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Why am i sad at the pope's death?
Each week we address one chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Chapter 68 was originally featured on the 1st week in May.
Note: The Tao Te Ching can be obscure, especially if you think you're supposed to understand what it's saying! We find it easier and more instructive to simply contemplate how the chapter resonates with your personal experience. Becoming more aware at this fundamental level simplifies life. This approach conforms to the view that true knowing lies within ourselves. Thus, when a passage in the scripture resonates, you've found your inner truth. The same applies for when it evokes a question; questions are the grist for self realization.
Chapter 68
One who excels as a warrior does not appear formidable;
One who excels in fighting is never roused in anger;
One who excels in defeating his enemy does not join issue;
One who excels in employing others humbles himself before them.
This is known as the virtue of non-contention;
This is known as making use of the efforts of others;
This is known as matching the sublimity of heaven.
Note: The Tao Te Ching can be obscure, especially if you think you're supposed to understand what it's saying! We find it easier and more instructive to simply contemplate how the chapter resonates with your personal experience. Becoming more aware at this fundamental level simplifies life. This approach conforms to the view that true knowing lies within ourselves. Thus, when a passage in the scripture resonates, you've found your inner truth. The same applies for when it evokes a question; questions are the grist for self realization.
Chapter 68
One who excels as a warrior does not appear formidable;
One who excels in fighting is never roused in anger;
One who excels in defeating his enemy does not join issue;
One who excels in employing others humbles himself before them.
This is known as the virtue of non-contention;
This is known as making use of the efforts of others;
This is known as matching the sublimity of heaven.
Comments
Yet I've had tears in my eyes several times this week, watching the coverage of the funeral. I liked the man even if I detested his message...maybe it's just that he was in so long, part of my youth gone, something like that...every man's death diminshes me...wish i could feel that way more often...and change scares me, though again I know that change is the onlty constant in this world...
anyway, has anyone else ever done this, mourn the end of someone or something that you didnt even know you cared about?
or am i just an emotional, sentimental fool?
I was working on drainage rehab project for the city and took a sledge hammer to the parking lot we were going to dig up. I was in a ditch so the asphault was about waist high. The crew leader asked me to stop because we would use a backhoe to dig it up. I just looked at him and went back to smashing the asphault using every bit of anger I had in me. I wasn't wearing gloves and went at it until I could lift the sledge and the crew leader took it from me.
As to the Pope, I didn't feel anything.
While my husband is Catholic, I'm not, so the Pope's death had no significance, no meaning, no sorrow for me. In fact, I felt a little guilty that it didn't. Instead, I pondered on where all those people, went to the bathroom! Were there port-a-johns in St. Peter's Square?
anyway, I hope it's more orderly when I die and the crowds gather...