Taoism Lessons

''The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao, the name that can be named is not the eternal name. The unnamable is the eternally real. Naming is the origin of all particular things. Free from desire, you realize the mystery caught in desire, you see only the manifestations. Yet mysteries and manifestations arise from the same source, this source is called darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding.'' -Tao Te Ching

What I believe this is referring to is the void, the place where all matter originated. As it is the source all things will eventually return to the void and there we will have an understanding of all existing things and perhaps those things that do not truly exist as well.


''When people see some things as beautiful other things become ugly. When people see some things as good other things become bad. Being and non-being create each other. Difficult and easy support each other. Long and short define each other. High and low depend on each other. Before and after follow each other. Therefore, the Master acts without doing anything and teaches without saying anything. Things arise and she lets them come. Things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn't possess, acts but does not expect. When her work is done she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.'' -Tao Te Ching

This, I believe, refers to how our reality is affected by our own perceptions. We create what we believe and in doing so alter the truth, creating illusions that blind us from what is really there. Learning to work past that, to set aside all illusions of reality, is the goal of many Taoists.


''If you over-esteem great men, people become powerless. If you over value possessions, people begin to steal. The Master leads by emptying peoples minds and filling their cores by weakening their ambitions and toughening their resolve. He helps people lose everything they know, everything they desire and creates confusion in those who think that they know. Practice not doing and everything will fall into place.'' -Tao Te Ching

It is important to know that ''not doing'' does in no way refer to not doing something. Rather it refers to flowing. Let your actions flow from you naturally. Do not force them, do not will them, just do what you must do. If ever you watch a martial artist fight you may notice, if he has been practicing for a while, that his motions are fluid and smooth seeming to flow naturally from him. This is not just because of practice, it is an action that comes from familiarity and comfort. He knows what he is doing and knows how to do it and so he lets it flow from himself without trying. Never try, simply do and do so by not doing.


''The Tao is like a well, used but never used up. It is like the eternal wind filled with infinite possibilities. It is hidden but always present. I don't know who gave birth to it. It is older than time.'' -Tao Te Ching

The Tao is often seen as a sentient section of the void, or perhaps the entirety of a sentient void. This void is nothing and everything, the essence of all that is good and therefore the cause of all that is bad.


''The Tao doesn't take sides, it gives birth to both good and evil. The Master doesn't take sides. She welcomes both saints and sinners. The Tao is like a bellows, empty but infinitely capable. The more you use it the more it produces. The more you talk of it the less you understand. Hold on to the center.'' -Tao Te Ching

This basically mentions how, for the most part, if we try to understand what can't be understood we will understand less due to the confusion we will bring upon ourselves. It is one of those things that, to truly understand, we must simply accept for what it is.

''The Tao is called the Great Mother, empty yet inexhaustible. It gives birth to infinite worlds. It is always present within you. You can use it anyway you want.'' -Tao Te Ching

Once you learn to tap into the Tao, you can use it anyway you want. Most commonly it is used for divination or otherwise gaining wisdom or intelligence, but it can also be used for strength or energy.


''The Tao is infinite and eternal. Why is it eternal? It was never born so it can never die. Why is it infinite? It has no desires for itself thus it is present for all beings. The Master stays behind that is why she is ahead. She is detached from all things. That is why she is one with them, because she has let go of herself. She is perfectly fulfilled.'' -Tao Te Ching

This seems pretty self explanatory to me and I have nothing to add.


''The supreme good is like water which nourishes things without trying to. It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus it is like the Tao. In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or conceit, everybody will respect you.'' -Tao Te Ching

Again this seems pretty self explanatory, I have nothing to add.


''Fill your bowl to the rim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about peoples approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work then step back. The only path to serenity.'' -Tao Te Ching

This means to just let things be. Don't go for more, don't fix what isn't broken, just do what you have to do and take pleasure in the fact that you are done.


''Can you coax your mind from its wondering and keep to the original oneness? Can you let your body become supple as a new born child's? Can you cleanse your inner vision until you see nothing but the light? Can you love people and leave them without imposing your will? Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from your own mind and thus understand all things? Giving birth and nourishing. Having without possessing. Acting with no expectation. Leading and trying not to control. This is the supreme virtue.'' -Tao Te Ching

This refers to several things. The first is meditation, meditation is a big part of Taoism. The second is referring back to flowing as mentioned in lesson one, let everything happen as it is supposed to happen and simply do your part with it. The third is about letting go, also a part of the second thing mentioned, love for an object or position easily becomes greed and arrogance.

