strawdog65

welcome!

Welcome you chilly Taofish!

Sweeney, Hey I really like that one. Nice strong imagery! And great punch lines! I would rather be a beast rolling in the dirt of the world than a man of the cloth, especially if its cheescloth! Peace! Keep it up, I like's em!

Another version. Like the others, I just like this one more. Peace! By: Hua-Ching Ni 10 Can you always embrace Oneness without the slightest separation of body and mind? Can you maintain undivided concentration until your vital force is as supple as a newborn baby's? Can you clarify your inner vision to be flawless? Can you love your people and serve your state with no self-exaltation? As Life's Gate opens and closes in the performance of birth and death, can you maintain the receptive, feminine principle when yin and yang are changing? After achieving the crystal clear mind, can you remain detached and innocent? Give birth to and nourish all things without desiring to possess them. Give of yourself, without expecting something in return. Assist people, but do not attempt to control them. This is how to realize the deep virtue of the universe. -------------------------------------------------- My thoughts, (probably wrong, but still my thoughts ) To me its about having it all, but not attaching yourself to it or subverting it. Only when you can can stand in the flow of the whirlwind, and create benefit to all, changing when needed and remaining open to the chaos of the uncertain, accepting this change, without identifying with it, will tao be realized. Another words, Be Self-less and flow without expectation, or judgment of the unclear mind. Peace!

Sean, Awesome. When the tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear or see it, does it really fall? Tao to me is all, everything at once, not determined until happening right at that moment. Regardless of there being an observer or not, there somewhere a tree is falling, and it matters not if we take part. Tao moves on. All possible outcomes are on the table, all are accepted, all are sufficient for Tao to flow. When we stand back from it and say... Ahh there is Tao. We just lost it all over again! Take that trip, be fully aware of the moments, fluidity will follow. Peace

I was gonna' post over there... But now that the winners are over here.... All that ejac talk is a younger mans game.

Even cold you smile. Flakes falling, silvery Moon Luminosity.

The i ching workbook by: roger green China: people,place, culture, history by:DK books The complete works of Lao Tzu, by: Hua-Ching Ni Chronicles of Tao, by: Deng Ming-dao Tao the watercourse way, by: Alan watts Everyday Tao, by: Deng Ming-Dao

Dew on spider web. Rounded reflection of day, Turn frown upside down.

Snot runs. Zendo still. Ripples from a waking dream. Pile of stones at feet.

Hail Mary pass? Score? What's that nun doin' on field? Breaking the habit.

Jeeves on strike. Alone Robot butler, picket line. Fresh log in fireplace.

Hi Otis! Very well said, and I agree with You. I also agree with Marble's that the rub is allowing yourself to let go of anger towards someone that has done something completely heinous. The feeling of having to make things right through some action, is a hard one to cope with. At that juncture I think most people would accept the nullifying of compassion so that what you would feel is mostly nothing for that individual. The problem with that is the baggage that you would acculmulate would prevent you from growing your awareness at some point, and you would be aware but not as fully as would be possible if you were able to fully feel compassion irregardless of what the circumstances were. It's a big one, getting beyond that hurdle. Also, everyone talks about increasing our awareness and compassion but the real question lies in making the leap from philosophical discussion to to an everyday practice of exercising the principle. I find that if we slow ourselves down, and focus in an unhurried manner on whatever is transpiring at that moment, that there seems (to me) to be more opportunity to connect with that compassionate, empathetic feeling. I love what you said about it being the exuberance from the joy of living. Beautifully said. Thank you for posting something that could be a benefit to everyone! Peace!

Hey Sloppy! Dude... you are so thorough! I am enjoying this discussion, thank you for participating. I need to clarify that I think I am coming off as someone I'm not. I do believe in corporal punishment for the offenders of our governmental system. The constitution and all it stands for, is a masterpiece of governance. I do not mean to sound so "dove" like. Because I am not. I do hold high standards for my own conduct and treatment of others. This is because I find having a high standard to be something that, even though I may not be able always attain, I like to aim as high as I can. I guess it's a way of trying my best. I am in agreement with most of what you said and commented. I do choose to take issue with two things: 1: The idea that a focus on what's simple and most important to me, my family and living a full life, equates to ignorance because of my disgust for the slanted news media. The news media, even not purposely watching tv, we are bombarded with constant news related items. I would have to go live in a cave on a desert island to really get away from it! So, even though I do not actively pursue watching TV, I am far from ignorant of what is going on in the world. At the very worst...I'm just a little late getting up to speed. And if something was to happen, such as world wide destruction... I'd be happy right up to that last second before my eyeballs evaporated. 2: The second idea being, that physicality is so frequently necessary to resolve conflict. I do agree that it's nice having people who look out for others, physically when there is no recourse, but a reliance on solving problems with force is unconscionable to me, if there is an alternate and non-harmful path to be taken. Sloppy, you sound to me like a natural protector of the people. Like a present day Shaolin monk, ever prescient for wrong doings, and ready to handle things physically. Not a bad thing when warranted, and the body does not react without the say so of the intellect. I just favor more peaceful means of solving problems, more so now then when I was a younger man. So I am content to chock it up to my softening with age! Sloppy, thank you for your time and honesty! Peace!

