What Would Lao-Tzu Think of Today's World?
This is total conjecture on our part, but it is safe to assume he would have withdrawn into some isolated, uninhabited wilderness, a Walden Pond if you will, and written his manifestos in relative obscurity. He'd call for us to hearken back to simpler times, to learn to live off the land, to abandon technological advancements that lead us away from communing with the Tao.
He would see us as a violent, warring, destructive society totally out of step with the natural world. His world and our world are virtually the same; ours just a little more so. Each generation builds a better mouse trap, improves technology, produces more war machines and each generation get further and further removed from the Tao.
His world was violent. His world was torn apart by wars and rumors of wars. His world was filled with horrific self-serving rulers who oppressed the masses to benefit themselves. He had his fill of the "civilized" world, packed his bags, loaded the ox and headed out for parts unknown. As he fled across the border into Tibet, he was recognized and asked to put all of his worldly knowledge down in writing; which he did and then disappeared into the pages of history.
He would call for us to surrender our firearms, our cell phones, our microwave ovens, our video games and computers. He would call for us to surrender name brand loyalty, designer fashions, extravagant lifestyles, and anything hi-def. He would call for us to surrender our extra cars, our extra houses, our extra cash and credit cards.
He would call us to a life that was right with Tao. In verse forty-three he illustrates this principle:
There once was a small country,
With very few people.
They had machines that made their work
Faster and easier.
But they did not use them.
They had a healthy fear of death,
And did not wander around looking for it.
They had boats and carriages, but no occasion to use them.
They had arms and armor, but no occasion to use them.
They spoke plain words,
They ate plain food,
They dwelled in plain huts,
They were content
And happy in their simple ways.
Across the way, however,
Was another state
With bright lights and barking dogs.
But the people had no interest in it.
They stayed at home, grew old together, and died.
They got it right with Tao.
This is the life Lao-Tzu calls us to a simple, plain life with simple, plain ways without the interference of a government upon a man's rights to be left alone. He continually tells us that all is lost with leaders leading who don't follow the principles of Tao. They will lead us astray every time. Only leaders who are in touch with the righteous path can put their egos aside and let the people get right with Tao themselves. The "Tao Te Ching: the Old Man's Guide to the Virtuous Path" tells us in plain, simple ways the truth behind Lao-Tzu's thoughts. It is a remarkable translation. It is just like the Old Man is here now, sending his handwritten manifestos to us from his Walden Pond sanctuary.
We don't have to guess what Lao-Tzu would have thought of today's world. We have the eternal truths of the Tao Te Ching with us. He tells us exactly what we should and should not be doing to get our lives right with the Tao.
Happy reading.
About the Author
Mr. Young is a nationally certified activity director working at his local nursing home. He is currently working towards improving his state's education requirements for becoming a certified activity director. He has completed his master's level advanced coursework for his ACC certification.
He is an ordained minister and holds a MetD degree in metaphysics.
He consults with other nursing homes about how to meet spiritual needs and improve their activity programing.
Will Work for Lao Foods. Lao music instruments track# 7.wmv
work in laos
No comments:
Post a Comment