''We join spokes together in a wheel. But it is the center of the wheel that makes the wagon move. We shape clay into a pot but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want. We hammer wood for a house, it is the inner space that makes it livable. We work with being but non-being is what we use.'' -Tao Te Ching

The reference to the center of a wheel, I believe, refers to the part that would connect the wheel to the wagon. If the wheel attached at an edge or by it's side it simply would not work the same way; it is the center that must be used. The clay pot is pretty self explanatory, I think, except that it, like the wheel, is a metaphor. We as people must be centered so that we can be as useful as the wheel, the pot, and the house mentioned in this verse. Without their centers(or insides) those three objects are useless.


''Color blinds the eye. Sounds blind the ear. Flavors numb the taste. Thoughts weaken the mind. Desires wither the heart. The Master observes the world but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is as open as the sky.'' -Tao Te Ching

I believe this is one of those verses that can be interpreted different ways. Upon reading it I find myself thinking of various potential meanings. One is that the Master would realize and acknowledge the illusions of the world, but enjoy them anyways. Another is that he would simply notice the illusions and trust his inner vision to overcome them. Yet another is that she sees the illusions and lets them be. And those are just a few.


''Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear. What does it mean the success is as dangerous as failure? Whether you go up or down the ladder, your position is shaky. When you stand with your two feet on the ground you always keep your balance. What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear? Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don't see the self as self what do we have to fear? See the world as yourself. Have faith in the ways things are. Love the world as yourself then you can care for all things.'' -Tao Te Ching

The meaning of this verse will be brought up again later, but I think most of it is pretty self explanatory. For once metaphors are not used without being explained. Success can place you somewhere where failure will eventually occur, or at least the success will give you hope. Failure often leads to fear. Hope leads or comes from thinking of yourself, usually, and when you realize that all will be as it should be in the end you may also realize that hope isn't entirely necessary. Perhaps you would also realize that it isn't always a good thing. Fear, as you should already know, is a destructive emotion both for your mind and for your body as well as your spirit.


''Look and it can't be seen. Listen and it can't be heard. Reach and it can't be grasped. Above it isn't bright. Below it isn't dark. Seamless unnameable, it returns to the realm of nothing. Form that in clouds all forms. Image without image. Subtle beyond all conception and there is no beginning. Follow it and there is no end. You can't know it but you can be it. At ease in your own life. Just realize where you come from. This is the essence of wisdom.'' -Tao Te Ching

This refers to the void, to the Tao. The Tao is within all of us and within all things. Aside from that, it is as the verse described it.


''The Ancient Masters were profound and subtle. Their wisdom was unfathomable. There is no way to describe it. All we can describe is their appearances. They were careful as someone who crosses over an iced over stream, alert as a warrior in enemy territory, courteous as a gusty fluid on melting ice. Shapeable as a block of wood. Receptive as a valley. Clear as a glass of water. Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water clears? Can you remain unmoving until the action arises by itself? The Master doesn't seek fulfillment, not seeking or expecting. She is present and can welcome all things.'' -Tao Te Ching

By ''appearances'' it is actually referring to traits, usually a mindset. The old Masters were careful, alert, and courteous. They were flexible and easily adjustable, receptive and calm. They had patience and understanding, rather then seeking what so many people desired they let what they sought come to them.

''Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings but contemplate their return. Each separate being of the universe returns to the common source. Returning to the source is serenity. If you don't realize the source you stumble in confusion and sorrow. When you realize where you come from you naturally become tolerant, disinterested and amused. Kind hearted as a grandmother and dignified as a king. Immersed in the wonder of the Tao you can deal with whatever life brings you and when death comes you are ready.'' -Tao Te Ching

This, to me, seems to advise stepping back and observing. Rather then jump in with your ideas and worries, take a moment to contemplate what is going on around you. See what others are doing, know what it all adds up to, meditate for a moment on the here and now, then when you are ready you can act accordingly.


