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Live close to the earth
Always think simply
...
Be always accessible and present in family life
When you are happy with who you are
And have withdrawn from competition and comparison
Everyone will respect you

Living close to the earth means being in touch with the simple and essential aspects of life. It requires us to always think simply, not getting caught up in the complexity and chaos of the modern world. In family life, we should strive to be always accessible and present, giving our loved ones the time and attention they deserve. When we are happy with who we are, we no longer feel the need to compete or compare ourselves with others. This sense of inner peace and contentment earns us the respect of everyone around us. By following these principles, we can lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Daoism: A Philosophical School That Is Poorly Understood

Daoism by Lao Tzu might be one of the easiest, most fluid, and shortest books you can approach. However, despite this simplicity, many readers may not understand it or, even worse, may draw interpretations that are completely contrary to the main teachings of Daoism. This problem might be because, as Lao Tzu writes, "Truth is full of contradictions," and Daoism expresses these contradictions in its teachings. Therefore, the expression of these contradictions may have led to some interpretations. For example, if you do a simple search on the Internet, you will find that some people have learned Daoism as a religion. There is no doubt that Lao Tzu's book can be considered a sacred book, but for several reasons, Daoism cannot be considered a religion: 1. Lao Tzu does not claim prophethood. 2. Daoism does not have strict rules. 3. Dao does not mean the Creator or God because it is clearly written that "Dao creates nothing and existed before the Creator, but its spirit flows in all the creations of the world." 4. Lao Tzu directly rejects the pursuit and promotion of religions in society.

Therefore, the title "philosophical school" might be more suitable for Daoism than religion. In my opinion, the main topics of this book can be divided into three parts: 1. The concept and nature of Dao. 2. The transcendental person (Piru Dao). 3. Governance.

In the first part of the book, it is clearly stated that Dao is beyond signs and words. Dao is something that cannot be described because the things expressed in the form of language are not eternal truths. In a way, Dao is similar to the concept of "transcendental signified" by Jacques Derrida because it is beyond linguistic signs. However, Lao Tzu lists several main characteristics for Dao. Dao is infinite, existed before creation but is not God, the spirit of Dao flows in everything, and for this reason, following Dao leads to the creation of harmony and being away from it leads to chaos. Dao is in the receiver of darkness and light, and for this reason, Piru Dao must also always accept darkness and light together.

The transcendental person Piru Dao, because he is aware of the coexistence of good and evil, does not try to control the events around him. Piru Dao devotes himself to inactivity. This teaching has led to another common misinterpretation of Daoism. Some readers think that Daoism promotes inaction, while Lao Tzu has a different view. From Lao Tzu's point of view, when you do a thing with all your being, you become one with that thing, and for this reason, there is no difference between you and the thing you do. In addition, Lao Tzu is in favor of management rather than control because in his opinion, the unpredictable events of the world cannot be controlled. Therefore, Piru Dao does the thing that is kneaded with his being, but he is not worried about the result because he knows that he can never control the result of his work. Piru Dao embraces opposite pairs such as good and evil, darkness and light, masculinity and femininity together. In fact, he is like a baby who has no understanding of gender, and for this reason, the transcendental person can be a woman or a man. The real Piru Dao does not adhere rigidly to his beliefs and always tends to consider different theories. If someone disagrees with him, he does not feel that he has been insulted because he is not an extreme supporter of any belief but is after Dao (truth). Piru Dao also manages his desires because he knows that he can never get rid of them. You may think that with this account, the transcendental person should give up the world, but do not be mistaken. In my opinion, the strongest part of the book is related to governance and social issues.

In the Daoist school, a person who reaches the true degree of wisdom can be a suitable person for governing the country, but this person should not actively pursue governance. From Lao Tzu's point of view, when the governor of the country is good at his work, you will not even notice his presence. Things are done well without you knowing who is behind this strong management. A good leader is action-oriented and does not try to speak from his podium all the time. He is against violence and any kind of war, and if a war occurs, he submits to it involuntarily and only uses weapons when he has no other choice. He does not see his enemies as devils because he knows that good and evil are mixed in all humans. He is not after competition with other countries, and the only thing that is important to him is having a mind like the minds of the people of his land, in other words, he wants what his people want. He knows that strict prohibitions and restrictive laws lead to corruption, and the promotion of morality has the opposite effect. Piru Dao is like a gentle and soft water, but he has the ability to break the hardest stones because he does not try to soften his surroundings.

I have tried to share my understanding of this book as much as possible, but of course, reading the book itself can be a different experience for the contemporary reader who is only after control, material things, and fulfilling desires and wishes. If you are looking for a better understanding of Daoism, you can also read the article in the link below.

https://azsan.ir/blog/dao-de-jing/

Not many people are aware of this fact about me, but I happen to be an internationally renowned translator.

Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to correct some of the translations of my favorite lines that I felt were a bit inaccurate.

Here are some of them:

* Do nothing and have soft hands. This implies that if one refrains from engaging in strenuous activities, their hands will remain soft.

* Untangle your knots with a conditioner. It suggests using a conditioner to smooth out and untangle any knots or tangles.

* Let your wheels move in the ruts to avoid flats. This means that by following the established paths or grooves, one can prevent getting a flat tire.

* Winning and losing are the same unless it is the home team. It indicates that in most cases, winning and losing may not matter much, except when it comes to the home team.

* Something and nothing are the same unless it is the contents of your wallet. This implies that in many situations, something and nothing may seem equivalent, but when it comes to the contents of your wallet, it makes a significant difference.

* Blunt your knife to avoid cutting yourself. It advises dulling the knife to reduce the risk of accidentally cutting oneself.

* Much speech leads to ear plugs. This means that excessive talking can cause others to want to plug their ears.

* In a home, it is a picture window that matters. It suggests that in a home, a large and beautiful picture window can enhance the overall aesthetic and value.

* Stop pouring once you reach the brim. It means to stop filling a container once it reaches its maximum capacity.

* Stop hammering once the nail is in. This advises ceasing the hammering action once the nail has been fully inserted.

* Practice emptiness when you are sleeping; be full when you are awake. It implies that one should strive for a state of mental emptiness while sleeping and be fully engaged and productive when awake.

* Have no thoughts of self unless you keep them to yourself. This means that one should avoid being self-centered unless they can keep their self-interested thoughts to themselves.

* Vulgar people are fun. It suggests that people who are a bit rough or unrefined can still be enjoyable and entertaining.

And here is one of my absolute favorites:
* Fill your hall with gold and jade and toilet paper. Oh my God!!! Is that prescient or what!!! This line seems to have a touch of humor and perhaps a bit of irony.

And if you think that one is prescient, check out this one:
* People are too clever to be ruled by cleverness, so elect an idiot. I mean, how incredible is that one!!! It is like he saw the future! This statement makes a thought-provoking point about the nature of leadership and the potential pitfalls of relying too much on cleverness.

“There is nothing better than to know that you don’t know.” This profound statement holds great wisdom. It reminds us that true knowledge begins with the recognition of our own ignorance. By acknowledging what we don't know, we open ourselves up to learning and growth.

Okay, check! This is well worth reading though, even for a few little glimpses of understanding. The words seem to resonate deeply within us, challenging our preconceived notions and inviting us to explore new perspectives.

“The sparkling Tao seems dark. Advancing in the Tao seems like regression. Settling into the Tao seems rough.” These lines paint a vivid picture of the paradoxical nature of the Tao. It is not always easy to understand or follow, but it is through our struggles and experiences that we come closer to its essence.

“If I had just a little bit of wisdom, I should walk the Great Path and fear only straying from it. Though the Way is quite broad, People love shortcuts.” This passage highlights the importance of wisdom and the temptation of taking the easy way out. We often seek shortcuts in life, but it is only by staying true to the path and persevering through difficulties that we can achieve true success and fulfillment.

This was timely: “A skillful warrior or politician who tries to rule over others with power and glory only invites the envy of others, whose hatred provides a motivation for the development of a greater power. The cycle of domination and killing is endless, unless we develop the wisdom not to begin it.” This powerful statement serves as a reminder of the consequences of using power and force to control others. We must learn to use our power and influence wisely and compassionately, rather than succumbing to the cycle of hatred and violence.

And this, too true: “My words are easy to understand and easy to practice. Yet nobody understands them or practices them.” This simple yet profound statement speaks to the human condition. We often overlook the simple truths in life, choosing instead to complicate things and pursue more complex and elusive goals. But it is only by understanding and practicing the simple things that we can find true happiness and peace.

I read this text with a group over several months, and the following are some of the ideas and interpretations I have heard there, for which I do not personally claim credit. I quote from several editions, including Ursula K. Le Guin’s and Red Pine’s.

The word “tao” means “way,” but capital letter “Tao” refers to the “Way” spoken of by Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching (and later by other Taoists). Unfortunately, it is not exactly clear what this capital letter Tao consists of, as Lao Tzu will not provide a definition. As he says in the opening chapter, “the tao that can be named is not the eternal Tao.”

There are thus many interpretations of what the Tao might be, none of them exhaustive. The one that makes most sense to me is “awareness.” The Tao Te Ching says not to go out the door or look through the window, but to look inward. Presumably, doors and windows are your senses, while the Tao is pure awareness without phenomena. The Tao has given rise to all things, but we must not confuse things (manifestations) for the source, like we do not confuse the branch for the root. There is a strong anti-intellectual strain in Taoism – as one group member said, “our intellect is our tragedy as well as our glory.” Instead of exploring the world through our intellect - going out the door, looking through the window - we must try to return to the source, from intellect back to awareness. Pursuing knowledge is a process of increasing, while Taoism is a process of decreasing.

