While reading and contemplating the Tao Te Ching, I came across the first verse that I'm having trouble with.  It's Verse 31 and the part that is bothering me goes as follows:

 

"Weapons are the tools of violence;

all decent men detest them.

Therefore, the followers of the Tao never use them.

 

Arms serve evil.

They are the tools of those who oppose wise rule.

Use them only as a last resort.

For peace and quiet are dearest to the decent man's heart,

and to him, even a victory is no cause for rejoicing."

 

Anyone who knows me well will spot the problem right away.  My husband is a HUGE firearm enthusiast.  I’ve never been that into them, but he has made me much more comfortable with them, they are a large part of my life and our life together.  Neither of us would ever use firearms to harm anyone or make any offensive type actions, they are seen merely as a defense tool (and hunting tool for my hubby).

 

I am struggling with how this verse applies to our use of firearms.  I tried talking to my hubby about it, be he’s too scared that I’ll want to stop doing anything with them to look at it objectively.  I feel like Lao Tzu has acknowledged that sometimes, the use of a weapon in self defense is necessary as long as ALL other options are exhausted (the last resort line.)  But this seems to contradict the line about how followers of the Tao never use weapons.

 

I have no conclusions as of yet, so any input would be appreciated.

Interpreting Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching – 3^rd Verse

By Yuena Zhen

 

Putting a value on status will create contentiousness.

If you overvalue possessions, people begin to steal.

By not displaying what is desirable,

You will cause the people’s hearts to remain undisturbed.

 

The sage governs by emptying minds and hearts,

By weakening ambitions and strengthening bones.

 

Practice not doing…

When action is pure and selfless,

Everything settles into its own perfect place.

 

For me this verse has an amazing impact.  Who among us has not coveted the possessions of others?  Often thinking to ourselves, “if only I had one of those, then I would be happy.”  Lao Tzu is telling us that we need to look at our priorities closely, and make sure they are in line with our true selves.  The Tao wants us to stop seeking more, and start feeling gratitude for what is here.  A life of continually wanting more can only end in discontent, while a life of gratitude is content and peaceful.

He also reminds us that displaying our possessions to others, making a big deal out of what we have, only acts as a temptation to others.  Nothing good will come of bragging or showing off in front of others.  By being humble and willing to share what you have, you avoid causing jealousy in others. 

I always keep in mind this quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer, “Remember, there is no way to happiness; rather, happiness is the way.”  It is important to put our ego aside in order to find those things that will truly lead to happiness.

The goal of all Taoists is to be the sage that Lao Tzu constantly refers to throughout the Tao Te Ching.  In this verse, the sage is not only emptying his own heart and mind of the thoughts that tend to clutter it on a daily basis, but to help others do the same.  One of the easiest ways to ensure that your motives are pure, is to make sure your actions benefit someone other than yourself.

When Lao Tzu says to practice not doing, I don’t see this as an invitation to be lazy and apathetic.  I see it as a challenge to stop doing what we think we “should do” because it’s normal, mainstream or readily accepted, and start doing that which will really make us happy.  Even in Lao Tzu’s time, there were pressures to behave a certain way, and Lao Tzu recognized the importance of not conforming if it went against his way of thinking.

 

 

This Friday is Lammas, the wheat festival. I encourage you all to share a loaf of bread (preferably homemade) with family and friends while we prepare to welcome this years harvest.
Happy Lammas to you!!

What I tell you is not a secret.

The secret is in you.

-Hui-Neng

Sometimes the Universe puts things in your path just when you need them. I was at the library yesterday and came across an unlikely book called The Four Agreements: A Toltec Wisdom Book by Don Miguel Ruiz. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, so I didn't think much as I pulled this from the shelf, but then on the back of the book was a quote from one of my personal inspirations Dr. Wayne Dyer, so I immediately gave the book more attention.

I have only begun reading it, but it's already had an effect on me. I'd like to share the four agreements with you.

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinion and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.

I will be sure write again once I have finished this fascinating book.