Hi Sloppy/ and everyone else! I appreciate your candor in speaking your mind, it helps me to learn about other viewpoints that I myself have not been exposed to. Because I don't have any interest in convincing you or anyone else of anything contrary to their own experience, I accept what you and others have said to be the truth as determined by you and for you. Discussion without contention. Disagreement without animosity. Both are possible when accepting that any perception is based on the individual first, and that the truth# is relative ... to who you are, and the experiences you have had. (# This does not refer to proven mathematical truths or any other statistical, empirical, or scientific extrapolation backed up by verifiable evidence. I am applying this to the human perception of events and experiences, and how this determines that individuals version of the truth.) With that said, the following is an explanation of my own perception of what is true to me based on my own life experiences. No agreement is called for or even necessary. To fully understand, one would need the same frame of reference of experiences. Because some of us may share similar life experiences, it is through this commonality that we can talk and understand some but not all shared experiences. The following commentary is not directed at anyone person in particular, but is a summation of my own ideas in regards to what I believe are misconceptions. Self deception. What is it? Deluding oneself from something judged to be obvious? Wearing rose colored glasses and seeing a distorted view of the world that is not real? Lying to oneself in a destructive manner, creating discord and harm? Since "reality" is self-determinate, then can one on the outside say that someone else is being self-deceptive? Or is it merely their judgment becoming an extension of their own reality, therefore making understanding of someone else's view not possible? Of course anyone can call anyone else self-deceptive, but saying it doesn't make it true. The world is what we determine it to be based on how we think. I see that my speaking from my own experience is seen as boasting. I guess everyone posting on TTB is guilty of that as well! Speaking from one's life experiences could, I guess, be seen this way, but the intent was not to boast. I do apologize if that is what your perception was. lets say that all thats being said about this world and country, and government is correct. (And it really is, to you.) How do you suggest that we proceed in making this country a better place? What in your opinion should we be doing? I am honestly and sincerely interested, and ask that you please elucidate on what needs to be done and how this might be accomplished. If you have awareness of what needs to be done, please share this information, so we may participate if we so wish to. Logically, if we know what to do, and a course of action is clear and rational, then it's just a matter of walking the walk and stopping all the talk. I do have some caveats though...... The using of force to push people into action is a tactic of a mind controlled by fear. So I would not participate in anything like that. It's easy to believe all we are told. It requires no thought. With thought there is a questioning of why, what we perceive to be, is. The point Is when the outside influences of the world create a life filled with fear, and winnowed perception, then life itself closes in on us. Things start to become all gloom and doom. Negativity is an all consuming fire. Being cynical, pessimistic, and constantly looking for what's wrong leads to a pretty unhappy and dismal life. It is the easier path, to give in to all of the imposed judgment and meted out portions of personal fear. But it can reduce people to acting without compassion or understanding, thinking only of themselves in the end. Not a pretty picture, negativity can do all this and more if you allow it. The challenge is seeing the imperfections of this world as part of it's actual completeness. It is possible to look at the world, look at governments, look at the people you see everyday, and be positive and make a difference in a way that is neither combative or contentious. Become more appreciate in your everyday existence. Become more aware of the people and the stories of their lives. Show more empathy to those you meet. Be slow to anger, but quick to smile with forgiveness. Make it a practice to feel compassion for someone or something everyday. The world changes because we change. And with our own small changes, we culmatively create the world that will be in the future. Are you helping to create a world you want to live in, by your everyday actions? If not isn't it time to do something differently? Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world". Don't wait for permission to enact this principle. We create the change by the people we are, our actions, our thoughts, our influence on all of the people we meet, these are the elements of real meaningful change. If compassion and understanding are needed in the world, you are the first step in the manifestation of this new reality. It always starts with you. Fear mongering and the institution of united paranoia. These are my suggestions to break the cycle of paranoia. Turn of the TV whenever possible. Stop watching news programs! If you do, take what is said as just what it is, "their story". Try taking 2 weeks off from watching any news program or any internet news. See what a difference it makes to live your life without all the judgment being spoon fed to you thru the TV or internet. Remember that the news is never impartial, you will always be presented with the side that is motivated by what they have to gain, whether that be power of fortune. Fear is used constantly within news stories. Fear is the most useful tool in evoking a response and destroying a rational ability to think. When you have all the available information and knowledge about a given situation, and are able to see a course of action that allows for an outcome that is beneficial to all parties involved, and causes no intentional harm, then this is rational, and (I Believe) wise decision making. This ability is precluded if you are ruled by fear. When fear is your master there is no thought made that is not clouded by its shadow. Stop the fear. Only speak of what you know to be true. Stop making judgments of things you have the minimal amount of comprehension of, better to say you don't know or understand. Self identification with country/government. It is of course acceptable behavior to identify our selves with our country. But is it Acknowledgment of Tao? Countries are just lines drawn on a map by man. Natural/unnatural borders of many countries consist of mountain ranges and manmade artifices such as walls. But as far as countries existing truly separate, this is a false reality. There is only 1 earth, and we are all inhabitants here, together. The only thing that really separates the people of this world are the distinctions we create with our judgments. When someone says I'm American... what does it really mean? Other than identifying your place of birth on this world, what does it say? The only real use of such statements of other than factual reference, is one of pridefulness. I am an american as well, but I do not succumb to thinking of myself or the country I was born into as better, just because I'm here, and consider my countries rules to be better than yours. All people's of this world can point to examples of patriotism, of honor, of peacefulness, and great intellect within their own cultures history. The country we live in has NO ownership of being better somehow, we by example, are no better than any other country, and so too the people living in that country. We live as a people who believe they possess, real, actual freedom, and that no other people of the world experience freedom such as us. What we "americans" really have is the illusion of being free in a society that is structured for slavery of the mind. We move about freely everyday, and can not see the shackles that bind us, because they are not evident on our bodies, they exist within our minds. We are confined by the limitations of our thoughts. We are controlled by the approval of ignorance within our society. There will always be governments to control world populations. This is inevitable. There will always be those wishing to create chaos for their own benefit. It is up to us as individuals to change. Change your focus, from one of watching the world outside your widow with paranoid apprehension, to one of accomplishing what is necessary to live a fuller, more content life. Focus on what you do know. Know yourself... know your life... know that its up to you to make the best of your life right now in this moment. Is filling this moment with fear for what's unknown or even unknowable, the best use of your existence? If you say yes, then I'm glad you are happy. But look deep to fully understand your motivation for your acts/thoughts, if they are based on fear then most likely they are irrational as well. Only when we see clearly why it is for the way we act and think does the opportunity to change present itself. Only then will you know the possibilities, that you can choose to live a life not motivated by fear, but a life motivated by everyday compassion, awareness, and reverence for the life you live. Fear is a tremendous weight, it is a burden you can choose not to carry. Just put it down, and walk away. You may ask, what kind of life is that? I can only speak from my own experience( more boasting...sorry ) Life's focus for me has changed from being about all the business of the world to being about what's right here, right before me. To me, that is my family, my friends, and the people I work with. Taking everyday just as it comes. Taking that days moments one by one and living within them fully- feeling all that is happening within them fully. Experiencing those moments like they are their own complete lifetimes, each one as full of mystery and pleasure as the next. The time spent with my loved ones is fresh and new with this perspective, there is no hurrying or thinking about something else, there is only what's happening right then at that moment, and it is the most important thing in the world. Even at work or around complete strangers, all are opportunities to practice living fully, to show compassion, to give of yourself without expectation. Focus on the NOW and see how your life changes. It did for me.

