The Tao and The Nature of Confusion
Waking Times
"We live in a complex world and simplicity is often difficult to come by. This is especially so in the world of intangible ideas about things such as the future. What the world should look like tomorrow.
In seeking to manifest tomorrow, we participate in politics, religion, civics, activism, evangelism and so on, consuming ourselves with outwardly organizational efforts to tweak the future to our liking. Virtuous as it may be to volunteer, stump, debate and donate, the genuine source of our societal problems goes overlooked by most.
The true nature of mankind can not be hidden from time. The Tao Teh Ching effectively captured the truest essence of human nature 2500 years ago, and returning to its simple wisdom can help us to overcome the confusion about the nature of our world.
The deep insights offered by this timeless text shows us how can genuinely affect change in this world. And that is by addressing the root of our problems: the self.
Ponder this beautiful passage from the Tao Te Ching, #38:
One of subtle universal nature
is not conscious of being virtuous,
therefore, he is truly virtuous.
One of partial virtue attempts to live up to
an external standard of virtue.
Therefore, he is not truly virtuous.
One of whole virtue does not need to do anything
in order to be virtuous,
because virtue is the very essence
of one’s true nature.
But, one of partial virtue believes that something
must be done in order to prove that he is virtuous.
Thus, partial virtue becomes prevalent
when people fail to follow their own true nature.
Benevolence becomes prevalent
when people fail to be naturally kind.
Etiquette becomes prevalent
when people fail to be righteous and considerate.
When people find no response with etiquette,
they roll up their sleeves
and force others to respond to them.
When people stray from the subtle way of universal nature,
they can no longer perceive their own true nature.
Thus, they emphasize relative virtue.
When natural virtue is lost,
society depends on the doctrine of humanism.
When natural virtue is lost,
society depends on the doctrine of humanism.
When humanity becomes corrupted,
social and religious teachings appear
and become powerful forces.
When social and religious teachings become corrupted,
what is left behind is the empty shell
of superficial ceremonies and artificial etiquette.
When etiquette is emphasized,
it is because people lack the simple qualities
of fairness and kindness.
This is the starting point of people of confusion.
All of these man-made, partial virtues
are merely superficial flowers, a false nature.
When people begin to move away
from their own true nature,
it is the beginning of hypocrisy.
Clarity comes in simple packages."
http://www.wakingtimes.com/2012/12/03/the-tao-and-the-nature-of-confusion/My response:
Some days I feel so wise and others I feel so lost. Then I come across things like this. I over-think so much of this world - focus on all the complexities - and lose sight of what really matters.
Happiness is so simple if we can only learn to let go of society and return to nature.
Too many of us die without ever living our dreams because we were tied down by school and work when all we needed to do was free ourselves from those shallow expectations and follow our dreams instead.
Sadly, we live in a world that makes it almost impossible to do this. We can not simply quit work and live freely. If you have no job, you have no money - if you have no money, you have no food. In today's world, you can not just walk out and hunt any time of the year.
Because of this, it will be a slower process to break free of society. We must take small steps - such as remembering to step outside and focus on all the beautiful things we can see/hear/smell/feel/taste outside. To literally stop and smell the roses. These may seem like simple tasks but they will be the first drops that will begin a ripple through society. As the ripple spreads, more people will begin to follow. Change will begin slowly, at first, but - with enough support - will grow more rapid over time.
We must all come together and fight for what is right - we must stop settling for "good enough" and accept only what is right to our souls.
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