''When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is the leader who is loved. Next on who is feared. The worst is the one who is despised. If you don't trust the people you make them untrustworthy. The Master doesn't talk he acts. When his work is done, the people say...''amazing, we did it all by ourselves.'''' -Tao Te Ching

This passage explains the existence of humility in those with authority as well as some view on leadership. The best leader is the one who leads the people to success and allows them to enjoy it without taking credit. Second best is the one who leads and is loved for his actions. Third is the one who leads with fear, enforcing his will be made. The worst is the one who manages to make his people hate him and not want him as their leader. You should trust those who follow you just as they should trust you; trust is key in any relationship as is communication.


''When the Great Tao is forgotten, goodness and piety appear. When the body's intelligence dies, cleverness and knowledge step forth. When there is not peace in the family, filial piety begins. When the country falls into chaos, patriotism is born.'' -Tao Te Ching

This explains something that has been noticed throughout history as fact. When people need a hero, one way or another a hero is found. There are just some things that the hard parts of life can not beat down; positivity is one of those things.


''Throw away holiness in wisdom and people will be one hundred times happier. Throw away morality and justice and people will do the right thing. Throw away industry and profit and there won't be any thieves. If these three aren't enough just stay at the center of the circle and let all things take their course.'' -Tao Te Ching

This seems to give some insight on the way people think. Most people feel dumbed down or foolish when someone much wiser displays his wisdom, that makes people unhappy and often pushes them from wisdom. Morality and justice in some ways encourage younger people to do wrong, it makes the act more fun. Industry and profit are what leads to thieves, they steal because they want what they can not afford to buy. Remove the cause of problems and the problems are removed. If that is not possible, it is advised that you keep yourself centered so that you at least will be safe from the negativity generated by such deeds.


''Stop thinking and end your problems. What difference between yes or no? What difference between success and failure? Must you value what they value? How ridiculous! Other people are excited as though they were at a parade. I alone don't care. I alone am expressionless like an infant before it can smile. Other people have what they need. I alone possess nothing. I alone drift about like someone without a home. I am like an idiot, my mind is so empty. Other people are bright, I alone am dark. Other people are sharp, I alone am dull. Other people have a purpose, I alone don't know. I drift like a wave on the ocean. I blow as aimless as the wind. I am different from ordinary people. I drink from the Great Mothers' breasts.'' -Tao Te Ching

I don't think this is saying we all need to be brain dead. Rather I believe this part explains that we have to many thoughts. We categorize everything, absorb everything, sense everything, and in doing so we cloud our minds entirely. When we let all that go and let our minds be emptied of thoughts then we may find true peace and be one with the Tao.

"The Master keeps her mind always at one with the Tao. That is what gives her her radiance. The Tao is ungraspable. How can her mind be at one with it? Because she doesn't cling to ideas. The Tao is dark and unfathomable. How can it make her radiant? Because she lets it. Since before time and space were - The Tao is. It is beyond IS and IS NOT. How do I know this is true? I look inside myself and see."

The Tao is everywhere and the power that exists within it is very great. However, if you continue to keep ideas you may not be able to be one with that Tao. The reason is that your mind would be clouded by other things, not free and open. The Tao can do many things for you if you let it.


"If you want to become whole let yourself become partial. If you want to become straight let yourself become crooked. If you want to become full let yourself be empty. If you want to become reborn let yourself die. If you want to be given everything then give everything up. The Master by residing in the Tao sets an example for all beings because he doesn't display himself, people can see his light. Because he has nothing to prove, people can trust his words. Because he doesn't know who he is, people recognize themselves in him. Because has has no goal mind, everything he does succeeds. When the Ancient Masters said, "If you want to be given everything, give everything up." They weren't using empty phrases. Only in being lived by the Tao, can you truly be yourself."

There are many people who don't see something for what it is until they have seen it for what it's not. Being partial before becoming whole would be required to know that you are whole. Being crooked may be required before realizing when you are straight. As for being yourself, just look at how most people live. We often need to dress to impress rather then to express, we get so caught up in work that we sometimes forget to play, there are so many things that impede upon who we are. By living through the Tao you may learn to express yourself on an entirely different level, one with which the modern world can not affect.


"Express yourself completely then keep quiet. Be like the forces of nature. When it blows there is only wind. When it rains there is only rain. When the clouds pass the sun shines through. If you open yourself to insight you are at one with insight. And you can use it completely. If you open yourself to loss, you are at one with loss and you accept it completely. Open yourself to the Tao then trust your natural responses and everything will fall into place."

