Practice

 In the beautiful book, Living Budda, Living Christ, Thich Nhat Hanh writes, "The Buddha said that his body of teachings would remain with his students but that it was up to them to make it last. If we don't practice, there will be only books and tapes, but if we practice, the Dharma body will be a living Dharma (p. 123)." The same is true for Christianity.  If we do not practice loving one another as ourselves, then the teachings are reduced to just words in a book.  Love is needed to bring Christ into our lives and into our world.   

 I have been pondering  Chapter 54 of the Tao Te Ching, I again saw parallels in these teachings and the teachings of Jesus.  Where Tao (or the word it)  is mentioned we can readily substitute Christ.  Too often, Christians do not bring peace into the world.  To do this, we must practice.  Let us practice letting Christ live through us.   In this way, everyone, regardless of their faith, will be able to have a beautiful Christmas.   We owe the world this much.     

 

May you live a beautiful Christmas today, and always.   

  

Let the Tao be present in your life 

and you will become genuine.  

Let it be present in your family 

and your family will flourish. 

Let it be present in your country

and your country will be an example 

to all countries in the world.  

Let it be present in the universe 

and the universe will sing.   

 

Chapter 54, excerpt Tao Te Ching 

Stephen Mitchell   

   

photograph:  Asilomar Beach, September 2018       

     

 

Give Us a Word

I have been pondering the word lagom, trying to make it one of my own.   I have learned that the origin of the word is Swedish, 19th century, and means "the principle of living a balanced, moderately paced, low-fuss life: those who achieve lagom routinely take time to appreciate their surroundings, take several breaks during the workday, dress from a minimal and versatile wardrobe, and treat others with respect and kindness.. (Dictionary.com)."   I believe this is a state of mind worth cultivating.   

 

"If you want to become whole, 

let yourself be partial. 

If you want to become straight, 

let yourself be crooked. 

If you want to become full, 

let yourself be empty. 

If you want to be reborn, 

let yourself die.  

If you want to be given everything, 

give everything up."     

   

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 22, excerpt 

Stephen Mitchell    

   

Words that can guide us to a beautiful Christmas.   I have long held the belief  that in Christ, we fit  because of our incompleteness.  We are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. It is only when we come together, that a more complete  picture can be revealed.   In John 15:12-13, Jesus says, "This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than to give up one's life for one's friends."   A way of deciphering this is to  make room for one another.  Make yourself less so everyone can become more.  Be that grain of wheat that falls to the ground so that a more abundant harvest can be sown.     

  

Peace on the journey.  Remember it is in our hearts where Christ is revealed.    

   

photograph:  Mountain View, May 2015  

        

Grand Opening

 "Without opening your door, 

you can open your heart to the world."  

   

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 47, excerpt 

Stephen Mitchell   

  

The eucalyptus in the photograph has grown large over the years and I walk by it often.  Walking in the neighborhood during a long pandemic poses a challenge in that it is easy to assume one has seen it all before.  That state of mind leads to not seeing anything.  Again and again, I remind myself to stop and simply try to see.  This is how I practice staying open to the world.   

 

I have received the latest issue of Thin Places, published by Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Included in this issue is an excerpt from Mary Oliver's book,  Dream Work:      

 

"And now I understand something so frightening & wonderful -

how the mind clings to the road it knows, 

rushing through crossroads, sticking 

like lint to the familiar."   

       

photograph:  San Leandro, December 2020

After the months of photographing the vibrant colors of spring, summer, and even early fall, I find refuge in the colors of late autumn.   

  

 

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13, Excerpt

 "What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? 

Whether you go up the ladder or down it, 

your position is shaky.   

When you stand with your two feet on the ground, 

you will always keep your balance."  

 

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13, excerpt   

Stephen Mitchell  

   

In his notes, Stephen Mitchell writes, "The trick is to go up or down the ladder with both feet on the ground."     

 

I think of Jesus' comments about finding one's place at the table  in Luke 14:10-11: " But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”     

  

Learning to  go up and down a ladder with both feet on the ground is a good spiritual practice.  I suggest starting with a step stool.  

  

photograph:  say 

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 12

 "Colors blind the eye. 

Sounds deafen the ear. 

Flavors numb the taste.  

Thoughts weaken the mind. 

Desires wither the heart.   

  

The Master observes the world 

but trusts his inner vision. 

He allows things to come and go. 

His heart is open as the sky."

