Solala’s blog 4/26/15
One of my pet peeves in the world of Daoism is the various fantastical versions of Daode Jing are out there. Like many students of the Way I have collected various translations and versions of Laozi’s work. Of course most “translations” are not actual translations from classical Chinese but are just the authors own version of idea of what he or she thinks Laozi is saying or, even worse, what the author wants to say. In this case, the […]
Solala Blog for week of 12/8/14
My but time doth fly by these days! My good news is that I just sold my new book on using the Tao Te Ching as a manual for self-cultivation to Sounds True, a great publisher! It will be out in the Spring of 2016. (Books, like people, take a long gestation period.) Here’s a small taste of what will be included: Step 52 All beings under heaven have an origin which is the Mother of all […]
Solala Blog for week of 8/25
The wise one who preserves peace in his inner self encounters no dangers on his way. He can fight in a battle and not be harmed by weapons. He has nowhere for the rhinoceros to stick his horn. Tigers can find nowhere to use their claws. No weapon can harm him. Why is this? Because he has no place for death to enter. Daode Jing Chapter 50 Affirmation: If I am able to find true peace within myself […]
Solala Blog for week of 8/15/14
Allowing myself to become empty I abide in stillness. The things of this world come and go as I watch, powerful within my own being. Whatever ends comes round back again. I watch this in a tranquil and peaceful state. I allow myself to return To my original nature. In doing so I connect myself with what can be called “constant renewal.” To truly understand this process can be seen as “illumination.” To not understand that things come and […]
Solala blog 7/28/14 Dancing in the Dark
I went to a concert last week with a friend. It was outside of town in a beautiful meadow with a wooden stage at one end. It was great to be in the country and visit with various friends and listen to the deep devotional music of my friend Matura, who was accompanied by much of the cream of Eugene musicians. After his set another pretty amazing musician named Fantuzzi came up on stage and shared his wonderful heart soul […]
Solala blog 5/28
Daoist Nature Meditation There was something formed in chaos, coming before heaven and earth, existing in the silent and tranquil void. it stands alone and unchanging, It pervades everywhere without becoming exhausted, it is the mother of heaven and earth. I do not know its name and so call it Dao. For want of a better word I call it great. Being great it is far reaching. It is far reaching yet it returns to its source. Therefore I […]
Quote of the week for 5.1
Practice non-action (wu wei). Accomplish without accomplishing. Taste what has no taste. The great comes from the small. More begins with less. Return bitterness with kindness. Deal with the difficult while it is still easy. Create the large from the small. The sage does not try for greatness And so she is great. Promises made too lightly are hard to keep. Easy tasks often become difficult. The sage is always ready for difficulties And for this reason never experiences them. […]
Solala Blog for 4/25/14
Well it looks like once again I have been majorly remiss about adding a new blog. Life is just so darn full! We recently connected with a new printer in IL who, for the same price I have been paying for black and white printing of The Empty Vessel, does it in full color! We just did our first issue with them and it turned out great! (You can find it, the Spring 14 issue in our store.) It is […]
The Way of Wu Wei (Solala’s blog for week of 6/17)
In Chapter 9 of the Daode Jing Laozi says, Overfilling a vessel is not as good as stopping before it is filled. Oversharpen a blade and it will lose its edge. Pile up gold and jade and it will be impossible to guard it. In going after rank and titles in an arrogant and haughty way you will bring about your own downfall. Withdraw when the work is done. This is the way of Dao. […]
Solala’s Blog for the week of 3/25/13
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 […]
