Month: November 2011

The greatest virtue is to follow The Way, observing how it achieves mankind's goals without contriving. The essence of The Way is deep and mysterious, having in itself neither image nor form, it exists only within the intellect. Yet, through its non-being are found image and form. The essence of The Way is deep and profound, yet it may be known by not trying to know, but simply doing so. To do one’s best, or to try, is to fail; and not sufficient onto any task of importance which requires doing.

In the eyes of those who have more than they need, the Follower has nothing, and is a fool, prizing only that which of The Way is born. The Follower may seem to be perplexed, being neither bright nor clear; and to himself, sometimes he seems dull and weak, confused and shy. Like the ocean at night, he is serene and quiet, but as penetrating as the winter wind.

The follower drifts like a cloud, having no specific place. Like a newborn babe before it smiles, he does not seek to communicate with his fellow man, as they must seek him out, which they will do, but only when ready for to receive wisdom.

It is to the advantage of the follower that he does not fear what others fear, but it is to the advantage of others that they can enjoy the feast, or go walking, free of hindrance, through the fields and byways in Spring.

He who seeks wisdom is well advised to give up evil or pointless ways, and put an end to striving, for such is folly. Then he will learn that yes and no are distinguished only by distinction.

It is better merely to live one’s life, realizing one’s potential, rather than wishing for sanctification. He who lives in filial piety and love has no need of ethical teaching. He is now beyond all redemption.

When cunning and profit are renounced, stealing and fraud will disappear. But ethics and kindness, and even wisdom, are insufficient in themselves to give satisfaction to the human mind. Better by far to see the simplicity of raw silk’s beauty and the uncarved block, to be one with oneself and with one’s brother, than to follow false complications. It is better by far to be at one with The All, developing selflessness, tempering desire, removing the wish, being compassionate. Such are great values.

Food for thought on taxation and the clichés surrounding the phrase ‘social contract’. Think about it…do you know what you are telling yourself?

All too often in the lives of men, pretended piety and devotion to false gods arise only after conflict and strife, just as loyal ministers all too often appear after the people have been suppressed; mouthing false wisdom and platitudes which are reinforced by nothing, and supported by less than nothing.

 

When The Way is remembered, as it shall be in the Latter Days, kindness and ethics need to be taught to those who have forgotten; for men shall have learned to give pretence to be wise and good. They shall be hollow vessels, like the usurer and the whore. In those latter days all men shall be drunkards* and liars, following the ways of the lowest beasts; ruled by laws that ignore justice.

 

 

* The term ‘drunkard’ refers to those who are oblivious to reality and live in fantasy, including those whose master is strong drink.

Man cannot comprehend the infinite. Only knowing that the best exists, the second best is seen and praised, and the next despised and feared. The Follower does not expect that others use his criteria as their own. The existence of the leader who is considered wise is barely known to those he leads. He acts without unnecessary speech, so that the people may say, “It happened of its own accord”.