Ancient wisdom prevails over modern bravado
Wikimedia commons photo
If you’ve never been exposed to Daoism (commonly known as Taoism), now may be the time to intentionally engage with this ancient philosophy. The way that Lao Tzu’s teachings serve as an antidote to today’s political landscape feels not only prophetic but encouraging. To realize that the same dark woes and authoritarian shenanigans were happening thousands of years ago offers a unique type of comfort.
To begin with, diving into Daoism is not anti-Christian so don’t resist Lao Tzu’s beautiful and enlightened commentary because you feel it’s counter to your religious affiliation. In fact, Daoism was never meant to be a “religion” but a collection of philosophical and spiritual teachings. Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, Lao Tzu dictated 81 verses in ancient China, which many regard as the ultimate guide to a harmonious existence.
The central text attributed to Lao Tzu is called the “Tao Te Ching” or “The Great Way.” I’ve recently taken on the challenge of reading the “Tao Te Ching” alongside the Bible, and am finding the comparison quite fascinating. The late Wayne Dyer, a spiritual teacher, writer and speaker, translated the 81 verses of the “Tao Te Ching” in a book titled “Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life.” I’ve been absorbing a verse per day for the past couple of months. It’s already been life-changing, and I’m only on verse 42.
All of that being said, the purpose of today’s column is not to teach you about the history of Daosim or the “Tao Te Ching,” but to highlight how an ancient text can offer hope in modern times. Every verse helps me approach life with a calmer, more open mind, but with the prevalence of global warfare, mass shootings in America and lack of gun control, the 31st verse struck a chord. Below is a section of this verse. When he uses the word “arms” during this time in history, it primarily refers to bows and arrows, spears, hatchets, and the like, so one can only imagine how the commonplace, nonsensical use of guns defies The Way.
Arms serve evil.
They are tools of those who oppose wise rule.
Use them only as a last resort.
For peace and quiet are dearest to the decent man’s heart,
And to him even a victory is no cause for rejoicing.
He who thinks triumph is beautiful
Is one with a will to kill,
And one with a will to kill,
Shall never prevail upon the world.
Related Items
Toltec wisdom resonates in today’s world
Honor our heritage, protect our libraries
In our mountains, behind closed doors
When love becomes a weapon
It is a good sign when a man’s higher nature comes forward.
A bad sign when his lower nature comes forward.
With the slaughter of multitudes,
We have grief and sorrow.
Every victory is a funeral;
When you win a war
You celebrate mourning.
The reason I point out this verse among the others relates to the topic of my last column. Force, anger, killing, rage, conceit are weak traits that do not prevail indefinitely. They sometimes get what they want in the short-term, but they will never supersede elevated emotions such as wisdom, love, gratitude and altruism. When Lao Tzu says, “It is a good sign when a man’s higher nature comes forward. A bad sign when his lower nature comes forward,” it’s almost as if he’s speaking directly to our current administration. It is a bad, bad sign when someone's worst nature comes forward, and now we’re living the consequences.
Have faith, my friends, and ensure that your higher nature always comes forward. Additionally, don’t allow a temporary leader to cause permanent damage to your psyche. Veer away from the lip service of social media and mainstream media and lean into spiritual readings and practices that uplift and inspire. The more of us that can rise above the nonsense, the more rapidly it will dissipate.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist who lives in Haywood County. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
