stan herman

Yin and Yang are useful but inaccurate expressions of a duality--handy but limited. The actual term is Yinyang, and it is a unity without separation--essential for understanding.

BIG SMILE. I recognize you now. But just look back at your cryptic comment and see if you could have recognized it. I appreciate your assessment too. I didn't start out with the idea of a monologue, it just turned out that way. My interpretations of the Tao are not exactly conventional or traditional, but they do seem to get readers. Based on past experiences, the print book sold well, but I got a sense that a number of people who agreed with the sentiment were reluctant to make the agreement public, and some who disagreed were also hesitant??. Don't know if that's the case here or not. Maybe your comments will start a trend. I'd like to see that. In my view, the conventional ideas of wu-wei are overbalanced in favor of blah. Would be pleased to have you join in with your agreements, disagreements and elaborations, Stosh.

While I'm not at all clear about the purpose of your comment, let me reassure you that I invariably balance each in-breath with an exhalation. And I recognize as well that balance is required between conventional interpretation and openness to creative imagination. How about you, Stosh?

HERE'S NEWS! Stanley Herman's novel, 'Then I Invented the World' will be available FREE in Amazon's Kindle edition on JUNE 13 and 14, at: http://www.amazon.com/Invented-World-CosmicComedyebook/dp/B007QOW00G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333902755&sr=8-1 Below is a bit about the book, there's a sample available too on Amazon. I've also written a previous book titled 'The Tao at Work--on Leading and Following', and a number of excerpts from that have appeared on this site. I think those who appreciate the kind of broad and non-traditional perspectives of Taoism will find this novel both wise and enjoyable. Thanks for giving it a try. Reviews “Then I Created the World is an imaginative and iconoclastic novel that unfolds like a play.” “…this was a fast and wonderful read and the plot and characters made it impossible not to devour each page as fast as I could!” “…exciting...a page-turner, and funny as hell (sorry). And a refreshingly original look at the whole Good and Evil thing.” “God is very much alive in this lively discourse in which the author pulls off the difficult trick of walking a tightrope between comedy and cosmology, using each to balance the other. A terrific reading experience.” “The author has a knack for 'divine comedy' which explores some of the big questions of Life. Reading the book reminded me of the ancient Greek dialogs put in modern and easy to read form.” Product Description While fanatical extremists plot a masterstroke of terror, God is preoccupied with the members of an online Faith and Filosophies forum—giving vent to his long simmering issues with humanity. The world at peril, its best hope for survival is Legion, a cloned product of illegal Germline engineering, and perhaps God’s next prophet, unless he becomes Lucifer’s King of the World. Heaven is near rebellion—divided by internal dissension as its greatest general, the archangel Michael, and his colleague the archangel Uriel, secretly plan a preemptive strike against Lucifer’s and his demons. Author Stanley Herman has assembled a rich, diverse cast of characters from the three realms—earth, heaven, and hell. Lucifer is the slick yet sensitive leader of a bunch of misfit demons, in a hell that is crumbling from neglect. His divine foes are the vengeful archangels, Michael and Uriel. Legion is the reclusive weapons manufacturer, who is reluctantly forced to choose between God and the devil, and is tempted by the irresistible Lilith—men go to bed early just so they can have bad dreams of her. And there is God, if that is who he really is, who is going to decide whether or not to just ditch this whole humanity thing and spend his time elsewhere. A startlingly credible “what-if” story that is as funny as it is thrilling. “This is a fun, meaningful and wise book. The conversations are funny and complex. There are moments for deep reflection along with hilarious interactions that leave one satisfied and deepened.” Father Willy Crespo For illustrations, and to learn more about the novel and the characters of the three realms, visit the Facebook page for Then I Invented the World, (A Cosmic Comedy) at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Then-I-Invented-the-World-Images/316384941769226

[As one reader said, "This is a novel novel." If you like fun-flavored wisdom literature, give this a try.

Well said and pretty well taken. http://www.thetaobums.com/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif.. Remember I did say it was fun.

As is obvious to this consciousness, at least: All of the above are WORDS. One question leads to another. And so, one must choose whether one most wants to "discuss", or to proceed. Not to say discussion isn't fun, but it's limited in effect.

After a lengthy absence, partially spent preparing my new book for publication, I'm back. Tell you about the new book later. 20. The case is often made that contemporary issues are highly complex and one must not oversimplify them. But often too issues are made to seem more complex than they are. By sleight of hand and mind many in our society acquire prestige and grow wealthy perpetuating complexity. I, however, am the son of a truck-driver, and were I not otherwise engaged I might now be driving too. When I hear complex explanations I am not convinced, unless I am convinced, and I am convinced only by the simple. People say, 'how naive, how illogical'. But I continue, out of tune with this popular chorus, direct in words and deeds, not an insider or an old-boy, still only an apprentice learning the truck driver's trade. The apprentice's lessons I am learning: To forsake my high dramas and the inner-head soliloquies that animate them, to reduce immense, broad issues to smaller, narrower ones. To make choices rather than decisions and watch the pattern of these choices point my new directions. I have allowed my cleared vision to reveal new possibilities that have changed my old questions or dissolved them. And I have found the part of me that knows full well that all will be well whichever choice I make.