   

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 12 

Stephen Mitchell       

        

The two photographs are of the same wisteria that lives just around the corner from us.  One picture was taken this spring; the second was taken last month.  Every year I watch the wisteria come and go.  It changes, but then again, it does not.  It never shows up as a daffodil.  

   

      

An Advent Poem

 I discovered this lovely poem in 2015  in a small publication entitled Thin Places, published by the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. It has become an essential part of my Advent season.  Thin Places refers to it as " A15th Century Advent Poem."  It is included in their most recent issue as well, still with no additional information.    

The photograph attached is the one I sent in 2015.  I often walk by that garden, and I think I will today.   

 Holy harmony. I love that phrase. As we light our candles and try to make our way to peace, may this sacred weaving be our intention.    

Thou shalt know Him when He comes

not by any din of drums

nor the vantages of airs

nor by anything He wears...

For His presence known shalt be

by the holy harmony

that His coming makes in thee. 

   

    

Chapter 11, Tao Te Ching

"We put spokes together in a wheel, 

but it is the center hole 

that makes the wheel move. 

 

We shape clay into a pot, 

but it is the emptiness inside 

that holds whatever we want. 

  

We hammer wood for a house

but it is the inner space  

that makes it livable. 

  

We work with being 

but non-being is what we use."    

  

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11 

Stephen Mitchell  

    

This seems to express the spirit of  Advent.  We light candles, but we let ourselves be filled with  silence.  In meditation and contemplative prayer, we empty ourselves to know God more.      

 

"God is spirit, and it is necessary to worship God in spirit and truth."  

John 4:24   

  

    

   

photograph:San Leandro,  November 2015

 

Chapter 10, Tao Te Ching

 "Can you coax your mind from its wandering

Can you coax your mind from its wandering and keep to the original oneness?   

Can you let your body become 

supple as a newborn child's?

Can you cleanse your inner vision 

until you see nothing but the light? 

Can you love people and lead them

without imposing your will?  

Can you deal with the most vital matters

by letting events take their course?

Can you step back from your own mind 

and thus understand all things?     

  

Giving birth and nourishing, 

having without possessing, 

acting with no expectation, 

leading and not trying to control: 

this is the supreme virtue."  

 

Chapter 10, Tao Te Ching 

Stephen Mitchell       

   

Here, I interpret suppleness as how we respond to the world.  Yesterday, Tyler and I went to Santa Cruz to spend some time with friends who had rented a small beach house for the holiday.  Yes, we wore masks all day and that got  tedious, but it was wonderful to be able to walk along the beach together and share a couple of meals.   Towards the end of the day we  stood  on a cliff  and watched close to one hundred, maybe even more, pelicans glide and  dive among the relatively gentle waves for their supper.  I felt such gratitude that those magnificent creatures  seemed to have been able to feast  abundantly.  We also watched two very  young children run as fast as their  short  legs could carry them as they dashed back and forth between  the water's edge and  their parents. They, too, were feasting abundantly in  the joy of play and adventure.  I believe all of us were responding with suppleness.  While my friends and I  are no longer young, and none of us are without some health issues,  our suppleness came in the guise of  gratitude. 

Today,  I have a deeper understanding of what it means to be supple.   

I took no pictures yesterday, but here is a photograph, taken on a previous year,  of the cliff where we were standing.  Yesterday, I was in the presence of another old friend, Villa Maria del Mar.  I was delighted to discover that my friends had rented a house that was one block away from that retreat house that I love.      

 

       

 

 

Chapter 9, Tao Te Ching

 "Do your work, then step back.  

The only path to serenity."  

 

Excerpt from Tao Te Ching, Chapter 9 

Stephen Mitchell   

   

 Tyler and I will be celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary today.  Most Fridays we try to do something together, and today we will be with two friends who want to celebrate with us.  The photograph that is attached is from a trek a few weeks ago where we stopped at Ocean Beach.   Windy, but very beautiful.  

 

Stay well, everyone.     

  

Blessings,

Sue Ann    

      

Good Morning

 A beautiful poem that illustrates how prayerful cooking and baking can be.  Blessings on you day, and may all tables be a place of peace, sustenance, and gratitude.   

   

More than these greens tossed with toasted pecans,
I want to serve you the hymn I sang into the wooden bowl
as I blended the oil and white vinegar. More than honey ice cream
beside the warm pie, I want to serve you the bliss in the apples' flesh,
how it gathered the sun and carried its luminousness to this table.
More than the popovers, the risen ecstasy of wheat, milk and eggs,
I want to serve you the warmth that urged the transformation to bread.
Blessings, I want to serve you full choruses of hallelujah, oh so wholly
here in this moment. Oh so holy here in this world.

~ Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer   

via First Sip, Claudia Cummins   

 

  

The photograph that is attached is one of my earliest.          

    

   

Chapter 8, Tao Te Ching

 The supreme good is like water, 

which nourishes all things without trying to. 

It is content with the low places that people disdain. 

Thus it is like the Tao.  

 

In dwelling, live close to the ground. 

In thinking, keep to the simple. 

In conflict, be fair and generous. 

In governing, don't try to control.  

In work, do what you enjoy. 

In family life, be completely present.  

 

When you are content to be simply yourself 

and don't compare or compete, 

everyone will respect you."

   

This morning, as I sat with this chapter, I remember a day, almost two decades ago, that I spent sitting on the banks of a river.  Tyler and some friends went rafting, but I opted not to go.  I am sure I read some, and probably walked a bit. Those details I do not remember.  What I do remember was the continual interplay of water and light.  The light glistened and seemed to be lightly touching the water, almost like a gentle caress, as the river passed by.  I am grateful to be reminded of that tranquil day of solitude.        

 

I do not have a picture of a river.  This photograph was taken at Lake Chabot.  I had just finished physical therapy for my knee, and I so loved being able to do a short hike on a beautiful day.  I believe a hike is in order later today.           

Chapter 7, Tao Te Ching

 "The Tao is infinite, eternal. 

Why is it eternal?  

It was never born; 

thus it can never die. 

Why is it infinite? 

It has no desires for itself; 

thus it is present for all beings.  

   

The Master stays behind; 

that is why she is ahead. 

She is detached from all things; 

that is why she is one with them. 

Because she has let go of herself, 

she is perfectly fulfilled.     

 

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 7 

Stephen Mitchell  

  

   

I am finding much comfort in Lao-tzu's ancient writings.  I am also encouraged in learning that it is one of the most translated books we have, second only to the Bible.  Can we truly practice non-grasping  so we can then hold all of life?   I am finding these chapters both austere and deeply satisfying.   They lead me to a silent and sacred temple and I find peace. 

   

  

photograph:  San Leandro, November 2020  

Chapter 6, Tao Te Ching

 "The Tao is called the Great Mother: 

empty yet inexhaustible. 

 

It is always present with you. 

You can use it any way you want."   

 

Tao Te Ching, 

Chapter 6, Stephen Mitchell  

    

  

Here we have the foundation of spiritual maturity and also the lack of it.  How to use such freedom is the human dilemma.  

  

    

 

photograph:  San Leandro.  I am  uncertain  of the date. 

Chapter 5, Tao Te Ching

"The Tao doesn't take sides; 

it gives birth to both good and evil. 

The Master doesn't take sides; 

she welcomes both saints and sinners. 

 

The Tao is like a bellows; 

it is empty yet infinitely capable. 

The more you use it, the more it produces; 

the more you talk of it, the less you understand.    

  

Hold on to the center."       

 Tao Te Ching, Chapter 5 

  

The existence of evil has long been discussed by minds far sturdier than mine.  What I take away from this is to be wary of labeling, especially the labeling of people.   What one person views as evil, others may not.  Jesus understood that those labeled as sinners had enormous possibility, but he had little patience with those in power who abused that power and trapped others in powerless lives.      

 

I  appreciate Mitchell's comments on this chapter:  "The Master sees all beings arising from the same source, working out their karma (usually with great suffering) and returning to the source.  And since people are in constant flux, she understands that at any moment they are capable of the most astonishing transformations. Why should she pin them into motionless with a judgment of 'good' or 'bad?'"   This is an insightful question.  If a person is continually labeled as "bad," he or she may very well live into that role, often with much mayhem and sorrow.  Let us give one another room to grow with grace.      

 

Keep loving each other like family. Don't neglect to open your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it. Remember the prisoners as if you were in prison with them, and people who are mistreated as if you were in their place.     

 Hebrews 13:1-3   

 

photograph:  San Leandro, November 2020    

  

photograph:  San Leandro, November 2020    

  

Chapter 4, Tao Te Ching

The Tao is like a well:

used but never used up.

It is like the eternal void:

filled with infinite possibilities.  

   

It is hidden but always present. 

I don't know who gave birth to it. 

It is older than God."   

  

Chapter 4, Tao Te Ching 

Stephen Mitchell 

  

Last night I dreamed of Jesus. I remember only walking alongside the ocean with him.  The memory of the dream, while short on details,  strengthens my intent to walk with him on the journey through the Tao Te Ching.

