In holding the soul and embracing oneness
Can one be steadfast, without straying?
In concentrating the energy and reaching relaxation
Can one be like an infant?
In cleaning away the worldly view
Can one be without imperfections?
In loving the people and ruling the nation
Can one be without manipulation?
In the heavenly gate's opening and closing
Can one hold to the feminine principle?
In understanding clearly all directions
Can one be without intellectuality?
Bearing it, rearing it
Bearing without possession
Achieving without arrogance
Raising without domination
This is called the Mystic Virtue
What does this mean?
In all of these statements, the one underlying theme is that they are "perfect" challenges. When speaking them, it sounds as if it is possible with enough dedication and work. When doing them, it is a different story to accomplish even one.
Can we be mindful every moment each day? Not without decades of practice. How about devaluing what society tells us we should value? Can we completely get rid of every desire? Not unless we exclude ourselves from all of society and culture. Yet we should still strive to do those things.
This is achieving perfection in the very things one needs to use the Tao: mindfulness, relaxation, disregard of popular culture, generosity, tolerance, wisdom. However, let’s say we do achieve all of these things. There is still one more thing to keep in mind that directly affects whether you truly succeed.
Humility.
This is the "mystic virtue". If you have the wrong attitude about enlightenment, you will never achieve it.
I learned this the hard way a few weeks ago. I took pride in myself on how much I've learned over everyone I knew. I thought I was awesome that I was getting my personal struggle with memory and focus under much better control through mindfulness meditation. However, when I read on Facebook that a family member I've written off spiritually was taking time to give food to the needy just because she had free time, it made me realize that my focus on the work I've been doing mentally is only one part of the Tao. Her actions were very inspiring and humbling.
How do I use this?
Since it is so difficult to find the Tao, one must work on travelling all of the paths. Do not just travel down one path. Take many roads. They all complement and intersect with each other.
Learn from others. Keep in mind that everyone travels down these paths differently. Placing value on your own practice in the Tao will push you and others father away from the Tao. Instead of putting yourself above others, look to others as reminders of self-improvement, especially if they are down a different path further than you.
In all of these statements, the one underlying theme is that they are "perfect" challenges. When speaking them, it sounds as if it is possible with enough dedication and work. When doing them, it is a different story to accomplish even one.
Can we be mindful every moment each day? Not without decades of practice. How about devaluing what society tells us we should value? Can we completely get rid of every desire? Not unless we exclude ourselves from all of society and culture. Yet we should still strive to do those things.
This is achieving perfection in the very things one needs to use the Tao: mindfulness, relaxation, disregard of popular culture, generosity, tolerance, wisdom. However, let’s say we do achieve all of these things. There is still one more thing to keep in mind that directly affects whether you truly succeed.
Humility.
This is the "mystic virtue". If you have the wrong attitude about enlightenment, you will never achieve it.
I learned this the hard way a few weeks ago. I took pride in myself on how much I've learned over everyone I knew. I thought I was awesome that I was getting my personal struggle with memory and focus under much better control through mindfulness meditation. However, when I read on Facebook that a family member I've written off spiritually was taking time to give food to the needy just because she had free time, it made me realize that my focus on the work I've been doing mentally is only one part of the Tao. Her actions were very inspiring and humbling.
How do I use this?
Since it is so difficult to find the Tao, one must work on travelling all of the paths. Do not just travel down one path. Take many roads. They all complement and intersect with each other.
Learn from others. Keep in mind that everyone travels down these paths differently. Placing value on your own practice in the Tao will push you and others father away from the Tao. Instead of putting yourself above others, look to others as reminders of self-improvement, especially if they are down a different path further than you.
Can one be steadfast, without straying?
In concentrating the energy and reaching relaxation
Can one be like an infant?
In cleaning away the worldly view
Can one be without imperfections?
In loving the people and ruling the nation
Can one be without manipulation?
In the heavenly gate's opening and closing
Can one hold to the feminine principle?
In understanding clearly all directions
Can one be without intellectuality?
Bearing it, rearing it
Bearing without possession
Achieving without arrogance
Raising without domination
This is called the Mystic Virtue
What does this mean?
In all of these statements, the one underlying theme is that they are "perfect" challenges. When speaking them, it sounds as if it is possible with enough dedication and work. When doing them, it is a different story to accomplish even one.
Can we be mindful every moment each day? Not without decades of practice. How about devaluing what society tells us we should value? Can we completely get rid of every desire? Not unless we exclude ourselves from all of society and culture. Yet we should still strive to do those things.
This is achieving perfection in the very things one needs to use the Tao: mindfulness, relaxation, disregard of popular culture, generosity, tolerance, wisdom. However, let’s say we do achieve all of these things. There is still one more thing to keep in mind that directly affects whether you truly succeed.
Humility.
This is the "mystic virtue". If you have the wrong attitude about enlightenment, you will never achieve it.
I learned this the hard way a few weeks ago. I took pride in myself on how much I've learned over everyone I knew. I thought I was awesome that I was getting my personal struggle with memory and focus under much better control through mindfulness meditation. However, when I read on Facebook that a family member I've written off spiritually was taking time to give food to the needy just because she had free time, it made me realize that my focus on the work I've been doing mentally is only one part of the Tao. Her actions were very inspiring and humbling.
How do I use this?
Since it is so difficult to find the Tao, one must work on travelling all of the paths. Do not just travel down one path. Take many roads. They all complement and intersect with each other.
Learn from others. Keep in mind that everyone travels down these paths differently. Placing value on your own practice in the Tao will push you and others father away from the Tao. Instead of putting yourself above others, look to others as reminders of self-improvement, especially if they are down a different path further than you.
In all of these statements, the one underlying theme is that they are "perfect" challenges. When speaking them, it sounds as if it is possible with enough dedication and work. When doing them, it is a different story to accomplish even one.
Can we be mindful every moment each day? Not without decades of practice. How about devaluing what society tells us we should value? Can we completely get rid of every desire? Not unless we exclude ourselves from all of society and culture. Yet we should still strive to do those things.
This is achieving perfection in the very things one needs to use the Tao: mindfulness, relaxation, disregard of popular culture, generosity, tolerance, wisdom. However, let’s say we do achieve all of these things. There is still one more thing to keep in mind that directly affects whether you truly succeed.
Humility.
This is the "mystic virtue". If you have the wrong attitude about enlightenment, you will never achieve it.
I learned this the hard way a few weeks ago. I took pride in myself on how much I've learned over everyone I knew. I thought I was awesome that I was getting my personal struggle with memory and focus under much better control through mindfulness meditation. However, when I read on Facebook that a family member I've written off spiritually was taking time to give food to the needy just because she had free time, it made me realize that my focus on the work I've been doing mentally is only one part of the Tao. Her actions were very inspiring and humbling.
How do I use this?
Since it is so difficult to find the Tao, one must work on travelling all of the paths. Do not just travel down one path. Take many roads. They all complement and intersect with each other.
Learn from others. Keep in mind that everyone travels down these paths differently. Placing value on your own practice in the Tao will push you and others father away from the Tao. Instead of putting yourself above others, look to others as reminders of self-improvement, especially if they are down a different path further than you.
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