Chapter of the Week: #65 [Archive]

Luke Abbott

Just want to say that I really appreciate what you and Carl are saying. How much time I use going around in useless circles in my mind- I am this or that, he or she is this or that, life is this or that...Just to recognize it and being aware of the illusion is very helpful (when I can). It means it's not too late. Each moment is new and if I don't carry the baggage of holding onto an illusion there may be some more peace. You put things so well.Again...thank you.

Luke Abbott

Each week we address one chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Chapter 65 was originally featured on the 2nd week in April.

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 65
Of old those who excelled in the pursuit of the way did not use it
to enlighten the people but to hoodwink them. The reason why the
people are difficult to govern is that they are too clever.

Hence to rule a state by cleverness
Will be to the detriment of the state;
Not to rule a state by cleverness
Will be a boon to the state.
These two are models.
Always to know the models
Is know as mysterious virtue.
Mysterious virtue is profound and far-reaching,
But when things turn back it turns back with them.

Only then is complete conformity realized.

Carl

[Note: I italicize phrases I borrow from the chapter, and link to phrases I borrow from other chapters]

Downplaying anything to do with enlightenment always tickles me . Enlightenment is simply an Eastern version of heaven. Especially in regards to the notion that one has any control over one's own or another's enlightening. Now, of course, the myth of enlightenment is the hoodwink, which makes the first part of this chapter especially ironic. If I excelled in the pursuit of the way, I'd keep [chref=5]silent[/chref]. Alas, I'm just [chref=39]one among many like jade[/chref].

Having alienated everyone who believes in enlightenment, now what? Well, let's pick on cleverness. Society reveres cleverness in all aspects of life: art, science, literature, sports and so on. Cleverness gives one an edge in one's climb to the top. From a Taoist point of view, cleverness is a 'cross to bear'. Cleverness certainly does not help you settle into the [chref=61]lower position[/chref] anymore than it helps you go to sleep.

Conformity, in our culture especially, is almost a 'dirty word', eh? But, I've found that conformity is the only thing that actually give me peace. The question is, conforming to what. I'm very non-conformist by nature (and nurture), so it's been difficult finding a conformity niche. So far the only thing that sits right with me is conforming to how things are. When I live with expectations and ideals of what is 'best', I'm never feel [chref=46]content[/chref]. I only feel content when I can turn back and conform, moment to moment, to the perfection of things as they are - even though that [chref=45]perfection seems chipped,[/chref].

I think I'll go out and pick some weeds now. I'll conform to the existence of weeds, and I'll conform to the process of picking them. My, how [chref=34]broad [/chref] the way is! It's so [chref=53]easy[/chref].

Joe

The same is true of myself being hard to govern, especially when I?m trying to figure out how to have my cake and eat it too. When I stop being clever, I have less desires, and am more likely to see reality, and let go of illusions.

Too clever is the opposite of keeping things simple. For example, as in the difference between having oatmeal for breakfast everyday, versus driving to a special restaurant out of town, scheduling to meet up with friends there, etc. Complications to a basic activity of life.

I think of the chapter about returning to the knotted rope, as in just sticking to basics, and not pursuing more and more desire for novelty or entertainment. Pursuing desires for increased ?thrill? or pleasure, is like making a tower out of blocks. A few layers stays stable, but the more levels you add, the more unstable it gets until it topples. (I.e., things go more and more out of balance, until a problem develops.) Balance doesn?t come from increasingly clever ways to design cars, or cook foods, or putting off paying for stuff (like with credit cards).

I like Carl?s point about cleverness (including extra knowledge) as a cross to bear. Sometimes I?d just as soon not have a human mind, and just operate simply like the other animals. Oh well.