 Stephen Mitchell comments on the last line of this chapter: "There is no God when there is nothing but God." At this point I run out of words.  So I shall sing one of my favorite Advent hymns:  

   

"With joy draw water from the spring;

 salvation's living well. 

The Holy One is in your midst; 

glad praises sing and tell!"     

 

With Joy Draw Water 

Anne McKinstry        

     

 

photograph:  San Mateo, 2015? 

Chapter 3, Tao Te Ching

 "If you overesteem great men, 

people become powerless. 

If you overvalue possessions, 

people begin to steal.  

 

The Master leads 

by emptying people's minds 

and filling their cores, 

by weakening their ambition

and toughening their resolve..."   

     

With the guidance of  my yoga/qigong teacher, I have been concentrating on strengthening and balancing my core muscles. It is a slow process, but I believe it is an important one.  My teacher calls these muscles (abdomen, pelvis, hips, thighs,buttucks and hamstrings) " muscles of independence".  Yes, the practice  is toughening my resolve to be able to sit, stand, and walk under my own power for as long as possible.  Self-discipline has never been one of my strengths, but sooner or later, most of us learn to put aside at least some of our assumptions that the body will just take care of itself.  Our bodies are miraculous. We should be astounded every day.  We each must learn to accept and live in our own body until our soul needs it no longer.    

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?    

1 Corinthians 3:16    

  

photograph:  San Leandro, a few years ago

Chapter 2, Tao Te Ching

 I am one who at times has trouble in just letting things go.  I will try to hold on to what is troubling me, but I will also try to hold on to what seems to be going well.  I will cling to both criticism and praise, so I risk identifying myself with what I am hearing, or think I am hearing.  Jesus would call this worrying.  When I hear him ask, "Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life (Matthew 6:27)?",  I have no answer. I am amazed I have made it this far. 

  

I will include Chapter 2 in its entirety.  Sometimes The Master is given a masculine pronoun, sometimes feminine.  Stephen Mitchell writes that the Chinese language makes no such distinction.   

   

When people see some things as beautiful, 

other things become ugly. 

When people see some things as good, 

other things become bad.  

 

Being and non-being create one another. 

Difficult and easy support one another.   

Long and short define each other. 

High and low depend on each other. 

Before and after follow each other. 

   

Therefore the Master 

acts without doing anything

and teaches without saying anything. 

Things arise and she lets them go. 

She has but doesn't possess, 

acts but doesn't expect. 

When her work is done, she forgets it.

That's why it lasts forever.        

 

   

photograph: San Leandro, November 2020
    

   

Chapter 1, Tao Te Ching

I have decided to return to the reading of the Tao Te Ching, as translated by Stephen Mitchell (Mitchell advises that it is pronounced, "more or less" as Dow Deh Jing.)  The book I have has a copyright of  1988.  I will share my musings here, along with a short portion of the  daily reading.  

Very little is known about the author, Lao-tzu. I think I first heard about him when I was taking a night class in World Religions at Laney College in Oakland many years ago. The textbook, Religions of the World (also copyright 1988) I still have. In it is a picture of a wonderful incense burner that depicts Lao-tzu riding on a water buffalo.  Lao-tzu is sitting on the water buffalo cross-legged.   He is facing the viewer, while the buffalo continues on his way to the right. I remember writing about this image that still speaks to me of great calm, trust, and balance.   Something so needed today.    

When I first perused Mitchell's translation, I did not know at the time I would eventually try to walk a Christian path.  Yet, I hear Jesus' voice in this book.  I am taking a Qigong class via Zoom, and last week my teacher said, "We are at a time when all the world's faith's are sharing their jewels." I believe this, and it is my hope that we can come together in love.        

 

Chapter 1  

The tao that can be told 

is not the eternal Tao.  

The name that can be named 

is not the eternal Name.  

  

The unnamable is the eternally real. 

Naming is the origin 

of all particular things.     

   

What is God's name? I do not think we really know. Jesus was content to address  God as  Father.  God refuses to be a particular that can be clung to, but yet we are held.  We are all children of the Divine Mystery.  

       

photograph:  San Leandro, November 17, 2020, before the rains came.       

   

          

Note To My Self

 See the world as your self.  

Have faith in the way things are.  

Love the world as your self; 

then you can care for all things.  

 

Tao Te Ching

Stephen Mitchell    

  

photograph:  San Leandro, August 2017