The Collective Practice: Stay at home and Cultivate the Self

Tao

Together As One="Tao"

Everyone should be practicing social distancing; not endangering anyone.  Don't be teaching classes, doing energy treatments, be ethical and not selfish. Encourage everyone to seek within, a time for contemplative inquiry. Practice non conceptual meditation and be there for your loved ones. Stress weaken the immune system, soften the heart/mind and build mountains of strength.

The virus has to be weakened or it will never end. Anyone whom tells he otherwise is operating from ego based agenda. The marketers and  charlatans are out there - beware they thrive on fear and ones weaken energy and spirit. 

The teachings of Qigong teach us that healing must begin from within the self. When ones heart/mind and body work as one harmonious being in tune with nature, a renewal of inner peace emerges. I learned the way of healing meditation at 13 and was in ill health compromised to say the least. This is a perfect time for simplicity and calmness in the midst of this global tragedy. I am not teaching anyone and 

keeping, my interactions limited.

Think of your family, friends and coworkers don't be selfish and endanger their well-being. Think of the doctors, nurses and unknowns who are putting themselves in harms way daily for us. Following a ethical path for the sake of all of us.

Gary Abersold

The spirits who have touched the Tao uses their heart like a mirror not reaching out, not holding on, responding but not worrying inside. Thus we can overcome our self and not harm others...

Chuang Tsu

 

Wu Wei is advised in Six Circumstances in the Tao Teh Ching

1. Avoiding Competition: "The Tao of the Sage is to act but not to compete with others" (Ch 81)

2. Avoiding Creating Hardship: "Those who avoid creating problems are clever & donot act" (Ch3)

3. Avoiding emphasis on One's Ability: "Acts but does not absorb credit" (Ch2)

4. Existing in accord with Tao of all things: "I follow "Wu Wei", and people
    transform themselves (Ch 57)

5. Following Nature: "The Tao always exist in "Wu Wei", but leaves nothing undone" (Ch 37)

6. Pro-activeness to anticipate dilemma's: "Act before the problem happens; manage before disorder arises" (Ch64)

The above is taught as follows "Wu Wei" has two meanings. One is the highest state of our mind, free from habitual patterns, free from desire and attachment. Two is is the quality of acting according to nature. The above illustrates six circumstances as advised by Lao Tsu in the Tao Teh Ching.

Taoist of China teach that wise people choose to follow Lao Tsu's method of the Path of Tao. Supporting and educating the common householder's by one's living example. People who follow "Wu Wei" essentially all anyone to live their lives as they see fit with unabridged freedom to grow and flourish. The Sage of the Tao holds nothing against anyone or anything from the smallest silk worm to the soaring Dragons of Heaven. People who cultivate their lives through "Wu Wei Tao" learn how to actualize all things to life, but does not hold to them as well. They follow a path of balance and non assuming action, which brings contentment and success with ease.

Notes: Chinese Spiritual Traditions emphasize "one culture three practice systems" meaning Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Common features among the three systems are as follows. Taoism Wu Wei encourages and permits everyone to follow their own true nature. Chinese Chan and Japanese Zen guides everyone to awaken to their own true face. Confucianism teaches no worshiping of gods, Gurus or my spirituality/religion. Therefore historically anyone or everyone could in Chinese culture can become a Master, Sage or God to the people who think they have  great merit or special skill in some cases.                           
 
         

Introduction to Wu Wei Chapter 2 Tao Teh Ching

 無爲 

Wu Wei

 天下皆知美之為美，斯惡已。皆知善之為善，斯不善已。故有無相生，難易相成，長短相較，高下相傾，音聲相和，前後相隨。是以聖人處無為之事，行不言之教；萬物作焉而不辭，生而不有。為而不恃，功成而弗居。夫唯弗居，是以不去。

。Under Heaven everyone knows that the capacity of the beautiful depends on the existence of ugly. Everyone knows the capacity of kindness to be kind depends on the existence of unkind.

