Verse 6

" The spirit that never dies is called the mysterious feminine.

Although she becomes the whole universe,

her immaculate purity is never lost.

Although she assumes countless forms,

her true identity remains intact.

The gateway to the mysterious female is

called the root of creation.

Listen to her voice, hear it echo through creation.

Without fail, she reveals her presence.

Without fail, she brings us to our own perfection.

Although it is invisible, it endures;

it will never end."

  The God or Goddess of creation? To some, the idea of worshiping a female goes against everything they know and believe. Women are the weaker sex according to many western and eastern thoughts. Both physically and mentally perhaps even spiritually women have been seen as lacking. It can even be left to question just how much of the Bible was configured to lead people into believing that women were not on the same level as men. Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. I believe that the Bible is full of wisdom and following it to the T would ensure a happy prosperous life. However, it was man that decided what to put in and what to leave out. So it isn't hard to believe that certain texts which could have shed a different light on things could have been omitted in the interest of swaying minds in the preferred direction. 

  Perhaps it is wise then to consider just which traits are characteristic of men and which are characteristic of women before we continue on this age old discussion. Most people have heard of the Yin Yang. However this is merely a western name for the half white half black image. Yin and Yang are actually the names given to express, in simple terms, exact opposite but complimentary sides. Most think of opposites as a clash or figurative head butting, but this is not what the taijitu (the correct name for this symbol) is referring to. As one can't help noticing, the two exact halves, even distorted make a perfect circle or "whole". In fact, the name taijitu literally means "diagram of the supreme ultimate". I take that as meaning whole in every sense. Taoism embraces this symbol as it depicts the perfection of unity. Furthermore, Taoism places upon the Yin all the feminine attributes and upon the Yang all the masculine attributes.

  Perhaps I have digressed a bit but this concept in not for naught. Over the coarse of the 81 verses that are the Tao Te Ching this will be a central point of focus. So better to start early on our awareness campaign. 

  Anywho, back to verse 6, the Goddess. Why portray God, or the Toa in a feminine light here? Well, if it isn't obvious by now, my digression has been for naught. Or perhaps I am just that bad at writing out the jumbled thoughts in my head. That's probably it. If we look at the yin attributes we see that they tend to be more accurately portray the attributes in this verse than the male's. Soft, passive, intuitive. Truly a mothers Love. In fact, that is the first thing that comes to my mind when I read this verse. I interpret paragraph one in a number of ways. First the creative "side" of the Tao is like a mother, birthing all things. In this process, the Tao becomes the creator and the created (another example for the taijitu). Although the Tao is capable of expressing itself, it is also expressed through all things in the universe to a less perfect degree. A perfect example are humans. So here she spreads herself out but the central "core" of this creative spirit remain pure. The third sentence could be a bit puzzling. It almost seems redundant, but I think that perhaps this statement is relating to the actions of this creative spirit. A mother may not always appear to be responding perfectly to a dilemma, however, the outcome proves that the action was the correct one even if it seems uncharacteristic of her. This does not mean that she is less of a mother, just that she must sometimes do what it takes, even if it's down and dirty. We tend to call this tough love. I see it as doing what is needed for the greater good. When dealing with imperfect humans, one must do what is necessary to make things right. This does not make this mother of creation less of who she is. If anything, it just proves more so of it's unconditional Love.

  Ahh paragraph two. Cryptic. Mysterious. The gateway to the mysterious female. Who is this mysterious female? I think we can all surmise at this point we are talking about the Creative Source. So the way to the creative source then is through the root of creation. the root of creation.....think, think, think. Ah, the superhighway which ushered in such an enormous amount of energy and in so doing  birthed the physical into existence. Maybe that's to disco for some. I do believe that everything created on the physical plane has a root to the spiritual plane and without it we could not exist. Is it coincidental that the word root was chosen for this statement? If we think of a plant, the root is what feeds it. It is the first thing the grows out of the seed and if we cut the root from the plant, it dies. So here we can deduce that the way to the great and powerful Creator is through ourselves. That "gate" is in us all.

So in paragraph three once again we feel the care of a mother's love. Think about times when you were unsure of yourself. Possibly your first dance recital or baseball game. You were nervous, unsure of yourself. Your mom gives you some words of encouragement and then sends you off, telling you that she will be right there watching you. Any time she senses your uncertainty or embarrassment, her voice is heard saying, "You're doing good. Keep going." As time goes by she helps build on our strengths and manage our weaknesses. Making us ready for adulthood. And once we venture out to create our own space in the world, we take everything that she taught with us. I also believe that we take a piece of our mother with us spiritually. It is a fact that mother's have a close bond with children in many ways. Even on the vibratory level mothers have a close bond with their children as the frequencies are similar. This is what mother's intuition is all about. A true Yin attribute.

  So at this point we can see why Lao-tzu chose to represent the Tao from a more feminine aspect in this verse. It will not be the last time. What we do see with the crash coarse in Yin Yang theory is that both the yin and yang carry the attributes of God in different ways. So in simple terms, the "whole" or taijitu or Tao, Source, (you get the picture) is both Yin and Yang. And as we see in the taijitu, yin and yang are perfectly equal (but also different). So man is not superior to woman. It's funny to me because for as long as I can remember, which dates back way before my awareness of the yin and yang concept, I have seen the union of man and woman as two halves to a better whole. In my eyes, I saw the differences in men and women and believed that together, they could be utilized to formulate better decisions.  Not completely logically based, not completely emotionally based but balanced and more perfect. This is possibly an oversimplification of the whole idea but I think it goes along the same process of thought. 

  And so it seems that we find ourselves at the end of yet another exciting journey through space, time and the Tao. All that is left to say in closing then is that I look forward to a world where not only ethnic groups embrace each other and religions stop fighting for first place but also a world that sees both men and women as necessary equals both bringing their gifts to the table in the interests of peace, harmony and unity.

 Namaste

Verse 5

"Heaven and earth are impartial; 

they see the 10,000 things as straw dogs.

The sage is not sentimental;

he treats all his people as straw dogs.

The sage is like heaven and earth;

to him none are especially dear,

nor is there anyone he disfavors.

He gives and gives without condition,

offering his treasures to everyone.

Between heaven and earth is space like a bellows;

empty and inexhaustible,

the more it is used, the more it produces.

Hold on to the center.

Man was made to sit quietly 

and find the truth within."

And so the Chinese mule train of wisdom soldiers on to verse 5. And what a verse it is. Lets talk about straw dogs. Straw dogs?! Ayyy, straw dogs! Curious little figures crafted in ancient china for ceremonial purposes. They were dressed up and later discarded. They were neither loved nor hated. They just simply were. So in this first paragraph of the fifth verse I think Lao-tzu is trying to convey the idea that heaven and earth or the spiritual and physical realms do not take sides, they do not love or hate anything. All things just are. Nothing is more important than the other and there is no favor granted to any one thing over another. So basically God the creative force sees all things equally. Nice, I like that. The sage then, being wise and God like emulates that way of being to his followers. His treatment of them does not come from a love or hatred that one or the other stirs within him, instead, all are treated equally as he operates out of his goodness. Giving to all without the expectation of receiving something back. One is inclined to think how exhausted such a man would become, offering so much to everyone. However, in the third paragraph we find the answer to how he can give without end. (yes, we have already covered paragraph one and two. They kinda blend into each other.) It explains how the treasures of the universe and so too it's middle man the humble sage have a never ending supply. For as it is used, more is produced.

 I think that this verse is very important for people that find themselves in a leadership position. Treat all as equal, it seems to say. That was one of the main ideas driving the formation of our great United States of America. "With liberty and justice for all" is a statement every american recognizes. After all, it's part of our pledge of allegiance. It's part of our belief system. The idea that attracted people the world over to a new country where any man rich or poor, noble or peasant had a chance to be anything he wished. And furthermore, created a concept of ruling a country that was so revolutionary in it's time that it drove other countries to structure similar forms of government of their own. It's not hard to see how a leader acting in accordance with such beliefs would be loved and supported by his people. 

