the tao source of life is vast and unlimited
the tao source of life is beyond ordinary reason
and logic
the tao source of life is unfathomable and
unnamable
it is beyond words and labels it is beyond deliberateness
2 the ancient child asks why can't you grasp it
3 because it's too big and too small at the same time because it is one thing and many things at the
same instant
and you cannot divide it into parts it cannot be held or known on purpose
4 utility is useful for only a short time
5 these are instructions
6 lie down
sit
stand
walk in a deliberate manner allow heaven into your bodymind draw the earth into your bodymind
let them mingle around the center of your bodymind resisting the desire to command or control it will feel like a gentle rain is falling within and
without you
swallow the saliva like it was honey
that condenses like a sweet dew into your core and rest peacefully and naturally within the tao
source of life knowing that its heartbeat is your own
7 the heartbeat will shape, carve, and form you into
what is needed
at this moment in space and time and no more
8 do not be in a hurry for the future rather allow the unnamed to flow into the named
to reveal the
present ever
9 embodying balance, poise, and equilibrium you will have no difficulty seeing
you are a part of a vast undifferentiated whole you are a swirling eddy in the great river you are a drop of water in the great ocean
10 despite what your dividing mind says remind yourself
that you are always home
1-4 HEART and MIND: These stanzas restate the Taoist idea that the Tao Source is beyond analysis and reason. It is unknowable in the conventional sense. In effect, the Tao Source of Life can only be understood in the aftermath of a purposefully engineered accident. Consequently, Taoists will arrange their lives and endeavors to accommodate those accidents.
5-6 HAND: An alternate translation might be:
lie down with mindful awareness sit erect with mindful awareness stand in a balanced and poised posture walk with full awareness of each step envision the power of the heavens flowing down through the crown of your head
envision the power of the planet flowing up through the bodymind as it contacts the earth suggest the energies to mix and blend together at a spot three and one-half inches below your CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
navel and inward. (lower dantien)
do not attempt to control or influence the progress of the blending; merely watch it occur
imagine that there is a gentle summer rain falling on
you
swallow your saliva as it builds up in your closed
mouth
imagine that this health-giving elixir collects in your
lower dantien
remain peaceful, calm, and relaxed you will begin to feel a pulsating within your
bodymind
this pulsating is a natural occurrence that you should neither encourage nor restrain.
7-8 MIND: Do not try to understand what is occurring or become impatient regarding an outcome.
Simply let it happen.
9 HAND and MIND: The Taoist reality holds that each person is a vital part of the Tao, but we have, over time, forgotten this fact. The result is a less-than-complete experience of our life and world. Taoist philosophy and cultivation seeks to remedy this situation.
10 MIND: A reminder that we are all part of the Tao Source.