Friday, May 6, 2016

The (Right) Way

"Grace, or Tao, surrounds us always.
Whenever we are open to it for a moment,
it enters into us."

~ Herman Hesse



Tao |dou; tou| - noun
(in Chinese philosophy) the absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of yin and yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order. ORIGIN Chinese, literally ‘(right) way.’

We get caught up in living, "our" way of doing things and sometimes forget
to slow down and ask ourselves what is the "right"way for us.

Are we thinking or doing things in an automatic, rushed, habitual way
instead of savoring our moments by looking inward for joy, meaning and love?

When we are kind to ourselves,
it has a ripple effect and spills out into the lives of others.
While the precepts listed here may seem too idealistic,
perhaps you can find a few concepts that resonate
and inspire you to find more harmony and light in your life.


Miyamoto Musashi describes 21 principles (to strive for) of Tao:
"1. Accept everything just the way it is.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honor.
21. Never stray from the Way.”

Modern science has recently confirmed that our thoughts
actually change the pathways of neurons in our brain.
Habitual reactions to situations shorten those nerve cell connections,
which in turn physically alters and triggers our own unique conception of reality.




Wishing You Much Joy and Many Blessings!
W
ith Love,




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