Ciao mon ami! Cia! Haleakala appears. Aloha, my friend.

Hi Sloppy ! Hey, yes I moved this from the politics post to here because I thought it was relevant to the stuff being discussed. Yes, these are my own thoughts, and statements. And I too, was born and raised right here in the USA. I tire of the fear mongering that goes on. It's all over the media. It's here within this site. It's within the pysche of the human mind, and it is wasteful and useless to living a life that is calm and without contention. These things (which we can never really change) mean very little to the average person. Their lives go on and will continue to do so, regardless of what paranoid story is next to arrive. Fear is a means to control the masses of our world, by showing fear we lose our capacity to deal with challenges in a rational manner. Once we have reached that point, minds are no longer open, and communication is at an end. Fear and the actions predicated by fear are the enemy of mankind, and the world, and all life on it. I used to worry about the scary things of this world, after all, there are so many especially if you watch TV. War, human degradation, and all manner of suffering. I used to give in to those feelings that I am being lied to by my government, and all world leaders. I used to feel angry for the things I judged to be wrong with this world. I used to waste much of my time and energy reading and learning of all the scary stuff that has been determined to be going on by those in the know. I used to be a very unhappy, untrusting, unsure, unbalanced, irrational and usually misunderstanding person. All because of my refusal to see what was this world. It is more than our minds can ever fully comprehend, it is the great mystery that the Tao speaks of. Our existence in this world is definitely unsure, and yes there are many things that are scary, and there will always be another new conspiracy theory to tell us what's going on. The point is .... so what? Is this what your life is about? Is the fear of feeling helpless the motivating factor in your actions? If the world is falling apart and we are all going to die a horrible death, what does any of it matter? It is an illusion to think that countries are entirely separate entities. They are not. What happens in this world goes beyond any lines drawn on a map. We all live on one world. The control of nations is a worldwide endeavor by the unimaginably rich of our world. Money controls governments and countries. Governments are for the sole purpose to give the illusion of separateness a fleshed out reality. It is comical when people talk of having to do something to make changes within their government, as if they really have any control whatsoever. Stop talking. What is there to be done ? Do you really think you as one person have a complete and full understanding of what the truth of this world is? Do you think anyone does? What is to be gained by creating discontent, with no clarity of how to change what you actually have no understanding of? This is the opposite of wisdom... to act without fully comprehending what the situation you are within, is. Know, comprehend, see with clarity the systems with a system that is our world. The only thing you can control is your own actions, and even that only with discipline and practice. The most important endeavor you will ever take is that of seeing the importance of stopping the wasting of vital energy in useless behavior, and refocusing that energy to live your life as fully, as consciously, as Tao like as possible, right Now. To look at the world and say things need to change to what you believe they should be, this is not Tao. To force what is to become anything else, this is not Tao. To waste your vital energies in acts of needless contention, this is not Tao. To live a life of judgmental non-awareness, this is not Tao. To look at the world and see the cyclic nature in all things, and to accept that this is Tao. To see what is and accept what is, and use to the benefit of all, this is Tao. To use our vital energies in pursuits that compliment the flow of nature, this is Tao. To live a life as impartial and full of awareness as possible, this is Tao. We are the merest of specks... In an unknowable managerie of existence. Peace!

Another version: By Hua-Ching Ni From the complete works of Lao Tzu. ========================================= 8 One of universal nature is like water; he benefits all things but does not contend with them. He unprotestingly takes the lowest position; thus, he is close to the universal truth. One of universal virtue chooses to live in a suitable environment. He attunes his mind to become profound. He deals with others with kindness. In his speech, he is sincere. His rule brings about order. His work is efficient. His actions are opportune. One of deep virtue does not contend with people; thus, he is above reproach. ============================================ Hello everyone! This is one of my favorite chapters/verses. I agree with many of the comments placed concerning not contending, and fitting in with the place you are at and what is transpiring at the moment. This version by Hua Ching Ni, is to me, most especially about finding the position of most virtue within the given situation, and act without causing strife to yourself or others unless it is necessary. There is the commentary about not being wasteful in our actions, and the sage having the wisdom to see the opportunities which are present, and then act accordingly with necessary virtue towards others. Also there is the idea of coexistence and doing so with a modicum of action, because sometimes in-action is what's most needed. Knowing when enough is just that, when it comes to our actions and the effects of those actions. Having such high virtue towards all things, the practitioner of Tao will naturally exist in a state of openness and impartiality, and as such who is to be argued with? Peace!

View is good from here. Not all is gloomy and dark. Luna Bella smiles.

While it is human nature to be curious and guess about what will happen in the future... paranoia and fear mongering is useless. The truth behind politics is that we will never know why decisions are made and who is actually in control of world governments. Money knows no political party. The desire to create more wealth for the relative few, will always dictate what the status quo is for the rest of us. A world-wide economy demands this. Anyone thinking they will make real changes in government is foolish. It is wasted effort to deeply invest one's self into political opinions. Without ever knowing all the facts about what is the true underlying nature of the world political agenda, it's all pointless. Better to focus on what's right in front of you. Live a simple uncomplicated life. Regardless of what you believe... all things come to pass. Good and bad are irrelevant, and we as individuals can only endeavor to live the lives we have, as fully as possible. Peace!

Retreat to mountains. Commune with mountain spirit, Cloudless, crystal clear.

With troops on your lawn. What a time to reminisce, We, the paranoid.

What was- is now Irrelevant concept, Time. All is as should be.