Fifty-Third Chapter
Tao-te Ching
If I have even just a little sense,
I should walk in the Great Way,
my only fear would be getting off the road.
The Great Way is straight
but people prefer devious bypaths.
That is why the court is corrupt,
the fields are weedy,
the granaries are empty.
Magnificent dresses are worn,
sharp weapons are carried,
Foods and drinks are consumed in [...]
Fifty-Second Chapter
Tao-te Ching
The source of the universe is the Mother.
He who knows the source discovers the ten thousand things.
He who discovers the ten thousand things and holds on to the Mother,
He is free from danger.
Close the mouth.
Guard the senses.
And life will be peaceful.
Open the mouth.
Meddle with people’s affairs.
And life will be hopeless.
See small, see [...]
Several winters ago on a frigid January morning, I was at my lowest writing ebb. By habit, I sat in front of my computer screen staring at a blank document. I could not think of anything to write, not even a word. Where had my muses gone?
I got out of the study, put on [...]