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

3.10.2011

TAO 20- Swimming Upstream

Renounce knowledge and your problems will end.
What is the difference between yes and no?
What is the difference between good and evil?
Must you fear what others fear?
Nonsense, look how far you have missed the mark!

Other people are joyous,

as though they were at a spring festival.
I alone am unconcerned and expressionless,
like an infant before it has learned to smile.

Other people have more than they need;

I alone seem to possess nothing.
I am lost and drift about with no place to go.
I am like a fool, my mind is in chaos.

Ordinary people are bright;

I alone am dark.
Ordinary people are clever;
I alone am dull.
Ordinary people seem discriminating;
I alone am muddled and confused.
I drift on the waves on the ocean,
blown at the mercy of the wind.
Other people have their goals,
I alone am dull and uncouth.

I am different from ordinary people.

I nurse from the Great Mother's breasts.

How far we have come from the concept that we are only an insignificant sidebar in the universe.  We revel in the arrogance that the Sun and stars revolve around us and that we have dominion over Gaia.  We have perceived needs and apply the concept of inalienable, god given rights as justification.

Lao Tsu challenges us to be true individuals and in tune with the energy flow surrounding us.  Move with that flow and quit swimming upstream in futility.


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