(p.9) Water
When the ancients and their students stopped to rest by a pure flowing stream, the teachers compared Tao to water.
Water is flowing. Every drop is made of the same substance. Water never fears being divided, because it knows it will flow back together in time. It is eternal.
Water is powerful. Although it can be soothing, comforting, and cleansing, it can be enormous, mighty, and overpowering. Its nature is constant. It is true to itself at any extreme.
Water is profound. In the depths of the lakes, in the darkness of the oceans, it holds secrets. It is dangerous. It is mysterious. Yet life came from those depths.
Water is unafraid. From any height, it will plunge fearlessly down. It will fall and not be injured.
Water is balanced. No matter what the situation is, water will seek its own level as soon as it is left alone. Water will always flow downward to the most stable level. It conforms to any situation in a balance way.
Water is nourishing. Without water, no plant and no living creature could survive.
Water is still. It can be completely still, and in its stillness, mirror heaven perfectly.
Water is pure. It is transparent, clear, needing neither adornment nor augmentation.
For all these features - to be flowing, powerful, profound, unafraid, balanced, nourishing, still, and pure - one who would follow Tao need only emulate water in every way.
Ming-Dao D (1996) Everyday Tao, Harper Collins, New York)
When the ancients and their students stopped to rest by a pure flowing stream, the teachers compared Tao to water.
Water is flowing. Every drop is made of the same substance. Water never fears being divided, because it knows it will flow back together in time. It is eternal.
Water is powerful. Although it can be soothing, comforting, and cleansing, it can be enormous, mighty, and overpowering. Its nature is constant. It is true to itself at any extreme.
Water is profound. In the depths of the lakes, in the darkness of the oceans, it holds secrets. It is dangerous. It is mysterious. Yet life came from those depths.
Water is unafraid. From any height, it will plunge fearlessly down. It will fall and not be injured.
Water is balanced. No matter what the situation is, water will seek its own level as soon as it is left alone. Water will always flow downward to the most stable level. It conforms to any situation in a balance way.
Water is nourishing. Without water, no plant and no living creature could survive.
Water is still. It can be completely still, and in its stillness, mirror heaven perfectly.
Water is pure. It is transparent, clear, needing neither adornment nor augmentation.
For all these features - to be flowing, powerful, profound, unafraid, balanced, nourishing, still, and pure - one who would follow Tao need only emulate water in every way.
Ming-Dao D (1996) Everyday Tao, Harper Collins, New York)
I'm guessing this is going to be a pretty amazing experience.
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Good luck!
Beautiful extract... I wish you the best of luck in your walks. May the elements show you a friendly face, and when not, may you still feel at ease and keep the balance.
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