。Existence and nothingness are mutually born, difficult and easy mutually complement each other, long and short mutually shape one another, tall and short mutually fill one another, sound and music mutually harmonize, before and after mutually follow one another; So there is balance.

 

。This is why the sage engages in "non-action" (wu wei無爲). He engages in teaching by not speaking. He achieves all things but undertakes nothing. He produces but has nothing. He acts but does not depend. He accomplishes meritorious acts but does not possess. Since he does not possess he is not lost.

Quick Notes: Wu Wei is taught throughout the Tao Te Ching in six chapters they are - chapters 2, 3, 37, 57, 64, 81.

Wu Wei: The foundational life code as taught by Lao Tsu. To live ones life without compulsive needs, wants or agendas. Dissolve neurosis of the self, desires and attachments-to live ones life in accord with nature and natural cycles.

Our Biggest Enemy in Life

Be Content Who You Are 

Part I

If we spend our life trying to compare or lurk around to see what others are doing, we cause much harm to ourselves. Engaging in this kinda of activity is a complete waste of time. Not to mention it causes much problems in the mind and heart.

As soon as we pass away from this life and unzip out of our body we are equal. We all meet the same fate no matter how rich or poor we are. 

Each of us are part of the Tao's heart; we are put on this earth likened in many ways as an assistant. If someone achieves faster or greater than you;...be honest with yourself see it for what it truly is ~a wonderful achievement of hard work and effort for that person. 

Our life is a reflection of our own uniqueness, value and place in whatever we are into. Throughout one's life we will meet people all the time, that have higher ability or skill; and that is ok. Wouldn't be a dull world if everyone was exactly the same? Everyone should celebrate peoples uniqueness and abilities. 

The act of being "Content" is a major teaching throughout the teachings of Lao Tsu. Invest energy to better yourself and forget about whats going on around you or in "internet land". 

In the Taoist practice of Centering Meditation and casting our issues aside, and cultivating our self daily; you will find much peace that is already there. You will find that through practicing of contentment and peace where you are right now the energy of truth comes through the fog and chaos of our body/mind.

 We experience there is no jealous, hate or worry. Our experience is likened to a clean window in which we can look at things more calm and clear. We find there is no need for adversarial emotions; each of us can then strive for cultivating meaningful lives with anyone we encounter. 

The need for justifying is gone. We can develop ourselves for personal higher purposes. People that connect to the Well of Wisdom of Natural Healing of Nourishing Life Arts and Spiritual Cultivation begun to ascend personally to a high level.

 To end this part I section begin to focus on daily life experience's right here and now:

 The past is behind us; 

the future has not reached us;

 Why bother with things that cannot be reached?

Focus on Life today.  

   

      

 

September 27 2015 - October 27 2015 Powerful Portal & Moon Cultivation

Full Moon Cultivation

Today (September 27th, 2015) marks the "Full Moon"; which is now closest to Earth. We will all feel a strong magnetic pull actually for the next 30 days until October 27, 2015.  Ubiquitous in East Asian Traditions, millions practice the moon tradition each and every month. Although the next 30 days so are a great portal for Healing Treatments, Personal healing, and igniting change in ones life. This coincides with the nature of the energy of Year of the Ram as well. A time period to clean house, improve and move forward for a better quality of life.

Modern Astronomers call this a "Super Moon"; and  have geared up to witness this rare phenomenon, as a lunar eclipse. A super-moon occurs when the Moon is in the closest part of its orbit to Earth, meaning it appears larger in the sky. The eclipse - expected to make the Moon appear red in color - will be visible in North America, South America, West Africa and western Europe.

I read that Nasa claims a super-moon last coincided with a lunar eclipse in 1982 and is not expected to again until 2033. But the definition of a super-moon is debated among astronomers. Sky watchers in the western half of North America, the rest of Europe and Africa, the Middle East and South Asia will see a partial eclipse. From the UK, observers will see the Moon pass through the Earth's shadow in the early hours of Monday morning. In North and South America the eclipse will be seen on Sunday evening.

The most basic element of this practice is follow naturalness and position the body so the entire front of the body and palms align to the moon. This can be done in a seated or standing position.  If possible practice around trees water and away from distraction, technology.

GWA

Seven Meanings of Tao?

Tao (道) is a term with many interpretations and possible meanings; there is no shortage for commentary's on it! Early on in my learning, I wrote a small article on Tao and gave it to my first teacher. He came back with "you failed double FF"; (ouch)..he said its impossible to define and too many words. Rewrite it and eliminate so many words. Having a bruised ego I asked which words should I eliminate (lol)?  

This whole exchange taught me a important lesson of imagery and symbolic meanings in Traditions of Tao. The paper finally came down to "Tao"=trick question; impossible to define. The lesson was seek in the Lao Tsu to full-fill youre quest for what Tao is.

 Lao Tsu defines what Tao is in his teachings in the Tao Teh Ching. In the Tao Teh Ching Chapters: 1,51,40,25,14,21,25. It also brings forth a concept of "The Way of Heaven". Over the next several weeks we will go through this topic "Tao".

Five Interpretations on Chapter 1 on tao:

 道可道，非常道。

 Tao ke tao, fei chang tao 。

  

• The tao which one can explain is not the unchanging tao*
• The tao that can be told is not the universal tao*
• The tao that can be told is not the absolute tao*
• The tao that can be spoken of is not the ineffable tao*
• The tao that can be defined is not the eternal tao*       

The meaning here is Truth, Eternity and Infinity. The theme of unchanging, universal, absolute, ineffable and eternal, and many other possible meanings elude to " 常 " Chang. The term chang is simply constancy; which is something that is faithful and dependable. Lao Tsu's insight here is that the tao is faithful, dependable and unwavering. It has always existed and always will; it is constant beyond change. Lao Tsu's world view is that Tao is central to his teaching; he uses it to establish a systematic "Way of Heaven". In the above cited chapters 1,51,40,25,14,21,25 - the seven meanings of tao are:

1.truth and eternity (chapter 1)  2. creator (Chapter 51)  3. power and potency (Chapter 40) 4. pervasiveness (Chapter 25)  5. principle (Chapter 14)  6.supreme standard (Chapter 21) 7. nature (25)

(1) Truth & Eternity: The Tao that can be told; is not the absolute Tao.

(2) Creator: Tao gives birth to all things; virtue rears them.

(3) Power and Potency: Returning is motion of the Tao

(4) Pervasiveness: Having substance but formed from chaos, it was born before heaven and earth. Silent and sparse, it stands alone and never changes. It is cyclic and never rest. It can act as mother of heaven and earth. I don't know it's name!.. but if I must find a word for it, I will call it "Tao". If  I must find a name for it, I will call it great.

(5) Principle: Hold fast to ancient tao, to handle today's affairs. Knowing the ancient beginnings is called the principle and law of Tao.

(6) Supreme Standard: The content of great virtue is only to follow tao.

(7) Nature: Tao follows Nature.              

GWA  

          

       

Living With Contentment is True Power

Finding Contentment in a Complicated World

Contentment has been taught by many traditions in a variety of ways. Different world traditions, people and systems throughout recorded history. The teachings of Lao Tsu, explores initially how we can enjoy the deep experience of contentment or "daily tranquility" in a complicated world. I believe if we can begin with trusting within and moving with the natural cycles of daily, weekly, and yearly change we can achieve a better understanding of ourselves and all that we encounter. Through the various aspects of spiritual cultivations of  Lao Tsu this answer's this yearning for many. 