Yes it is. Thanks much stan

Hope this interruption is not too disruptive Marblehead. I haven't been available for several months and now I find I'm unable to access a topic of mine, "Tao Now" that had a long run, but apparently isn't within the scope of available old postings. I've tried search but it doesn't work. Can you (or anyone) suggest how to access it?

Responses 1) It would be better to say "clear the mind of all thought and wait". 2) That may be a risk, but such a state is recognizable and correctable. 3) Not a real problem. Each of the options is appropriate in its time and place.

It's ok with me. I'm curious though about the reason for moving it. I suppose it has to do with this not falling within the boundaries of the traditional writings. My reaction to that is such a reason is both short-sighted and un-Buddhalike.

36. Power is most secure when not displayed Large egos are vulnerable to slight Aggression is vulnerable to counter-attack High status is vulnerable to failure. Still, power is the flour of change Egos provide its yeast Aggression gives the heat for baking and Status turns the oven on. And so the Tao makes bread.

EGO MANAGEMENT In its own words the Tao speaks of ego a number of times. Mostly the Tao cautions against ego's faults and excesses. Many spiritual seekers have made their own ego (as well as others') a mortal enemy. Their mission, they believe, is to annihilate it. Surely, an ego can be a distorter, a seducer, an unhealthy and unreasonable master. But it is also a piece of necessary equipment for operating as a human being in the everyday world, and if you gain mastery over it's bad habits (by recognizing and non-judgmentally 'witnessing' them), the remainder of the ego can be a joy-- a kind of king's-fool to play with. As I've mentioned before, for those who would live the lives of hermit monks it may be possible to kill the ego, but not for anyone here. Even the Buddha was much into his ego. (Read about his first encounter after his enlightenment with his four earlier fellow students.) The root of desire is ego. It is extremely difficult for a person living and engaged in worldly affairs to eliminate desire. A more practical course of action is learning to cope with desires by managing one's ego. Learning to manage one's ego involves as a first step, becoming well acquainted with it. This involves learning to witness it in action, without judging it. When an ego is under management it can, on occasion, be temporarily stilled (as in meditation) and eventually the meditator may receive the grace of enlightenment. It is interesting to note that it is the ego that provides the motivation to achieve enlightenment and the personal determination to overcome the obstacles to its achievement. For dealing with one's own 'undesirable' emotional reactions, try 'witnessing' the ego rather than murdering it :-) , A Basic Ego-Management Method Here's a simple version of techniques provided by a number of spiritual instructors for managing unwanted habits and emotions. It's often called "witnessing". If you have an habitual way of reacting to a situation or person that you want to change, try this: 1 Catch yourself in the act. Do NOT try to stop yourself or change what you typically do! Only observe the actions in which you are participating, and your feelings as they arise. Notice yourself physically--muscle tension, breath, heart, etc. Also notice your thoughts and feelings. Do not judge, analyze or try to change them or even remember them, just notice as they happen. With practice you will get better and better at this. Gradually, you will be able to notice the pattern of actions at an earlier and earlier time in the cycle. 2 Continue to do this and two things will happen; the behavior cycle will decrease in intensity and power, and you will become adept at interrupting (or even avoiding) the cycle when you want to. 3 If and when you find you do not want to interrupt the cycle, consider that it may be a necessary behavior for you at this time in your life--karma, and, as Ram Das said, those karmic seeds must be burned through use before you get shed of them. So be easy with your bad habits, but do acknowledge them.

2. Many people are reflexive partisans. They instantly compare, contrast, and have opinions for or against everything that comes over their horizon. They join causes, take positions and wave their arms about politics, social issues, economics, ethics and other people. Once a reflexive partisan takes a position or chooses a side, it becomes the flag of his ego, so that his own personal sense of victory or defeat, worthiness or worthlessness, becomes dependent on his cause. It is better not to set your stance too soon or champion it too adamantly. As time winds forward there will be more to see than can be seen at present, but only if your eyes remain open. For a wiser course, before you choose a position take a moment to recognize the foundation for other opinions along the continuum. If you are able, consider the continuum itself. Comprehending all opinions will enable you to better govern the arena of debate. 4. No matter the conditions, an outstanding leader realizes that his interconnections with those he leads, those who lead him, and the situation with which he deals, are perfect. A sound leader knows too that he ought not call those he leads from too far ahead, nor demand of them abruptly what they find too unfamiliar or uncomfortable to give. Ego and compulsion to control are enemies of sound leadership. Asserting your position by maligning opposition is of limited use. A loud assertion of your position and importance may be exhilarating, but it can freeze maneuverability. Be cautious of the leader who shines too brilliantly. He may dazzle for a while but when his glitter fades those who have not illuminated their own paths will be left in the dark. A driving wind pushes what is before it only when it blows ceaselessly. It imparts none of its energy, but only exhausts both itself and the objects of its force. When it stops blowing what is before it stops moving. So it is with a driving leader.

Raises the questions of what do you mean by "bloom" and what are 'powers'? For example the Dali Lama has 'bloomed' as a political leader and has powers of persuasion and charisma. But I've seldom thought of him as either a soon-to-bloom Buddha, or as a profound teacher.

I like that. And, if you want to get technical about it, there aren't any noble truths. But here they are--even number 8, right before our eyes! Go figure. (Perhaps this is number 11?)

M, your description of the first tour made me sigh. When I think of the heartland, I think of middle America--maybe in the 1920s. Ah those good old days that never were. X, That's a fine idea.

Yep.