14/01/2025
~ Tao (道) - The Way of Nature ~
“Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and thoughts,
you return to the Source of Being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Tao or Dao: 道 is a Chinese word meaning 'way', 'path', 'route'... In Japanese pronounced "Do" - the symbol associated with traditional arts practices like judo, kendo, kyudo, aikido, chado (the way of tea)...
Tao signifies the fundamental true nature of the Universe (and ourselves). Tao is not a 'name' for a 'thing' but the underlying natural harmony and cosmic order... It is thus "eternally nameless” and to be distinguished from the countless 'named' things (visible forms and structures) which are considered to be its manifestations.
The Tao is the natural balance and wisdom of our universe, the eternal "way" or cycle that guides the return of all beings and created things to peace, stillness and emptiness.
"Returning is the motion of the Tao. Each separate being returns to the common Source. Returning to the Source is serenity." ~Lao Tsu
By aligning with the Tao, egoic thoughts naturally dissolve and melt away, and we move once again in synch with Nature, the Cosmos, All That Is.
Nothing is to be attained with the Tao. Rather, we connect with our true nature by cultivating inner serentity and letting go.
"Yield and overcome. Empty and be full. Have little and gain. Have much and be confused." ~Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching
