Affinity & The Way of the True Teacher ~ Sheng Ren Wu Wei Shifu (圣人 無為 師傅)

 

The Sheng Ren Wu Wei Shifu ( 圣人 無為 師傅) refers to the following: 

 

Sheng Ren ( 圣人): The one that follows the saintly way; is one who embodies the path & lives, breaths its wisdom.

Wu Wei ( 無為): Non impulsive actions, commonly referred as "empty action". The life code of the wise ones in which they follow ~ leading without pushing, doing without striving, living daily with what seems no agenda/goals or end in mind.

Shifu ( 師傅): A skillful Master of the tradition of their art they had embarked on many years in the making. A true Shifu is a longtime student before they are chosen for path of the skillful teacher.       

The teachers of the way generally don't advertise themselves, they will seem as a simple non de-script people. The Sheng Ren of "Tao & Buddhist Ways" look indifferently at fame, wealth, and personal glory. In many ways its against their code to recompense for teaching of Healing Meditation and Arts. They will generally accept donation system of "Dana"(pronounced "Donna) the way of generosity and allow the receiver to decide what it is worth to them and their personal situation. Recompense although is never demanded. This is how it always has been, but sometimes not followed by people of hubris and greed. 

For the teacher and the student of the way, there are almost Eight Billion humans (Fall 2020), of planet Earth! How many are we destined to meet? The true teachers you mentor under and students you teach is for sure a predestined affinity arranged by the Tao. If the teacher & students learn the transmitted traditions well, and utilize it for the better of humanity, people will become happier and more peaceful people, in this way the world can become a better balanced existence at some level.

 

GWA

 

Reader Request~Tao Teh Ching Chapter : Wu Wei

 

In the Traditional Tao Teh Ching Chapter 2 "Wu Wei (無為) " is first encountered. The Tao Teh Ching is a embedded loaded manual with many levels of meaning. Wu Wei is obviously a important topic to Lao Tsu to appear so early on his teaching in this writing. 

Wu Wei (pronounced "Woo Way" roughly) simply refers to on the basic level, not to act with impulsiveness, for one to follow a life path of acting without striving, leading and demonstrating without pushiness or ego, almost living ones life without no end or mind; or goal. Which leads back to controlling ones impulsiveness.

How does one achieve this? The practice of non conceptual meditation and practicing the art of Wuji Qigong for sure can help. Sifu Fong Ha use to explain Wuji cultivation as the "The fine art of doing nothing; & achieving everything"...which leads you to Wu Wei in action.

 

GWA     

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.                           
 
         

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.  

   

      

 

Seven Teachings of Tao within Tao Teh Ching

Seven Concepts

of 

Tao 

Tao has been translated as Way, principle, nature, road and many other related terms. For practitioners of Tao ( 道) it is the source of everything; the original ingredient to life as we know it. It is so vast and mosaic none of us can tell how it started. It is by itself ~never born nor dying.  Tao is so grand it is limitless; at the same time it is so subtle and fine it travels through anything. Lao Tsu tried himself to see it but it's invisible; he tried to feel it but could not feel it; He asked for it's voice but nothing responded in a communicable voice.

The general ideas here can be found in the Tao Teh Ching found in chapters 4, 23, 32,34,35,41,53,62, and chapter 77. Here you will find citations to the generic term Tao within the chapters themselves, within the theme of lessons.

With that being notated although, there are although, seven key conceptual meanings that are used in many Taoist of China teachings of the Tao Teh Ching or a.k.a. the "Lao Tsu". Taoist of China are simply my terms for teachers and friends whom are a lineage of Taoist whom use Lao Tsu's teachings as a foundational source of transcendence to the source.  Below I will list them for anyone's own personal meditation & contemplative practice:       

 

 

1. Truth/Eternity: "The Tao which one can explain is not the unchanging Tao". (Ch. 1)

2. Creator/Creation: "The Tao gives birth to all things; virtue rears them". (Ch.51)

3. Energetic Power: " Returning is motion of Tao". (Ch.40)

4. Omnipresence: "Its alone stands without changes. It is omnipresent and endless. It may be the mother of our world. I don't know it's name, but name it the Tao; source of all things". (Ch. 25)

5. Foundations & Principles: "If you hold to the Tao of ancient life, one will manage existence in the present. If one can know the origin;..it is called the precepts of the Tao". (Ch.14)

6. Supreme Standard: "Our greatest virtue expression is to only follow and practice Tao". (Ch.21)

7. Nature: The Tao follows Nature. (Ch. 25)

  

Tao Teh Ching Chapter I: What is the Tao? (老子道德經)

Chapter I: What is the Tao? (老子道德經)

 Traditional Chinese: 道可道，非常道。名可名，非常名。無名天地之始；有名萬物之母。故常無欲，以觀其妙；常有欲，以觀其徼。此兩者，同出而異名，同謂之玄。玄之又玄，衆妙之門。

English Translation: 

The Tao which one can explain is not the unchanging Tao。The name which can one name is not the unchanging name。Nothingness is the name of the beginning of Heaven and Earth。Existence is the name of mother of all things。

Therefore one should always emphasize nothingness, if one desires to observe the marvelousness of the Tao; one should always emphasize existence if one desires to observe the limits of the Tao。

These two have the same origin but different names; one could call both of them profound。More profound than profound, they are the gate of all marvelous things 。

Elementary Commentary/Understanding:

The key concepts of what Lao Tsu is teaching us here from the beginning is that Tao is eternal, the nameless, the source and substance of all things as we know it. Concepts of the "named" and the "unchanging name" or even better the "nameless" are emphasized here. In East Asian Spiritual Studies the concept of a name is common throughout the land, but the revelations's of Lao Tsu's thoughts on life is unique in this respect. Many traditions thrust upon it's followers a correspondence of  names, individuals and actualities; to accept them as necessary as a pathway to goodness. Lao Tsu clearly in his writings rejects names, individuals in favor of the "nameless". This shows a radical departure from common tradition even in his ancient time when he wrote these statements out. 

Lao Tsu teaches us that "Tao" is the "unchanging nameless" origin of heaven and earth, and all creatures great and small. The simplicity message of "without names"; is to understand that when tagged "names, titles, etc" arises the oneness of Tao is split up into individual things with "names" which is for sure is a red flag - time to stop and check out, or  better yet get away from those kind of dis-empowering ideas.

Lao Tsu introduces ideas of "nothingness and existence", sometimes taught as "being and non being" which are important here, for in Lao Tsu's teaching's "Wu Ming" (無名: nameless, literally the nothingness name) is equivalent to non being and the named "You Ming/Yu Ming": (有名 the existence name) is commonly accepted as being. Followers of East Asian Studies are very familiar of "being and non being", or sometimes taught as "nothingness and existence". These are omni present in the melting pot of East Asian Thought Schools. Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian all share these ideas in their teachings for thousands of years. In some modern traditions it might read like " always be of no desires" and "always be of desires". The scholar who was responsible for the organization of the Tao Teh Ching, Wang Pi wrote based on his studies with Taoist of the Lao Tsu lineage that "all beings originated in "non being before being".

The term "Tao" (道) is used by Lao Tsu cautiously knowing that it's not entirely correct. The teachings of Wen Tsu the famous student of Lao Tsu ( 文子) explains it best:

Lao Tsu taught that "There is something, an undifferentiated whole, that was created before heaven and Earth. It has only abstract images, no solid form. It is deep, dark, silent and undefined, I donot hear it's voice! Assigning a name provisionally I call it "Tao".

***More updates to come on this entry; Meditate and ponder on the subtle treasures of the Tao ***

GWA

  

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: Understanding Ourself is Insight

In the teachings of the Tao Teh Ching, contentment is a key goal to strive for. Lao Tsu describes it in several parts of the Tao Teh Ching as in chapter 33:

Many teachers call this the "Who are you", Understanding Yourself is Insight, Knowing oneself"; in actuality there are no chapter titles from the traditional Chinese text. It does help I believe for anyone to remember the teachings and the many layers that will follow each section.

Chapter33:

• If you understand others, you are clever. If you understand yourself, you are insightful. If you control others you are uncommonly forceful. If you harmonize yourself you have unusual inner strength. If you know when you have enough, you are flourishing with true wealth. If you have great follow through with your intentions to completion, you are unwavering.

 Lao Tsu's Chapter 33 is again teaching us about contentment. The guidance that could be applicable here as a suggestion is when "flowing in the way" of contentment and you are having a great period of success of harmonizing yourself, is to make note of these peaceful and tranquil moments that we are experiencing. When it's possible let it flow to others around us to have a positive influence as well.

We all need to realistic and understand that there will be adversity; there will be people and situations one needs to dissolve out of their life. This could because of a number of reasons.  By working diligently, we can prune these people, places or things out and clear the way for true contentment and progress. Aligning oneself with others that are like minded and have a energetic affinity to ourselves will aid much great progress as well.

This could be amplified by taking a class of some type of practice which you have a desire to do and making new friends and harnessing flourishing energy and happiness along the way. If taking classes is not for you; for whatever reason, then develop a simple centering meditation practice, where you can clear the space in yourself for more illumination to enter.

The Tao Teh Ching and teachings of Lao Tsu and other aspects center around the meditation practice. Try and practice this spiritual tradition when you are at your best or when demands are on a simmer in your busy day. Until next time, more lessons on contentment and Traditions of Natural Truths..

GWA