Taoist dharma

dao de jing

Subduing the Dragon

To sustain surreal states of being, you must master your energies. The chaotic illustration is from Xingming Guizhi, a Taoist manual on internal alchemy. It attempts to communicate that subduing inner dragons requires us to have insight into yin-yang, Wu Wei, & Xing.

Sustaining an empty mind may not seem like much of a challenge to some. However, I’ve always struggled to simply exist. I tend to ruminate on stressful thoughts or fixate on “what I need to be doing.” This mindset can make it difficult to relax or truly connect with others. 

When my brain needs distraction, I periodically turn to the scriptures of Lao Tzu and the wisdom of the eternal Dao.

Lao Tzu is said to have spent 62 years in his mother’s womb before being born—a legend that reflects the depth and mystery often associated with his teachings. While he may have been born much sooner in reality, historical records confirm that he was a real person. He lived approximately between 369 BCE and 286 BCE during China’s Warring States period.

This evening, I found comfort in Section 20 of his teachings, titled “Get Rid of Learning.” The passage reads:

Stop thinking, and end your problems.


What is the difference between yes and no?
What is the difference between success and failure?
Must you value what others value?
Avoid what others avoid?
How ridiculous!

Other people are excited,
As though they were at a parade.
I alone don’t care,
I alone am expressionless,
Like an infant before it can smile.

Other people have what they need;
I alone possess nothing.
I alone drift about,
Like someone without a home.
I am like an idiot—my mind is so empty.

Other people are bright;
I alone am dark.
Other people are sharp;
I alone am dull.
Other people have a purpose;
I alone don’t know.
I drift like a wave on the ocean,
I blow as aimlessly as the wind.

I am different from ordinary people.
I enjoy being nourished by the eternal mother.

The sage’s words can be interpreted as an invitation to let go of societal expectations and embrace your true path. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means returning to your essence. Just because someone else may not recognize your talents or dreams doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue them. Namaste.

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Bibliography:

Laozi. Tao Te Ching. Translated by D.C. Lau, Penguin Classics, 2009.

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