[–] Verum 1 point 4 points 5 points (+5|-1) ago (edited ago)
Verse 8
The highest good is like water.
Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.
It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao.
In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be just.
In business, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.
No fight: No blame.
This verse is one of my favourites, I always found myself constantly striving and consequently always felt that I was less than until I attained what it was I was striving for. A never-ending goose chase. Reading and absorbing this particular verse just allowed me to be content as I was in the present moment, perfectly complete.
Though some mistake Wu Wei for inactivity and laziness as I originally did it is more like vanishing completely into a deed, which I would describe as being similar to what some call entering "the zone", like what creatives or athletes experience when their minds stop actively trying to "do" the task at hand rather become the task.
I love falling asleep to the audiobook online and I recommend this version narrated by Stephen Mitchell for anyone curious to dip their toes into Taoism.
[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 3 points 4 points (+4|-1) ago
Very nice. I find I have always practiced Wu Wei when I cook, especially in the restaurant. No drama, no ego, just cooking. A true do-nothing action.
[–] ninjajunkie 1 point 4 points 5 points (+5|-1) ago
Good on you. Finding anything that can help you as a person will lead to a more satisfied and fulfilled life. Best wishes on your journey.
[–] ding0bait 1 point 4 points 5 points (+5|-1) ago
I'm a zennie myself. I don't find Vajrayana Buddhism to my liking. But Buddhism is like water and the transmission the cup. This is why Taoism and Confucianism fit well within chan/zen.
Even Zen, in the Eastern cup, it a bit much for me. I much prefer my own cup-- a mix of apatheism, agnosticism, skepticism and mysticism. It's my belief if god(s) exist they are subject to the dharma or tao; that we can only save ourselves; no amount of petitioning can change us, only we can; we're self contained vessels capable of our own salvation (in as much as 'salvation' exists).
For me, Tao and Zen are largely interchangeable. I can read the Tao Te Ching or the writings of the Bodhisattva. Both contain truths. Both are marvelous works.
[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 4 points 5 points (+5|-1) ago
I could not agree more, well said.