11/15/11

516

"Tao is a principle, which we learn to feel and understand in order to be in harmony with the world and Nature. The more we are in harmony, the easier it is to prolong life. Tao is ultimately the source of all things and also its many manifestations, which means that when we are more aware, we become more conscious of the duality of everything.

In this way, we meet with paradoxes every day: if it is the void (no-place) it is also the energy within that void; if it is pure energy then no-thing can contain it. Tao exists and yet it also gives rise to everything created. It is miraculous and yet equally beautiful. The prime requirements for following the Tao are a life of simplicity, communion with nature, denial of selfishness and a mystical union with the Ultimate. These would lead to three qualities of compassion, reserve or frugality and humility; the three treasures of the Tao Te Ching. These three treasures help us to understand others, accept what we cannot change and maintain our equilibrium no matter what transpires. These three treasures are really all that are needed to follow the Tao and yet they are very difficult to practice. In order to lessen this difficulty, one must accept the principle that striving is unnecessary and that non-action is the right response, particularly as far as our worst attribute is concerned. The Chinese for this is 'Wu Wei', which does not mean doing nothing. It means deliberately not doing anything against the course of nature, which is allowed to unfold on its own."