An Essential Part of Being

November 12, 2010 · Posted in Tao · Comment

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It’s not an unusual observation to note the similarities between solar systems and atoms. From the enormous to infinitesimally small, things in the universe have an order to their actions. Order, however, doesn’t equate to peace and tranquility. The universe is an extremely violent place, after all. We have asteroids crashing into moons and planets, massive fission stars, super-novas, black holes, even galaxies crashing into each other. There are ongoing storms on Jupiter that are larger than planets. There are destructive electrical storms, tornadoes and hurricanes right here at home.

Within our own bodies are conflicts as blood cells fight off invaders, our immune systems in regular battles against foreign organisms, viruses, contaminants, etc.

Tags: <being, universe, war>

Balance

January 22, 2010 · Posted in Tao · Comment

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In Taoism, we talk about balance as the state of being from which all other things begin.

Nonbeing gives birth to the oneness. The oneness gives birth to yin and yang. Yin and Yang give birth to heaven, earth, and beings. Heaven, earth, and beings give birth to everything in existence. – Daodejing, Chapter 42 (Walker).

In most translations, “nonbeing” is interchangeable with Tao. The oneness would be “being”. Then from being comes the forces, and from the forces comes life, matter, etc. Finally, everything else comes from those.

Existing, or “being” is the central state from which yin and yang spawn. Balance is being.

Tags: <balance, being, nonbeing>