A Way to Stillness

Summary

The web content describes the concept of Tao, emphasizing the importance of stillness and the natural flow of existence as the essence of wholeness.

Abstract

The article titled "A Way to Stillness" with the subtitle "Epode to Tao" delves into the philosophical understanding of Tao, which is characterized by emptiness, stillness, and the constant flow of nature. It suggests that by embracing the Tao with an open mind, compassion, and even-handedness, one can achieve a state of peace and quiet awareness. The Tao is depicted as an ever-present force, akin to the eye of a hurricane or the soil beneath the sea, offering a sanctuary of silence amidst the chaos of life. The text emphasizes that stillness transcends time and form, existing beyond dualities such as alpha and omega or yin and yang. Ultimately, the article conveys that returning to Tao means recognizing one's own inherent stillness and acknowledging it as the source of all existence, the Way.

Opinions

The author believes that Tao is found in the balance of life's abundance with the stillness of existence.
There is an opinion that understanding the equality and rhythm of creations leads to a state of effortless peace.
The text suggests that Tao is a constant, unchanging presence that provides comfort and warmth, analogous to sunlight and fresh air.
It is conveyed that stillness is the undercurrent of all life, an omnipresent silence that exists regardless of external circumstances.
The article posits that embracing stillness is a return to the source, acknowledging the Tao as the ultimate path and provider.

Epode to Tao

https://www.deviantart.comkdhartThe-TAO-of-Nature-44821891

You’ll find me in emptiness and stillness Though life in abundance, eternal continual of existence

When accepting the constant with an open mind With compassion and even-handedness

While understanding the equality, cadence of creations In effortless peace and quiet awareness

In the flow of nature that doesn’t change You’ll find the way to the essence of wholeness

I’m the eye in the hurricane, the soil under the sea The silence for the sounds, the calm behind the scream

If you shiver, I am the warm, embracing sunlight The fresh air that softens you out of your trouble

I am always present, you were never alone There is no place where the silence is not

Stillness is the always constant in time Beginning-less, endless, past shapes and forms

Beyond alpha and omega, likewise yin and yang Whereas we are that stillness, you and me

Eventually, in our own way we all return to Tao A respect for all that Tao provides and takes away

To return to Tao is to embrace your stillness Recognizing the source, the stillness, as the Way

Photo by robin-schreiner-637604-unsplash