Dao De Jing 70 – Easy to know and do
What i say is easy to know, easy to do. The world does not know, no one does.
-> do you know? are you doing without doing?
What i say have principle, what i do have basis. People do not know, therefore do not understand me.
-> seemingly random speeches have their meanings; seemingly random actions have their purposes. Do you understand Laozi?
Understand me are few, follow me are precious.
-> When you understand, are you putting your understanding in action, like Laozi did?
Therefore saints wear coarse clothes but hold jade.
-> Why? Because saints (Daoist enlightened being) can look like a normal person living a normal life, while living with wisdom and everlasting peace. Who say saints can only be found in temple or in the mountain?
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Discussion of Chapter 70:
What is principle? What is basis? It is the universal flow devoid of yet inclusive of the self. Paradox? Yes, it is, to the self. How to overcome? Go beyond your self by fully embracing and mastering it! When we progress, the self become quieter and quieter, and one begins to identify with the non-personal greater field of consciousness and awareness, which is underneath the self and is not subject to the limitation of separated and personal self. When this is realized, life becomes easy to know, and to do.
Bilingual version of Ch70: http://www.lisiming.com/chinese-philosophy/daoist/daoist-philosophy/dao-de-jing-core-33-chapters/ddj55-79/
Do you know? are you doing without doing?
Is it not true that only after much time and effort in cultivating oneself, that only then can one do without doing? Only then, after much practice can one practice without consciously practicing? And then only after receiving the correct guidance from a qualified teacher…?
Who say saints can only be found in temple or in the mountain?
Maybe not all saints are located in the mountains… But why do almost all of the great sages go to the mountains? Why are the most important Taoist temples located in the mountains and why do the great yogis of India go to the cave monasteries of the Himalayans to cultivate themselves?
Yes, doing without doing takes practice. It’s like riding a bicycle. In the beginning it takes effort and conscious involvement, later it becomes automatic without the need of someone doing or controlling. Yes, ongoing guidance from authentic sources and teachers would be critical and they help one stay on the real path instead of being distracted on the sidetracks.
A period of time in a simple environment might be needed to explore and master the internal world. We noticed that in both Buddha and Jesus. Such is the benefit of spending some time in the mountain. When the process is completed and it is time to go back to the world and master the external world, which i see is an essential part of the spiritual journey, staying in the mountain or cave could then become an attachment for further work and even higher potential.
Is the Wudang Dao School at the Five Dragon Temple such a place where in addition to studying Kung Fu, one can also find a simple environment conducive to contemplation and introspection? What types of students do the instructors accept at this school? Are students allowed to come to study even for short visits of but a few of weeks? Is to study for such a short time a waste of the teacher’s time? For many many years sages have practiced in these mountains. Does this fact make these mountains and this area special, and therefore a particularly good place to cultivate one’s self? Even so, realistically can one cultivate anything in one month… be that movement in a Kung-Fu form, just sitting and doing nothing, or whatever?
The mountain is special in its simpleness, quietness, and peace. I cannot explain it very well, but the fact that many sages come for cultivation suggests its specialness for energy and spiritual cultivation.
We accept student from all walks of life, who have an interest in learning Chinese culture and spirituality. Some stay for a few days while others stay for a year. Progress of student depends on their level of cultivation and development. We welcome all and value each student studying with us. A month is a good time to get a taste from the mountain, acquired a broad overview of core philosophy and cultivation theories, and to learn the basic exercises and techniques.
If you can enjoy doing nothing in the mountain, that would be great.
If you can enjoy doing without doing, that would be superb.
In Wudang, what season/s is/are best for practicing kung fu and meditation?.. if one only has a month..
Weather is most comfortable in spring (Apr-May) and fall (Sep-Oct). Kungfu is best practiced in Spring Summer and Fall. Meditation is good in all seasons. Season wise, spring’s energy is new and uprising; summer in full blown activity; fall is contracting and condensing; winter is hiding and laying low.
Thank-you.