Response to Religious Literature: Tao Te Ching

Chapter 22
Whatever it is that you want from this life, become the exact opposite. What is needed is an understanding of the opposite end of the spectrum from which you stand. Once you have a knowledge of both ends of the spectrum, you then have a knowledge of what is truly acceptable behavior. This understanding will allow the real you to be seen.

Chapter 24
Foolhardiness, braggadocio, conceit, pompousness, and the like are unsavory characteristics to possess. The Tao does not permit the aforesaid.

Chapter 25
That which is, is nameless. All that is, comes from that which is nameless. Heaven, Earth, and Humankind all come from that which is nameless. Each is dependant upon the other. The Tao is self-reliant. It is the beginning, middle, and end. It is infinite.

Chapter 32
The Tao just is. Everything begins and ends with the Tao. Once you know this and accept this, life becomes much more simple and has much joy. Some things aren’t meant to be understood. The Tao is such a thing. Just know that it is and believe in it.

Chapter 37
True action requires no action. The Tao acts by not acting and remains all powerful in doing so. It is the irresistible force and the immovable object. Believe in the Tao and everything will fall into its place. If you choose not to believe, the power of the Tao will prevail regardless.

Chapter 49
Those that are tapped into the Tao, work from the Tao. They are a part of the infinite. They understand all, treat all equally, and act from the good. The rich and the poor, beggars and thieves, liars and the self-righteous are given understanding, treated with equality, and given a fair shake. This is the way of the Tao.

Chapter 53
The one thing that would prevent me from following the Tao would be my pride. It is my pride that prevents me from tapping into the infinite. The Tao requires much effort on my behalf. My pride wishes me not to work. My pride wants me to have everything but it doesn’t want to put in the work to get. My pride wants instant gratification, not long term investment. There are no shortcuts to the Tao.

Chapter 56
There is never a need to boast. Just knowing that one is following the Tao is knowledge enough. One understands this once they have practiced meditation. Through meditation one learns that what one thinks is real is really not. One who meditates has tapped into the source. For them, this is knowledge enough. They are beyond reproach.

Chapter 77
The Tao does not work the way humankind works. The Tao works in the exact opposite of what man does. Humankind is not beyond reproach, the Tao is. Humankind errs daily, the Tao does not. Where humankind takes, the Tao gives. This is the way of the Tao.

Chapter 79
The problems of the world will never be solved because man inhabits the world. Thus, the Tao has no expectations of humankind. But for those who choose to pursue the Tao, those who follow the Tao, the Tao ensures they are treated rightly.