Teachings of the Tao by Roshi Hogan
“How do we learn the way of the Tao master?“ asked a disciple. The master said “True learning does not begin until we realize that our spirit is contaminated. If we do not believe this to be so, there can be no learning. The cleansing of the spiritual contamination is not the responsibility of the teacher, but of the student. The teacher only provides the tools to do so. It is accomplished by recognizing the truth of the Tao and all its resources and aligning your life with it.”
Of old he who was well versed in the way
Was subtle, mysteriously comprehending,
And too profound to be known
It is because he could not be known
That he can only be given a shadowy description:
Tentative, as if walking on thin ice in winter,
Hesitant, formal like a guest;
Falling apart like the castle made of sand
Thick like a dense forest of bramble
Vacant like a lot
As clear as mud
Who can be muddy and yet, crystal clear?
Who can be at rest and yet, forging ahead?
He who holds fast to this way
Desires not to be full
It is because he is not full
He can accept what he needs
A disciple once asked a master, “Why are so many people afraid of death Master?“ The master said, “Most are not prepared to face the reality of impermanence and death. It is because we have a delusion that are lives are not transitory, and we act and think as if we are going to live for ever. But, if we face the fact of death, the illusion will end and wisdom shall begin. We will then realize the folly of fighting when we ourselves are doomed to die, and thus peace shall overcome us.”
“There is a beautiful full moon tonight Master” said the disciple. “And soon, there will be no moon to see” replied the Master. “What does this tell us disciple Lin?” The disciple thought for a moment and said, “Is it yin and yang, Master?” The master smiled and said, “Yes, once the moon is full, it begins to wane. Once it has waned completely, it begins waxing once more. It is an established pattern that does not change. Yin becomes yang and yang becomes yin. The energy in the universe is complete, yet it begins again.”
It is in the shadows and in the light
it is a shape that has no shape,
The image that is without substance
Hold fast to the way of antiquity
In order to keep in control the realities of today
The ability to know the beginning of antiquity
Is called the path that runs through the universal way.
“Master, I do not seek many other disciples here. Why is that so?” asked disciple Wu. “It is so because it is not fashionable to follow the ways of the ancient Tao masters.” the master explained. “In order to be one with the Tao, one must renounce what is fashionable, embrace what is plain, honest and virtuous. This is impossible for the man who submits to his cravings, chases desires, seeks to follow the latest trends, and lives in an unending cycle of suffering.”
Open the windows and doors
Of your mind
Let the fresh air of the Tao
Blow through and freshen
Become one with the universe
By dissolving the idea of yourself
A Tao master was speaking to some disciples about progressing along the path. “A person interested in spiritual progress must be aware of spiritual values. It is true of course that material things are also necessary. However, they are not the values to be sought after for becoming one with the teachings. If people give prominence to material values they cannot attain unity with the universe.”
Its upper part does not sparkle
Its lower part is not obscure.
Nothing to see here, move along
Nothing to hear so hear the silence instead
Nothing to hold on to, so let go
Follow unhealthy desires and you follow the path that leads to suffering. Yes, the view may be nice for a while, but the ultimate destination is unpleasant. Once you get there, you discover you do not want to be there. You want to follow another path, then another. Only one path leads to peace and contentment. That is the path of the Tao.-Roshi Hogan
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