.
Thus, the Master stays centered in Tao
And becomes an example for the world.
Because she knows her light is forfeit
People can see it.
Because she has no point to prove
People can trust her words.
Because she has no identity
She becomes a mirror for others.
Because she has nothing to attain
Nothing can be kept from her.
Thus, when it is said
"To become complete know that you're partial."
It is wise to heed and surrender to it.
Only by living in collaboration with Tao
Can one find completion.
#28 "Knowing There's Depth in the Shallow"
Know the world through the masculine
But access your power through the feminine:
In this way, you will be open to receive.
If you can receive then your actions will support,
They will never be forced, and you will be innocent.
Know the world through the light
But connect to it within the dark:
In this way, you will be open to the truth.
If you can see truth, manifestation will not fool you,
It will fall away, and nothing will elude you.
Know the world through the particular
But know there is no particular here:
In this way, you will accept all things.
If you can accept all things, you will be a beacon
That will guide you, and all beings, back to source.
The manifestation was formed from the void.
The Master knows the manifestation
Yet stays focused on the void within it.
That is how she uses all things.
#45 "Beware of Words with Meaning"
To not define your accomplishments
You will always have patience to spare.
To not acknowledge your fullness
You will always have space to spare.
When we define something as straight, we see how crooked it is.
When we define someone as skilled, we focus on how clumsy they are.
When we call a speech eloquent, we notice the stammering therein.
The Master needn't define things,
What they are will arise naturally.
By removing herself, and her need to know,
She can see Tao express itself fully.
#62 "Everybody's Treasure"
Tao benefits all things
A treasure for those who know
An opportunity for those who don't.
To witness one act or speak to gain position
Know they are under the influence of manifestation,
Be like Tao and do not abandon them,
For knowing Tao is learned by example.
Therefore, when a new leader takes office
Don't offer words, gifts, or actions
Offer instead to teach them Tao.
Why is Tao so universally loved?
Because if you acknowledge it or not
Tao is your treasure,
Always in harmony
Every mistake forgiven.