It is true that in the history of human thinking the most fruitful developments take place at those points where two different lines of thought meet. These lines may have their roots in different human cultures, different times, different cultural environments, or different religious traditions.

If they meet; if they are at least so much related to each other that a real interaction can take place, then one may hope that new and interesting developments may follow.

Werner Heisenberg

3.15.2011

TAO 15- The Ancients Knew Better

The Sages of old were profound
and knew the ways of subtlety and discernment.
Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension.
Because their knowledge was so far superior
I can only give a poor description.

They were careful

as someone crossing a frozen stream in winter.
Alert as if surrounded on all sides by the enemy.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Whole as an uncarved block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Turbid as muddied water.

Who can be still

until their mud settles
and the water is cleared by itself?
Can you remain tranquil until right action occurs by itself?

The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.

For only those who are not full are able to be used
which brings the feeling of completeness.


We live in a very complex society.  We can’t wait to develop the next great technology, build the next biggest car or factory or convert the last rain forest into cattle grazing land.

We no longer process energy in a balanced fashion.  Instead we rush to build a dead rock in space that will continue to dissipate energy long after we are gone.

As a species we have forgotten the need for balance.  Our ancestors understood.  We need to re-learn not to kill the last buffalo so we’ll have meat next year.  We need to learn that energy will flow regardless of what we think we need.

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