If "contentment" is so important and as well as the teachings of  Lao Tsu; why are there so few public credible teachers? The reason is most of the teachers are Chinese or connected to Chinese Traditions teachers. Language barrier is for certain a problem for most seekers of the path. Also teachers of the tradition understands enough history to know that it is not a path that is for the marketed world. Most ethical Teachers of Tao Traditions are not ones that seek to"mission" their path for the masses. Even in Chinese communities its a must gain access kind of tradition. It does take time to gain access to elders within the practices. For many impatient Americans they lose patients and seek elsewhere. For many that understand this testing period; all things come to those who wait!

 Largely an oral tradition path, and infused with commentary's; the teachings of Lao Tsu's Tao Teh Ching is a lively rich tradition that teaches balance, harmony and personal spiritual wisdom. It has taken myself most of my adult life to begin to understand the heart sealed messages within the tradition. I am happy to share my personal experience from it. It is only a singular personal world view although. One person does not have the final word either on teachings of the Tao. In China the followers of Traditions of Tao have not yet self identified either what "Taosim" is either. Western Scholars actually coined the name Taoism, for the people of this syncretic tradition. Its very interesting cause people that follow the Tao actually like to ride under the popular radar historically. East Asian Traditions have become a great commodity in our world of self help therapy. It is kind of hilarious, practice systems that seek modesty, contentment and retreat are being sold constantly for quite a price, in our social world!

Life is Always in Flux

Having a unwavering view on living a life with "tranquility" to last forever is ignite for sure disappointment. It is more balanced to live our lives from moment to moment, in a state of equanimity. This is where formal meditation practice skills come into play in our everyday life. We should keep in mind not to fall into the expectations of either positive outcomes or difficulties. If we follow this our maturity, independence, and balance will increase. As things happen and we encounter difficulties, our skills to deal with trying times will come into play; and we will not react with a over the top emotional reaction. Advice here is to live your life with poise and balance. Contentment is also about learning to not live in a life of chaos and putting out fires. Its also about getting other peoples "Monkeys off your Back". Many times we train those around us how to treat us. So for many people they have to learn to cut the bondage. Its not easy for many but it is something that must be done.

The Best Leaders are the Most Peaceful

The fruits of following the way of meditation and the teachings of Lao Tsu, will pay big dividends in ones personal life. Very simply others will respect you not because of any act of cleverness or personal hubris on your part. We live in a age where we can spot the marketers now from a mile away; what are they trying to sell me now one might think. I personally loathe trying to sell any of the traditions on someone. Most people know what they are looking for. One will find the more they push trying to become popular the harder it will become. It will either have a fast uprising with a certain fall from grace. It can also just never go anywhere because the approach is just all wrong. Focus on being balanced and genuine; like the old great saying "all things comes to those who wait"!

People recognize natural simplicity and sincerity; a quality that lacks although in our "me-ism" age. Many use the titles of Master, Guru etc very easily. In East Asian Traditions its a proper way to address the elders and mentors. In many aspects for the uneducated it really does not mean a thing to their world view. Learn to be content with whom you are and be yourself! Learn to find your uniqueness in your own approach.

  Another favorite old saying "you cannot cook rice with talk" comes into leading people on traditions. When teaching people we don't have to say so many things, create so many products to give commentary's on practice. Our actions speak louder than words. Its better to lead by example and have students follow you as the model until they get it. Everything they need to know will be in the practice experience. When students are having trying times be sure to listen fully to their dilemmas. The leader whom has the ability to maintain composure and preserver even during times of difficulty with a student- speaks volumes about your personal integrity.

I always get from students hey do you know so and so etc? Part of the contentment teaching is "Competition and Comparison" should be avoided at all cost. I am happy and perfectly content being a freelance teacher, and have no need to be involved in the "mission" of popularity.  Many feel that there may be a division between yourself  and another, a sense of missing out or competing; its really the chaos of the mind and ego. Focus on yourself and you will soar above everyone else. Take care of your own that's the most important aspect of this. Harmonious unions come to those of like minded individuals. Many leaders, mentors, teachers foster a false sense of superiority which creates a chasm with students. Its better not to foster a sense of superiority over others. The best one liner I heard from one of my earlier teachers was "I am forever student; we all learn together". A very important teaching for those whom opt to operate with a ethical world view.

Final Analysis 

Learning how to adopt a world view of contentment might be easier said then done for some. It will for sure take some conditioning and relearning how you evaluate people in your life, things you do in your life, and what things you will have to let go of. This is a old lesson morphed actually in many systems. Lao Tsu most likely gets the credit. Seek to accept situations without friction, it will take personal maturity and awareness to make it happen. Eventually it will become whom you are. Put your energy (qi) into meaningful relationships and pay greater attention to areas that you may be neglecting due to the many "Monkey's on your Back" (lol).

Lao Tsu said it best "Be yourself" (contentment); free yourself from being a prisoner of what people might say about you. If not you will forever be under their spell and be their prisoner! 

GWA  

      

           

             

                          

Contentment = A Balanced life with Happiness

I often advise new students to seek an approach that will give them "Food for the Soul"; a life without a spiritual compass will cause one to get lost in life very similar like a ship at sea. Myself I always utilize the teachings of Lao Tsu & the Tao Teh Ching. The teachings of Lao Tsu provides much wisdom in this regard.

Energy exercises will only go so far; and we are not talking about following a "Guru" or God like system. The teachings of Lao Tsu is filled with many teachings, it stands apart from many; for its absent of blind faith but actually statements of natural truth.  Most practicing Taoist will adhere to a steady daily "Centering Meditation Tradition" and use the Tao Teh Ching as their compass in their busy daily life. A perfect meditation guide to say the least!

One of the foundation teachings in Tao Teh Ching is that of "contentment". The teachings of Lao Tsu believe that you should use contentment to gauge the pain or pleasure into relation to our experiences in life. To experience contentment on any level is a blessing. It represents a state of perfect balance, appearing as a still-point in the eternally changing world we live in. These periods of harmony mark that delicate period of transition between yin/yang, the moments of night and day when one feels right with the world. Anyone has had moments in life like this I believe even in the worst of times.

Contentment gives one a sense of well being and personal freedom. Such moments are luminous to the receiver a glimpse into heaven on earth; a manifestation of the Tao. Lao Tsu teaches us that when one is content, our outlook is clear and positive. It's for many experiencing a fresh start, free from the previous problems of our muddy world.

For many although a loss of faith in our hyper paced world happens often. People tend to lose the contentment states and experiences when life gets rough. They tend to descend into the "Emotional Mud" of our modern Society. They find this to be very discouraging since they believe it should last forever and it to be effortless. Nothing great comes without toil especially in East Asian Wisdom. For sure we say nothing last forever; life is an ongoing journey. We experience the good, bad and the ugly; and our experience is a fleeting reflection of those moments not the source of it.

Lao Tsu reminds us in the teachings that we are part of the "Flow of the Tao" and learn to move in sync with it rather than against it. There is a time of fruition and a time for dissolution. These aspects are not in opposition to each other. One is not good or bad; rather they actually flow into one another and are interdependent. We can hear in Lao Tsu's writings the wisdom of his teachers to forget about worrying on nonsense we cannot control. Focus on contentment and you will develop personal freedom.

In the Tao Teh Ching chapter #15 entitled "The Wise Ones of Old". He eludes to contentment towards end of the passage "Who can find tranquility in a muddy world". Lao Tsu teaches us that we can be certain that the present conditions will not last indefinitely. The historical Buddha did as well  "Suffering will not Last Forever".

The power of "Choosing Contentment is within each ourselves power. If you are not content in your life eliminate all that is and all those whom cause you dis-content. In life we all have to stand on our two feet and everyone has to find themselves. Offer a good ear but develop boundaries with elements of  peoples emotional mud and a society that is muddy. Contentment is easy but will take work and a learning experience. Each of us have to manage our own affairs although. Release the Monkeys off your back and be happy and content!

GWA