12-14-2016, 12:01 AM
16.
1. The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost
degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying
vigour. All things alike go through their processes of
activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original
state). When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed
their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its
root. This returning to their root is what we call the state of
stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that
they have fulfilled their appointed end.
2. The report of that fulfilment is the regular, unchanging
rule. To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not
to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues. The
knowledge of that unchanging rule produces a (grand)
capacity and forbearance, and that capacity and forbearance
lead to a community (of feeling with all things).
From this community of feeling comes a kingliness of
character; and he who is king-like goes on to be heaven-like.
In that likeness to heaven he possesses the Tao. Possessed of
the Tao, he endures long; and to the end of his bodily life, is
exempt from all danger of decay.
This is a quote from Tao te Ching that I was reminded of when i read this, it is a theme that reoccurs in the book, the mind being perfect in 'abysmal stillness', etc.
I have been acting from a place of love for everyone around me in my world, it counteracts my self-importance, i want to be friendly and caring. i read the first post here a few days ago, and i was walking home from a friends house, i was a bit scared to be walking home so late at night, and i was walking through the fields, and i saw a man approaching, i remembered about saying he is a teacher (from the first post) and it transformed the man into a wandering holy man, he didn't say anything to me as he walked past, yet i felt the power of setting volition, how people are mirrors for ourselves. i saw that we were both on a path of power, our brief exchange was wordless and actionless - we passed each other in silence, yet we acknowledged each other, and i was without fear.
1. The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost
degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying
vigour. All things alike go through their processes of
activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original
state). When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed
their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its
root. This returning to their root is what we call the state of
stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that
they have fulfilled their appointed end.
2. The report of that fulfilment is the regular, unchanging
rule. To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not
to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues. The
knowledge of that unchanging rule produces a (grand)
capacity and forbearance, and that capacity and forbearance
lead to a community (of feeling with all things).
From this community of feeling comes a kingliness of
character; and he who is king-like goes on to be heaven-like.
In that likeness to heaven he possesses the Tao. Possessed of
the Tao, he endures long; and to the end of his bodily life, is
exempt from all danger of decay.
This is a quote from Tao te Ching that I was reminded of when i read this, it is a theme that reoccurs in the book, the mind being perfect in 'abysmal stillness', etc.
I have been acting from a place of love for everyone around me in my world, it counteracts my self-importance, i want to be friendly and caring. i read the first post here a few days ago, and i was walking home from a friends house, i was a bit scared to be walking home so late at night, and i was walking through the fields, and i saw a man approaching, i remembered about saying he is a teacher (from the first post) and it transformed the man into a wandering holy man, he didn't say anything to me as he walked past, yet i felt the power of setting volition, how people are mirrors for ourselves. i saw that we were both on a path of power, our brief exchange was wordless and actionless - we passed each other in silence, yet we acknowledged each other, and i was without fear.