 Finally we reach the fourth paragraph and again this verse seems to go out with a bang. Even though there is much wisdom in the first three paragraphs, it is the fourth that really hits it home. Because it pertains to how we get there. Where it all comes from. Many people talk about finding your center. In a way it could be viewed as what makes you tick. Your core beliefs and values. To me, at my center is God. Ok, yes God is everywhere but when I think of my telephone line to God, I think of my center. So in other words, the closer I get to my center the better I can hear the words of the Source. Plus I find it to be a perfect place of Love and comfort. I guess that stands to reason. So how do we do this one might inquire. The plain english word is meditation. Sitting, standing, laying silently with a mind free of chatter. I myself found it hard to meditate at first as I was given one of those brains that run on high octane fuel. So sitting quietly with an empty mind seemed impossible. But over time I was able to quiet my mind and in so doing, started to hear the "Truth from within". My Mom has always liked the verse from the Bible that says "be still, and know that I am God". I think it's a perfect scripture for the ending of this verse. Perhaps in another way we could venture to say, be still and know the voice of God. To each his own. 

 In a world of fast paced everything it does tend to be hard to slow down enough to develop such a connection to our Source but the truth is, maybe that is the speed we should have been going all along.

 Namaste

Verse 4

"The Tao is empty but inexhaustible,

bottomless, the ancestor of it all.

Within it, the sharp edges become smooth;

the twisted knots loosen;

the sun is softened by a cloud;

the dust settles into place.

It is hidden but always present.

I do not know who gave birth to it.

It seems to be the common ancestor of all, the father of things."

The Tao is empty but inexhaustible. I have always attempted to allow my thoughts to venture where they may for meanings to such statements. Truly, the best meanings seem to come when I "try" the least. And for me, reading the Tao has always seemed so self explanatory for the most part. However, at times such as this I tend to find myself questioning what Lao-tzu was getting at here. Could he have meant that the Tao is empty in the sense that it welcomes all, that there is room or acceptance for all? As discussed in verse 3, an empty cup can be filled. Then on to say it is inexhaustible in it's giving or blessings? Could he have meant that there is a constant "give and take" of energy, back and forth from one plane to the other? Perhaps he only tries to put across what he seems to reiterate countless times over the entire script which would be the apparent paradox of the Tao in many aspects. In this case being both empty and full at the same time. These words, when considered, can only really pertain to our physical plane however as there is neither full nor empty in the "spiritual" realm. Perhaps it's best to say simply and without deep contemplation that the Tao or God is simply everything. Then go on to say that it brought forth all things from itself, the never ending, no beginning, abundant life Source of all.... Sounds good to me.

 On to paragraph two, things seem to become a bit more clear I think. Simply stated, God has a way of streamlining our lives. Once we learn to become still, quiet the mind and hear that voice speaking out from our center, our actions will become more connected, more smooth. All of the unnecessary struggles or detours can be avoided and our life can go from a life of occasional happiness with things "going our way" sometimes to a life of rich, deep happiness virtually all the time. This is not to say that there will never be struggles, yes that's a bit too extreme. (And I am a firm believer in any extreme being bad) But even in struggles you will feel a contentment knowing that it too is needed at that time for some form of growth. Once that is known, struggles, or what will then magically transform  into challenges will cease to become a negative experience and begin to fuel your growth upward. I tend to like the way in which this paragraph is written as it really makes me feel the comfort that is God. That "just perfect" feeling. I can't explain it any simpler than that.

