After having some computer problems I am back to posting my Tao talks from Wisdom. Today I had Loyce come up with #77 and then, new guest, Terry with #9. I wrapped up the day with Jessica who did pick #15 but was moved to share in Loyce's #77 as well.
#9 "The Danger of Extremes"
Having to prove yourself
Will allow challenges to best you.
Focus your attention on money
And lose sight of what is valuable.
Keep in mind outside influence
And you will be its prisoner.
Do what you do and move on,
It isn’t yours anyway.
#15 "Ancient Tao"
The Ancient Masters’ ability to comprehend the mystery
Was so profound and subtle that they were misunderstood.
One could only describe how they must have appeared.
Careful as someone hearing the ice crack midway through crossing a lake;
Observant as someone surrounded by toxic threats;
Courteous as a guest in awe of her host;
Unpretentious as a felled branch in a wood;
Vacant as someone staring into space;
Dull as a man with nothing to boast about.
Can you be still, adding nothing until the mud settles
And it gives you the opportunity to see clearly?
Can you be still until, on its own accord,
The next action presents itself to you?
The Master has no need for herself.
She doesn’t seek or expect attention.
Not needing to appease herself
She has no requests.
#77 "The Bending of a Bow"
Tao acts on the world as the bending of a bow.
The top is forced down when the bottom is moved up.
It is impossible for the one to act
Without the other responding.
Unlike man, Tao is patient and neutral
Quietly adjusting excesses and deficiencies,
Taking from what is too much and giving to what isn’t enough.
Ordinary men go against Tao,
Taking resources from the areas that are deficient,
Giving resources to the areas that compulsively consume.
The Master knows all things are being adjusted.
Although she cannot always see it in action
She has faith it is working through her.
In this way, she allows her actions to unfold
Neither dwelling on them nor taking credit.
Aligned with Tao they complement all things.