One of the main principles of Taoism is “wu-wei” or non-action. Converting wu-wei into a mantra might sound like, “there is always less you could be doing!” In practice, we-wei means interfering as little as possible. If you’re doing the dishes, put in only the minimum effort required and no more. If you’re teaching, stay silent and let the student figure it out. If your children are fighting, refrain from breaking them up (unless it gets really serious). Taoism runs on the faith that, if left alone, life’s upsets tend to return to equilibrium. Interference, it’s believed, usually brings about negative consequences.

Applied to government, wu-wei means not doing much by way of ruling, law-making, taxing, or policing. Unsurprisingly, the philosophy appeals to anarchists and libertarians. Reagan even quoted a line from Lao Tzu in a speech – “Govern a large nation as you would cook a small fish” – to which Reagan added, “don’t overdo it.” Taoism is fundamentally conservative, refraining from innovation or agitating for change.

Is Taoism the same as pacifism? Does it prevent us from interfering even when we see evil taking place? Not exactly. Lao Tzu generally exalts the defensive position over the offensive. When it comes to war, he exhorts us to mourn for our enemy even as we are fighting.

Taoism privileges the passive, the low, the mundane, the empty. Whatever room we are in, whatever things it contains, most of the room is empty space - that is what allows us to exist inside of it. Vases, cups, pockets are useful only because they are empty inside. Wei wu-wei (act non-action) can be seen as the view that we must stop focusing exclusively on creating more things, and focus instead on creating more nothingness, for nothingness is also functional and useful.

I cannot sign on to Taoism fully, but I do find it a useful corrective for certain excesses in my thinking. My (Western) values lean towards agency and action - so I often feel badly whenever I am purely passive or unproductive (thanks, internalized capitalism!) But there are certainly moments when NOT SAYING and NOT DOING is best. When was the last time you truly congratulated yourself on NOT saying the wrong thing, for instance? Or NOT bombarding someone with information, but ceding space to let them figure it out? By not overcooking the pasta, I allow it to remain al dente. By not pushing myself, I get enough rest to try again. An anecdote about Joseph Heller is the best illustration I’ve heard about the benefit of this philosophy: asked how he feels about a billionaire making more money in a single day than he had over his entire career, Heller said, “Yes, but I have something he will never have — enough.”

2500 years ago, when it was written, it was truly precious. It was written in a concise style and can be interpreted in many ways, so each person who reads it will have different thoughts and understandings. There are many precious gems hidden here and there. It seems like a difficult problem that cannot be expressed with just a few words that come out of my simple mind. I need to keep thinking and reflecting.

People will not finish reading this book easily. They will read it again and again. (2017 - 05 - 03)

-- 33 --

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.

Understanding others is a kind of knowledge,
while understanding oneself is true wisdom.
Controlling others shows strength,
but controlling oneself is real power.

If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.

Those who understand that they have enough
are truly wealthy.
...

_... The last part is missing. It may not be fully understood. (2018 - 08 - 05)
Is it about the value of the soul? Maybe the Great Tao is a great physicist. It seems necessary to talk about atomic and molecular physics. Human beings are a form of energy. So, it is not wrong to say that the soul and the connection of energy are separated...

When people perceive certain things as beautiful, the concept of ugliness is simultaneously created.

Likewise, when they view things as good, the idea of evil comes into being.

The master guides by emptying people's minds, allowing them to see beyond the duality of these perceptions.

The Tao is like an empty vessel that can never be completely emptied nor filled.

The master doesn't take sides, remaining impartial and in tune with the spirit of emptiness, which is immortal.

The right location makes the dwelling good, and a deep understanding makes the mind good.

A kind heart leads to good giving, and integrity makes the government good.

Accomplishment makes one's labors good, and proper timing makes a decision good.

Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will on them?

To grow without controlling is the mysterious virtue.

Too much activity endangers the mind, and too much wealth can cause crime.

Success can be as dangerous as failure.

Loving the whole world as if it were oneself leads to truly caring for all things.

The Tao is intangible; look for it, and it can't be seen.

Listen for it, and it can't be heard.

Grasp for it, and it can't be caught.

It is unending, unnamable, and returns to nothingness.

It has formless forms and imageless images, being subtle beyond all understanding.

Returning to the source is tranquility.

If you want to become whole, first let yourself become broken.

If you want to become straight, first let yourself become twisted.

If you want to become full, first let yourself become empty.

If you want to become new, first let yourself become old.

Before the universe was born, there was something in the chaos of the heaven.

The Tao follows only itself.

A good traveler leaves no tracks.

Know the masculine but keep to the feminine.

