A great show kicked off with a partial read of #33 and Marianne joined me for #18 and got a hug from me and Melissa who chose #24. Linda E then jumped up and selected #57.
#18 "Out of Touch with Tao"
When out of touch with Tao
Etiquette is observed.
When etiquette cannot be abided
We find excuses to make it proper.
When excuses gut the family,
Chaos favors the hierarchy.
When all the neighbors are in chaos
Blind loyalty is demanded.
#24 "Do What is to be Done"
Standing on tiptoes robs you of firm footing.
Rushing ahead robs you of knowing where you are.
Looking at yourself robs you of seeing.
Boasting of yourself robs you of your brilliance.
Overpowering others robs you of your power.
Clinging to your work robs you of longevity.
If you want to align with Tao
Just do what is to be done and then stop.
#33 "You are Not Manifestation"
Study others and gain some knowledge.
Study yourself and gain deep wisdom.
Controlling others takes strength.
But controlling your ego and desires
Takes power and perseverance.
Knowing that you have enough gives you wealth,
Grasping for money and love forces you to conform.
Embrace who you are and stay centered in that
And although you will die you will not perish.
#57 "Laws are All in the Heart"
Tao governs all things by discarding objectives.
Never possessing or interfering,
All things only need abide the law in their heart,
In this way they are free from desire.
When Tao is ignored, objectives rule the day.
Rules are created that make people expend energy to get around them.
Intelligence is praised and rewarded while products become more demonic and intrusive.
Weapons are paraded, fear spreads, and the hearts of all things close off.
As litigation becomes a national focus politicians and criminals multiply.
The Master needn't engage these traps
She is quiet, and people follow their light
She is peaceful, and people are compelled to be honest
She does nothing, and all things flourish together.
Have no desire and all things will achieve primal existence.