This, to me, goes into detail on how to be yourself through the Tao. Express when you can, let who you are flow naturally through you, find expressive metaphoric parts of the world around you, and accept everything for what it is. By doing so you express yourself and see things for what they are at the same time.


"He who stands on tip toe does not stand firm. He who rushes ahead does not go far. He who tries to shine dims his own light. He who defines himself can't know who he really is. He who has power over others can't empower himself. He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures. If you want to accord with the Tao just do your job and let go."

To me this goes right back to centering yourself with the Tao. If you try to go in any other direction with the Tao, you are bound to fail. You can not place yourself higher then the Tao, can not rush ahead of the Tao, and can not outshine the Tao. Then it goes on to defining oneself, I can speak from experience with that- I have often wondered who/what I really am and about my purpose, the more I wonder the less I can be sure about. I am me and I am what I am, that's all the answer I need. Likewise you are you and you are what you are. As for empowerment, I believe they are referring to people who have already been empowered unless we think on a more spiritual level in which case humility is hard to come by while in a position of leadership. Basically all in all what I see in this section is "let what is be what it is, let who is be who they are, and let what has happened be what happened."


"There was something, formless, perfect before the universe was born. It is serene, empty, unchanging, infinitive, eternal, present. It is the Mother of the Universe. For lack of a better name - I call it the Tao. It flows through all things inside and outside and returns to the origin of all things. The Tao is great. The Universe is great. Earth is great. Man is great. These are the four great powers. Man follows Earth, Earth follows Universe and the Universe follows the Tao. The Tao follows only itself."

I believe this section explains better then any other what the Tao is.

"The heavy is the root of light. The unmoved is the source of all movement. Thus the Master travels all day without leaving home. However, splendid the views, she stays serenely in her self. Why should the Lord of the country flit about like a fool? If you let yourself be blown to and fro you lose touch with your root. If you let restlessness move you, you lose touch with who you are."

I see this as referring to different levels. On a physical level you may remain still and rooted to where you are, on a mental level you may wander through the Tao to explore many previously unknown places. However, astral projection is not required for this, thus how she stays within herself. The Tao is a part of us, we don't have to leave to experience it.


"A good traveler has not fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving. A good artist lets his intuitions lead him where ever he wants. A good scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to what is. Thus the Master is available to all people and doesn't reject anyone. He is ready to use all situations and doesn't waste anything. This is called embodying the light. What is a good man but a bad man's teacher. What is a bad man but a good man's job. If you don't understand this you will get lost however intelligent you are. It is the Great Secret."

One thing I like about this section is that we are all that is listed. We are the travelers, the artists, the scientists, the masters, the good and even the bad men. To be good travelers we should enjoy the traveling, to be good artists we should allow intuition to lead us, to be good scientists we must learn about whatever we can whenever we can. As masters we should be available to all and neglect none. As bad men we should strive to become better and as good men we should help others to improve.


"Know the male yet keep to the female. Receive the world in your own arms. If you receive the world, the Tao will never leave you and you will be like a little child. Know the white yet keep to the black. Be a pattern for the world. If you are pattern for the world the Tao will be strong inside you and there will be nothing you can't do. Know the personal yet keep to the impersonal. The Tao will be luminous inside you and you will return to your primal self. The world is formed from the void like utensils from a block of wood. The Master knows the utensils but keeps to the block, thus she can use all things."

To me the meaning of this verse comes out most with that last sentence, being a carpenter myself I know that from experience. The block of wood that you choose to carve has a natural shape within it. It can be anything; a lady, a dragon, a tool, anything. If you focus on your own tools then you see your own tools and are left with your imagination for help, but if you see that shape within the block then naturally you can bring it out. Relating this to Taoism I would say focus on the Tao. As for being a pattern, I am sorry, but I can't really explain that. Perhaps by focusing on the Tao the answer will surface on it's own when we are ready to know, just as the figure within the block of wood.


"Do you want to improve your world? I don't think it can be done. The world is saved. It can't be improved. If you tamper with it you'll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you will lose it. There is a time for being ahead, a time for being behind, a time for being in motion, a time for being at rest, a time for being vigorous, a time for being exhausted, a time for being safe, a time for being in danger. The Master sees things as they are without trying to control them and resides at the center of the circle."