Some are meant to lead, and others are meant to follow.

The master accepts things as they are.

Those who know others are intelligent, but those who know themselves are truly wise.

Those who master others are strong, but those who master themselves have true power.

All of creation is born from substance, and substance is born of nothingness.

Few in the world can comprehend the teaching without words.

Which is more destructive, success or failure?

To understand the small is called clarity, and knowing how to yield is called strength.

Those who know do not talk, and those who talk do not know.

Act by not acting and do by not doing.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single footstep.

If you rush into action, you will fail, and if you hold on too tight, you will lose your grip.

Compassion is the protector of Heaven's salvation.

"Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power."




This book is wonderful. It presents profound insights that can truly transform one's perspective. The words about knowing others and oneself, as well as mastering them, hold great significance. Understanding others allows us to interact better in society, but truly knowing ourselves is the key to inner growth and self-awareness. Similarly, having the strength to master others may seem impressive, but the real power lies in mastering our own emotions, desires, and behaviors. This book serves as a guide, inspiring us to strive for true wisdom and power within ourselves. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and explore the depths of our being. It is a must-read for anyone seeking personal development and a deeper understanding of life.

Ignore your pride.

Forget about your life.

Break your bonds.

Make your gaze soft and gentle.

And tremble the earth and sky.

This is your true identity.

Because you are Taivo.

The universe remains calm in times of sorrow.

The body has no way to reach its heart.

Because it has given up helping.

It is the greatest helper.

Failure is an opportunity.

If you condemn others.

There will be no end to condemning others.

The universe acts on its duties.

And corrects its mistakes.

It accomplishes what is necessary.

And asks nothing of others.

The three little stars shining on this comment are actually for me.

It's a self-recognition for having at least tried.

I have had this book for so many years that the edge of the pages has now taken on that typical amber color of paper marked by time.

I thought it was time, but I quickly discovered that this is neither the right moment nor the right place.

An honest introduction warns us immediately that this is an ambiguous, obscure text and thus open to multiple interpretations.

Precisely for this reason, it is considered untranslatable also due to the lack, in Western languages, of adequate equivalents.

In short, a real mess, but I resist and move forward.

The book is structured in two parts and then divided into numbered paragraphs (from 1 to 81).

Lao Tzu was a contemporary of Confucius, but their teachings differed (as, incidentally, within Confucianism itself, the nuances were multiple), especially in the way of conceiving human nature.

Confucianism was divided between those who thought of a "good" nature of man and those who, instead, considered it "evil".

Lao Tzu overcomes these dichotomies by denying them: the "good" and the "bad" become artificial concepts.

Man is simply what he is.

Also, the word "Tao" is untranslatable, but to get an idea of what is being talked about, the term nature or way (which can be the most literal translation) or method is used.

In short, everything is very complicated.

Absolutely ineffable.

I don't report quotes because anyway it would be a senseless extraction.

A reduction "like Perugina kisses" that I would like to avoid.

**"Tao Te Ching: A profound exploration"**

The word "Tao" means the path or method or the governing law of existence and life, and "Te" means virtue, penetration, and moral force. In Chinese characters, this word is composed of three symbols. One means "to go", another means "straight" or "direct", and the third means "heart". When these three symbols are put together, it means "to follow the path directly in the inner understanding". "Ching" means "text" or "writing". So, "Tao Te Ching" can be translated as "the text that directly follows the path and method of existence and life under the guidance of inner understanding (heart)".

The "Tao Te Ching" is also regarded as a literary work and is considered a poem. However, the reality is that according to today's standards, it cannot be simply called a poem. Although in some chapters, there are some elements of poetry, in the context of our modern literary traditions. This book should be regarded as a philosophical work, and it is more of a book in political science or in the field of governance based on the principles of Taoism. It is a kind of political philosophy that applies the principles of Taoism.

Can you keep your mind open to asking questions and return it to the original unity with existence? Can you make your body soft and flexible like that of a baby again? Can you purify your inner vision so that you see nothing but light? Can you love others and guide them without imposing your own desires? Can you refrain from interfering in the important and vital matters of life and let things happen as they should? Can you withdraw from your mind and understand without the interference of the mind? Having without the sense of possession, acting without expecting, and guiding without striving for control are considered high virtues.

"The Quest for True Knowledge" is a profound exploration.
Taio.
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I read this book in 1987.

Knowledge has always been a pursuit that humanity holds dear. It is the key that unlocks the doors to understanding the world around us.
Taio's work offers unique insights and perspectives.
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The year 1987 was a significant one for me as I delved into the pages of this remarkable book.

As I turned each page, I was immersed in a world of ideas and concepts that challenged my thinking and broadened my horizons.
Taio's words had a powerful impact on me, making me realize the true value of knowledge.
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Even after all these years, the lessons I learned from reading this book still resonate within me.