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Following the Tao, by not Following the Tao
Each week we address one chapter of the Tao Te Ching. 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 15
Of old he who was well versed in the way
Was minutely subtle, mysteriously comprehending,
And too profound to be known.
It is because he could not be known
That he can only be given a makeshift description:
Tentative, as if fording a river in winter,
Hesitant, as if in fear of his neighbors;
Formal like a guest;
Falling apart like thawing ice;
Thick like the uncarved block;
Vacant like a valley;
Murky like muddy water.
Who can be muddy and yet, settling, slowly become limpid?
Who can be a rest and yet, stirring, slowly come to life?
He who holds fast to this way
Desires not to be full.
It is because he is not full
That he can be worn and yet newly made.
Read commentary previously posted for this chapter.
Read notes on translations
Chapter 15
Of old he who was well versed in the way
Was minutely subtle, mysteriously comprehending,
And too profound to be known.
It is because he could not be known
That he can only be given a makeshift description:
Tentative, as if fording a river in winter,
Hesitant, as if in fear of his neighbors;
Formal like a guest;
Falling apart like thawing ice;
Thick like the uncarved block;
Vacant like a valley;
Murky like muddy water.
Who can be muddy and yet, settling, slowly become limpid?
Who can be a rest and yet, stirring, slowly come to life?
He who holds fast to this way
Desires not to be full.
It is because he is not full
That he can be worn and yet newly made.
Read commentary previously posted for this chapter.
Read notes on translations
Comments
My sense is that we can't - at least in a way we think we should. First, we are animals with survival instincts that run counter to impartiality - the way of balance, [chref=47]the way of heaven[/chref]. Frankly, we didn't evolve to know, or practice, nature's way. Rather, nature hoodwinks us a bit into 'intuitively knowing' that more is better, sweet is healthy, or that life is good, for example. In the wild this bias would invariably promote survival and good health. Not always so under the civilized conditions in which we find ourselves. Second of course, [chref=1]The way that can be spoken of is not the constant way[/chref], so we must be extremely [chref=15]tentative[/chref] about whatever we [chref=71]think that we know[/chref]. The way we think we should follow may in fact not be the way, but a [chref=53]by-path[/chref] instead.
The easiest way I have found around this obvious [chref=63]difficulty[/chref] is to regard the Tao Te Ching as a good faith attempt to point out, though [chref=21]indistinct and shadowy[/chref], how nature actually [chref=5]works[/chref]. Understanding this [chref=6]mysterious female[/chref] means often over-riding biological 'common sense', especially in the beginning. The more I know I am being [chref=65]hoodwinked[/chref], the less my 'common sense' impedes my [chref=16]impartiality[/chref].
All life is obviously set up with a strong bias to survive. Nature, on the other hand, is founded in balance which is something we yearn deeply for, but fail to achieve. In fact this yearning we feel is part and parcel of Nature's hoodwink, i.e., the illusion that satiating desire will bring balance and [chref=33]contentment[/chref]. I've found that understanding this, to whatever extent possible, is all that I need. With deeper understanding, action follows in due course naturally. I can't help but [chref=59]follow the way[/chref]. No effort is needed - our biology is the 'enemy', and [chref=68]one who excels in defeating his enemy does not join issue[/chref].
In summary: trying to follow the 'way' is futile in the long run, even though we may think we're making progress for awhile. Rather, [chref=15]settling[/chref] down opens self awareness up to understanding and doing [chref=25]that which is naturally so[/chref]. In a sense, what we think is so, what we believe is so, only serves to blind us to what may be so. Chapter 71 sums it up well: [chref=71]To know yet to think that one does not know is best[/chref]. On the other hand, [chref=71]not to know yet to think that one knows[/chref] (i.e., belief) quells deeper [chref=43]understanding[/chref]. Thus, simply put, [chref=38]a man of the highest virtue does not keep to virtue and that is why he has virtue[/chref]. Ironically, all this is [chref=70]very easy to put into practice[/chref] if we just stay our of our own way. :oops: