dao cycles

Dawn is a shimmering of the horizon. Dusk is a settling of the sky. Dawn and dusk together represent the measure of a day. When the sun rises, the moon sets. When the moon rises, the sun sets. This represents the cycle of existence, for without such alternation, the power of the universe could not be generated. When the sun reaches its zenith, it will inevitably begin its descent toward its nadir. All events—including our own plans and activities—follow the same pattern. It is wisdom to know the cycles of life and where any particular circumstance that we are involved in stands on the curve. If we want to perpetuate something, we should join it to new growth to compound our progress. If we want to destroy something, we need only lead it to its extreme, for all things decline after their zenith. All too often, people express uncertainty about where they stand in life. It’s important to examine both the short-range and the long-range. If you want to go far in a decade, you have to go far each year. If you want to go far each year, you have to make sure that you do something significant each day. Use the cycles of life to establish a measure to your life, and then arrange your plans according to the units that you have chosen. Then there will be no fear of not knowing your own progress. cycles 365 Tao daily meditations Deng Ming-Dao (author) ISBN 0-06-250223-9 TIBET: TREASURES FROM THE ROOF OF THE WORLD The rooftop of the Jokhang Temple The rooftop of the Jokhang Temple, one of the most famous and sacred shrines in Tibet. The design and craftsman of the roofs leave spectators in awe. The pillars on top of the roof represents the sun, moon and earth. T A O t e C H I N G t h i r t y - f i v e All men will come to him who keeps to the one, For there lie rest and happiness and peace. Passersby may stop for music and good food, But a description of the Tao Seems without substance or flavor. It cannot be seen, it cannot be heard, And yet it cannot be exhausted. — translation by GIA-FU FENG She who is centered in the Tao can go where she wishes, without danger. She perceives the universal harmony, even amid great pain, because she has found peace in her heart. Music or the smell of good cooking may make people stop and enjoy. But words that point to the Tao seem monotonous and without flavor. When you look for it, there is nothing to see. When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear When you use it, it is inexhaustible. — translation by STEVEN MITCHELL To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tao), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him, and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feeling of ease. Music and dainties will make the passing guest stop (for a time). But though the Tao as it comes from the mouth, seems insipid and has no flavour, though it seems not worth being looked at or listened to, the use of it is inexhaustible. — translation by JAMES LEGGE Great Guiding Signs? Grasp great signs. The social world moves. If it move and does not harm, the comfort and balance is supreme. Concerts and feasts bring passing guests to a halt. Guidance coming out of the mouth. Isn't it bland? It lacks flavor. Looking at it, it is not visible. Listen to it, it is not audible. Use it, it is not applicable. — translation by C. HANSEN a reading list of books and interpretations of the Daodejing is available at http://www.duckdaotsu.org/dao_books.html (we receives a small donation if you purchase books from this source, thanks!) for a meditation sent to your email address each day, please write ’subscribe tao’ in the subject line and send to lisbeth at duckdaotsu

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