Perhaps one of the biggest flaws in humanity is our "ability to adapt" lmao. We do not adapt. We adapt our world to us rather then adapt to it. To me at least, this verse explains that we should learn to adapt to the world instead and accept it for what it is. The world was perfect long before humanity got involved.


"Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men, doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. For every force there is a counter force. Violence, even well intended, always rebounds upon oneself. The Master does his job then stops. He understands that the universe is forever in control and trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao. Because he believes in himself he doesn't try to convince others. Because he's content with himself he doesn't need other's approval. Because he accepts himself the world accepts him."

This tells me, "Just go with the flow." Don't fight things that happen naturally, don't try to prevent events that need to occur. Just let the world go by and accept things for what they are. Act accordingly and in the way you feel is right. Don't think, just do or do not.

"Weapons are the tools of violence. All decent men detest them. Weapons are the tools of fear. A decent man will avoid them except in the direst necessity and if compelled will use them only with the utmost restraint. Peace is his highest value. If the peace has been shattered, how can he be content? His enemies are not demons but human beings like himself. He doesn't wish them personal harm nor does he rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters the battle gravely with sorrow and with great compassion as if he were attending a funeral."

I have mixed feelings on this. Weapons are tools, but if used properly they can be tools of peace just as easily as for violence. Weapons may cause fear in some, but I do not believe that is their purpose. Peace is most precious and decent people should do all they can to keep the peace. When going to battle the mood should be somber, there is no victory in a battle within which someone dies. However, those who survive should rejoice- they may yet live to see peace again.


"The Tao cannot be perceived. Smaller than an electron it contains uncountable galaxies. If powerful men and women could remain centered in the Tao all things would be in harmony. The world would become a paradise. All people would be at peace and the law would be written in their hearts. When you have money and fame know that they are provisional. When you have institutions you should know where their functions end. Knowing when to stop you can avoid any danger. All things end in the Tao as rivers flow to the sea."

Taoism is mostly about peace and when multiple Taoists gather to work together they do work in harmony. If all the powerful people of Earth were to become dedicated to the Taoist way, overnight we may have a world government with multiple rulers and no corruption. World peace would become more then just a dream, more then a seemingly impossible fantasy.


"Knowing others is true intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power. If you realize you have enough you are truly rich. If you stay in the center and embrace death with a whole heart you will endure forever."

Other then that last line this seems pretty self explanatory. If we stay centered with the Tao and embrace death knowing that we have lived a full life, or at the very least have lived our life as it was meant to be lived, then we may die peacefully. As for enduring forever, I believe in reincarnation and also believe that all people may do so, thus I believe we endure forever anyways.


"The Great Tao flows everywhere. All things are born from it yet it does not create them. It pours itself into its work and it makes no claim. It nourishes infinite worlds yet doesn't hold onto them. Since it merged with all things and hid in their hearts it can be called... humble. Since all things vanish into it and it alone endures, it can be called Great. It isn't aware of its greatness thus it is truly great."

Again this specifically explains the Tao.


"She who is centered in the Tao can go where she wishes without danger. She perceives the universal harmony even amid great pain because she has found peace in her heart. Music or the smell of cooking can make people stop and enjoy. But words that point to the Tao seem monotonous and without flavor. When you look for it there is nothing to see. When you listen for it there is nothing to hear. When you use it, it is inexhaustible."

This explains the peace of mind that can be found in Taoism. Also, for those who have dedicated themselves to the Tao, there is the ability to see or sense what will happen soon. The Tao is a universal energy and when you are centered in it, when your mind has become one with it, you'll know things before they happen. Unlike life's pleasantries, however, there is no sense to entice you into it. Taoism is a path that must be chosen.

A change from what I said last time, anyone may post, however the posts will be deleted upon the addition of the next lesson. Any questions will be answered in a message to whoever asked.

Sorry for falling behind on this, everyone. Some other things came up with me trying to get a career and now I'm having to deal with allot of paperwork. So I haven't had time to write the next part.

Over the next week I will be working on catching up with a bunch of lessons, including some that I found notes about and should have been written sometime in October or sooner last year.

The Tao Te Ching quoted can be found at -

http://acc6.its.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~phalsall/texts/taote-v3.html