Poetic Reflections on the Tao

 



Ordinary minds 
are constantly on the lookout 
for precious goods.
They persistently fail to notice 
that which is precious
within their very own being.
Not so with those 
who are merged with the Tao.
Their minds and bodies,
because they are not given to distraction,
become the vessels of precious substances 
and sublime essences.
Their bloodstream is like a flowing river 
filled with sweet elixirs.
Their mindstream, like a clear pool of liquid crystal.
And their heartstream can easily be compared 
to a field of fragrant lilies.
Even though all these things 
have been known for ages,
still, people continue to actively compete 
for wood, glass, stone and metal.
***
People of low intelligence cling to the ten 
thousand things
and look to them for their every security.
They completely ignore the Way 
and its many virtues.
Buddha being assailed by demons,
temptations and material desires remains
unmoved abiding in the refuge of inner peace.

Those of average intelligence discuss the Tao, and foolishly count it as one of the ten thousand things. They are always hoping to make a profit from its teachings in order to stand out among the people.
But people of high intelligence 
are those who unerringly merge with the Tao.
They cling to nothing and ignore nothing
Abiding silently in energized tranquility, 
they receive all the benefits that the Way imparts.
***
I make poems and write about the Way
because people show me that they have forgotten it.
If people did not remind me each day
that they have forgotten the Way
I then would forget to write about it.
***
Those who forget the world
remember the Way and its treasures.
Those who cling to the world
do not know of its treasures.
It is because they are too busy acquiring, organizing 
and arranging all the things that make up the world
that they are unable to see the treasures inherent in the Way.
***
People in the new era talk about the Tao,
but remain fixated on objects and prosperity.
Forgetting internal energy, emptiness and bliss,
they obsess ceaselessly 
about how objects should be arranged
Or how to go about attracting wealth and acquiring positions.
When the Tao is known 
those with the fewest wants are the most content.
Their wealth is in the natural abundance that originates from the Source.
It can never be lost or stolen, 
nor does it wither, shatter or fade.
***
Tao

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