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Veteran
Posts: 214
| The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
Of all the religious / philosophical texts I've read I find the Tao Te Ching most satisfying and instructive, though sometimes perplexing. Translations differ widely, here are two I enjoy most:
http://thebigview.com/tao-te-ching/chapter01.html
http://www.messagefrommasters.com/tao/taoteaching1.htm
The links position you on the first verse, use the sites' navigation to wander elsewhere.
Thirty spokes connect to the wheel's hub;
yet, it is the centre hole that makes it useful.
Clay is shaped into a vessel;
yet, it is the emptiness within that makes it useful.
Doors and windows are cut for a room;
yet it is the space where there is nothing that makes it useful.
Therefore, though advantage comes from what is;
usefulness comes from what is not. | |
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Regular
Posts: 79
Location: Cromarty | Just seen this again and very good it is too I think! | |
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Veteran
Posts: 214
| Better than good, it is wise beyond all the wisdom of our age. It's the best hour's reading a person can do and, if they are wise, they will return to contemplate it more leisurely.
When the Tao prevails in the world
swift horses are used to fertilise the fields.
When the Tao is unheeded
war horses are bred on the border lands.
There is no greater offence than harbouring desires.
There is no greater disaster than discontent.
There is no greater misfortune than wanting more.
Hence, if you are content
You will always have enough. | |
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the tao