ShenLung Posted December 13, 2012 On Control Upon observing a master of the way, it may appear that they are in control of their realities, but this is not so; control is an illusion. The only thing that one may truly control is one's self. So it is that these truths may be expressed: The only discipline is self discipline The only education is self education The only awareness is self awareness One may seek the assistance of a master to learn how to manage one's body, to regiment the mind, and develop the spirit, but the decision to put these practices into effect is entirely one's own. Even if threatened with severe pain or tempted with infinite rewards, the choice to act upon such encouragements is still one's own. A lesson may be taught a thousand times, the words, motions, and formulas repeated a thousand more, but until one takes these lessons into themselves and develops understanding, one still has not learned. The goal of the student is to seek understanding, the objective of the teacher is to help the student achieve it. Everything within one's universe is interconnected. The light that the eyes perceive connects one to all that is visible, the sounds that the ears detect connects one to all that is audible. The senses do not create these connections; they simply make one mindful of their existence. Just as the self is connected to, and therefore an integral part of one's entire universe, one's entire universe is connected to, and an integral part of the self. Since there cannot be a universe independent of the observer, all events that occur are the result of the choices made by the self, whether those choices are made consciously or unconsciously. The way precedes the emergence of the universe; it is the subtle laws and patterns that define the shape that universe must take. Awareness informs the observer of one's position within the universe, education informs one of the way. Discipline enables one to choose what one's point of perception will be. Moment by moment, one's thoughts give shape to one's actions. Day by day, one's actions give shape to one's habits. Year by year, one's habits give shape to one's character. Over the course of one's life, one's character gives shape to one's destiny. This is the way of discipline. ------------------------------------------ Ps: this is an excerpt from a book that I am currently writing. At this time, the work is untitled; it is, in some respects, an 'Art of War' version 2.0, with a lot of emphasis on proper governance. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShenLung Posted December 14, 2012 You like? hehe ... this is sort of an 'in the margin writing' ... sad to say, the full work will be a for-profit thing; the missus expects me to generate some kind of income, after all! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted December 14, 2012 On Control Spoken like a true Taoist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OnPhourCoughee Posted December 14, 2012 You like? hehe ... this is sort of an 'in the margin writing' ... sad to say, the full work will be a for-profit thing; the missus expects me to generate some kind of income, after all! ... This forum kinda makes me think of the Hippie days. Wat? Just saying. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
