Another thought-provoking read, Paul. You draw out the Daodejing’s paradoxes - acceptance but also defiance. Your point about shaking off what others expect of us feels especially pertinent.
You’re right about needing to reread that passage and many others of his writing. On first read, I think…wha? On second read, it starts to sink in and my wha turns to oh! Lots of good stuff in it.
Bill, that is exactly my conclusion! We’re not alone, interpreters were writing such in the 1800s. Quite relevant, of all times? It is commonly accepted that Laozi was fed up with the governing parties of his state, and living in a highly censored society, if he wanted to get a message to the masses, he had to use careful language.
You captured it - because it means so much to so many, touches everyone in different ways, and has been so long lasting, is incredible in and of itself. Love that little place in Dali - it looks gorgeous. Great place to chill and read!
Another thought-provoking read, Paul. You draw out the Daodejing’s paradoxes - acceptance but also defiance. Your point about shaking off what others expect of us feels especially pertinent.
The Dao encompasses everything, we could just read the first chapter but it takes 81 to get the message across.☺️🙏🏻
You’re right about needing to reread that passage and many others of his writing. On first read, I think…wha? On second read, it starts to sink in and my wha turns to oh! Lots of good stuff in it.
Thank you, Karin, each time we read the meaning can be different. Contemplation is part of the reading process with books of wisdom like these. 🙂🙏
Your Laozi is an anarchist! Very relevant for today's world.
Bill, that is exactly my conclusion! We’re not alone, interpreters were writing such in the 1800s. Quite relevant, of all times? It is commonly accepted that Laozi was fed up with the governing parties of his state, and living in a highly censored society, if he wanted to get a message to the masses, he had to use careful language.
Okay. I will take a page from you to value more and worry less. The only thing missing in your beautiful Dali picture is sitting with tea!
Oh no, you’re right! Were going to Quanzhou this weekend and I promise to indulge in some good 🍵☺️🙏
You captured it - because it means so much to so many, touches everyone in different ways, and has been so long lasting, is incredible in and of itself. Love that little place in Dali - it looks gorgeous. Great place to chill and read!
Thanks Debbie! 🙏 The place is the residence of the Yan family in Dali. Now a museum, they call it a Treasure House. It lives up to the name! ☺️