May 21 – B, 2023

Lao Tzu said (In the Wen-Tzu):

"Although we speak of attaining the Tao, there is really nothing to attain, since we possess it from the very beginning. We arise from the Tao. The Tao resides in us. We cultivate ourselves from within."

"The origin of purity lies in impurity. When impurities settle in stillness, purity emerges. Movement is the foundation of stillness. When movement settles in stillness, purity arises."

"If people can be pure and still, heaven and earth will return to their places."

"If you are able to control desire, the mind will be still. Clear the mind and the spirit will be pure. Stop craving and your foundation will be stable. When the foundation is stable, the mind can be still."

"Regard the Void and it is empty. In emptiness there is nothing. Yet, in each there is stillness. Emptiness and nothing are filled with stillness and are found through stillness. Empty yourself and there is stillness. Still yourself and there is emptiness. And nothing. In absolute stillness, how can desire arise? When craving does not arise, this is true stillness."

"Original nature can intuit all happenings. In original nature there is the essence of true goodness. Be natural in your actions and you will always be still and pure."

"Abide in stillness and you will enter the true way. When you enter the true way, this is called receiving the Tao."

Children may be able to do this easier
than adults.

The trouble with this is
children are raised by adults.

Thus, adults must learn to be like children.

So, Jesus could say,
"Unless you turn and become as children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

We seek things out there
that can only be found in here.

Knowing where to look and how
is a matter of asking the questions 
that beg to be asked,
particularly of the answers,
and saying the things that cry out to be said,
particularly of the answers.
And listening within
to what arises in the emptiness/stillness/silence.

–0–

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