Solala’s Blog for the week of 3/25/13

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There is a famous passage from Laozi that says:

A journey of a thousand miles
begins with the first step.

That first step is a big one however!

He also says:

Those who stand on tiptoes
cannot balance themselves.
Those who take too long a stride
cannot walk far.
Those who show off
are not enlightened.
Those who are too aggressive
will not accomplish anything great.
Those who boast too much
will not endure.
Those who follow Dao call these things
over-consumption and useless activity.

In today’s world it’s easy to fall into this over-consumption and useless activity. In many ways, it seems to be the very foundation of modern society and most people take it for granted.  To jump off that mad carnival ride of modern life takes courage and fortitude. Not to mention a bit of luck. Luck in finding a good teacher or a good book or a good path to guide us out of the darkness and into the light.

Daoists talk about “attaining Dao,”  their version of “enlightenment.” There are many ways to attain Dao – from deep meditation, internal alchemy practice, internal martial arts, studying ancient texts etc. It can take lifetimes. Of course people wish it were quicker and easier and did not take so much fortitude but, alas, each step must be taken consciously and with firm intent. Each step must be taken with eyes wide awake and with a strong spirit.

Laozi says:

To know others is wisdom
but to know one’s self is enlightenment.

My journey of a thousand miles began around 24 years ago when I first encountered the teachings of Daoism. It has been a deep and lovely journey and one that I still have very far to go on. But each step of the way is as exciting and delicious as the first one.

We all move on our journey to wholeness, to oneness, to Dao each in our own way and time. Some people are hares and some are turtles but the goal is the same for all. We are often tested along the way. We must make the decision to keep moving, keep walking, keep dancing, keep opening ourselves to deeper and higher lessons. We must welcome all of them, the difficult as well as the simple.

Laozi describes this dance like this:

Those who value their own well-being
equally with the rest of the world
can be trusted with the world.
Those who love their life as if it were the whole world
will be trusted  with all things under heaven.