An amazing talk today around #56 that I shared with Jay K and Marianne. Then Lo came up and chose #37 followed by Melissa and #80.
#37 "Inspired Action"
Tao never does anything
Yet inspires everything to do.
When beings maintain the action of Tao
They spontaneously transform from within.
When that transformation acquires a name (an identity)
External forces inspire actions from desire.
Actions without identity
Are free from external goals.
Without desire, honoring stillness,
All things are at peace.
#56 "Learn to be Silent"
Those who know, aren't drawn to speak
Those who don't know, are compelled to.
Can you close your senses and your mouth?
Can you be guided by the empty void?
From there, meditate in silence,
Blunt your sarcasm and wit,
Simplify your struggles,
Shade your brilliance.
Be at one with the dust,
This is primal existence.
Be like the Master:
She is uninspired to acquire fame
Yet honors are bestowed upon her.
She is possessed by no one and possesses no one
Yet is always loved by many.
She is Immune to both attraction and repulsion,
Receptive to both profit and loss.
She is noble and is held in high esteem by all beings.
#80 "What's Important"
Any state wishing to align with Tao remains small.
Too many people bring about too many options and opinions.
In a small State its inhabitants are skilled and wise
However there is never a need to put their skills on display
They will be happy to humbly use their skills and work together.
They never dwell on anything too long
The next thing to do is always making itself known.
They love their surroundings so have no desire to travel.
Although they have a few trucks and boats
None are inspired to use them.
They love their lives and their simple food,
They make their own clothes,
Spend time in their gardens while speaking to neighbors
They take the greatest pleasure being with family.
Even though there is a bus to the city that travels through every week
Everyone here will be content without ever having made the trip.