 Paragraph three, the scientific mans version: God is the hidden framework that is found behind this fancy facade we call reality. Perhaps that doesn't fit every persons grand idea of what it written and I myself tend to see more than that because in my humble opinion, God is everything. The creator and the created. I believe (ok, admittedly with some scientific backing as well as spiritual. Yesss I like both, sue me.) that all that exists on the physical plane is created from pure spiritual energy. God energy if you will. Scientific proof: when sub atomic particles (with a proven mass) are accelerated really really......really (one more) really fast and they collide, the only "thing" remaining is energy. That's correct, zero mass or in layman's terms, no little sub atomic particle particles to sweep out. I like the thought of Oneness. It makes me feel closer to all people and nature alike. No longer do I view a person as a separate being but as a part of the body of God, my body. 

 So in closing, perhaps an old saying coupled with a zesty new add-on could be a good way to end our journey through verse 4. And dare I say it, possibly become the next big hit bumper sticker.

"Go with God....Cuz it just feels right!"

Verse 3

"Putting a value on status will create contentiousness.

If you overvalue possessions, people begin to steal.

By not displaying what is desirable,

you will cause the people's hearts to remain undisturbed.

The sage governs by emptying minds and hearts,

by weakening ambitions and strengthening bones.

Practice not doing......

When action is pure and selfless,

everything settles into it's own perfect place."

It has always amazed me how the value of things in this world can go from nearly zero, to a value of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of dollars in anything from a few minutes to a few years, and then end up back at little or no value again in a matter of time. In some cases it may even go through this cycle a number of times. Antiques are a perfect example. I have a friend that is, depending on the time, either sitting on a goldmine of valuables, or a pile of scrap. Society does a wonderful job of "telling" us what has value and what does not. If we all decided to stop driving cars tomorrow and start using bicycles for our transportation needs what would the impact be on the oil industry? 

 The truth of the matter ends up being that we hold the power to change the value of things. One person alone is but a drop in the ocean, but what is the ocean but a collection of single drops.

 With that having now been brought to an understanding, we can turn to this verse with a bit more clarity. Lao-tzu obviously understood the concept of creating want and greed through the valuation of possessions. Want and greed then produce jealousy, hatred and strife. Surely in his time it was just as beneficial to those in power or those who craved power as it is in today's society. But when values are non existent, there is no want, jealousy or greed. There is only the understanding that we have or acquire only that which we need at the exact time that we need it. Perhaps a book I was offered was of no foreseeable value in my eyes a year ago so being unenlightened I declined the offer. A year later I end up having to purchase the book for twenty dollars. After reading the book I donate it to a library. What was the true value of that book to me, the store, the person who did the offering, the library? Depending on the time, very much or very little. So in essence, value is as fluid as the rest of the universe. All things range from absolute value to no value all the time. And because of this can only be valued at a constant of zero on the physical plane. 

 Once we live by the understanding that there is no "need" for anything as everything essential to us will be provided, we can live a happier, more peaceful life. This understanding will automatically dissolve the competitive attitude that society teaches us to get ahead, get more, get even, and so on. By clearing our minds of these things it leaves us open to enlightenment. It opens up a direct, uninhibited channel to the Source. Or God if you prefer. 

 I ask you to consider the timeless analogy of the cup which is already full. It has no room for more and so anything introduced to it simply spills out rendering it useless. Become an empty cup. Clear yourself of all that you have been taught in this world. The emptier you are, the more room there will be for new knowledge. But remember, as the tea in the cup is poured in to be consumed and thus emptied, so too is the mind to be continuously "filled and emptied". All of creation is in a constant state of change, so too must we. If we wish to follow our divine path. So yes, the old adage "the only constant in life is change" seems to hold true even in this aspect.

 In closing, perhaps the most important statement of this verse appears to be kept for last, "practice not doing". Simple yet profound. It then elaborates to say that once we become empty, silent and open to the Truth (God), we will act out a perfect plan according to divine guidance, not driven by want and greed but love and peace, it is mutually beneficial to ourselves, the world and all others that we touch, it warms our souls, aligns us with God and makes our existence a perfect part of the Masters plan.

What could sound more motivating than that!?