The Taoist Principle of Grace
There is in Taoism the principle of Grace. It’s not so much like the Pauline notion of grace as presented in the New Testament, but rather it contrasts and exemplifies the superior complimentary traits of quiet strength within and gentleness without. It’s a blight of human nature that we resort to forcefulness to get what we want from others. The false power of forcefulness might be satisfying to our egos and yield temporary victories, but true power stems from the quiet guidance and strength from within and the beauty of gentleness without.
Equanimity, acceptance, humility, simplicity, balance and compassion give rise to Grace, which yields lasting power. Acceptance doesn’t necessarily entail relishing in one’s trials in the outer world. It simply entails the strength to abide hardship and the wisdom to understand that the denial of realities in our present lives is much like attempting to stop the turning of the earth in vain, which leaves one exhausted.
As an ambitious young professional, and, I suppose, not-so-young, to be honest, I was trying to be all that I could be, that is, something other (and, of course, better) than I actually was. I was admonished by my schoolmasters who posited that I must better myself in order to develop into a fine young adult, that I must ‘become’ someone worthy, a model citizen, accepted. That paradigm inevitably involved comparing oneself to others. I had to compete. I couldn’t just be. I had to become. I had to be better.
Fast forward several years. I cut my hair regularly, served on boards, shaved each morning, worked in C-suites, stressed out in the evenings, advised governments and project stakeholders, and missed watching my children grow up. Suffice it to say that I sacrificed the love of my family while chasing money, status and egoic gratifications. My values were sadly misplaced, and, while I didn't enjoy working in the least, my ambition was over the top. I lived in an alternate reality. I was inauthentic, an ego shell with an undeveloped, unexamined core. I was more responsive to criticism than to my Inner Shaman.
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Today, being but a happily ordinary adolescent hippie that tackled puberty not too long before the Summer of Love days and Woodstock, in a quiet return to sanity, without fanfare, I've gone irretrievably and nakedly off the ranch. As a young man, I didn't know that I didn't have to be more. Why be more? Of what? What is that stuff you’re supposed to be? Something that makes you proud? Pride involves comparison and a flicker of morbid satisfaction at being better. Winning. Those of you who’ve known me for years know what I’m talkin’ ‘bout.
With hindsight, I confess that I once thought, not too many years ago, that the best days were those days when the dream of future days was promising. We all look back to the bloom of youth. But, now, I confess that these present days are the most beautiful days, because compassion and wisdom trump ambition and egoic pursuits. So, I'm simply being here, experiencing authenticity, now, and it's quite nice. And, my moral compass that I thought was broken for too many years seems to be working now. Getting old is good. I like it. Simple is good. Presence is good. Love is everything.
Anyway, bless everyone!
Career Musician~Ethical Vegan~Bonobo TV~Black Pearl Cabaret~Global Advocate/Activist
2 年You are always on it Pat thanks for bringing along the principal of Grace. Beginning some exciting collaborations with likeminded ethical vegans over the past year is totally new for me as the universe has not previously put these opportunities in front of me. I came to realize after many years of working with numerous organizations wanting to help underserved people and communities, they had some initial success but as they grew and needed more personnel, resources and funding to continue, there were roadblocks that included jealousy, sabotage, others wanting to use and steal ideas, and all the rest that eventually had the leaders of these groups folding and walking away. Obviously, it was the unhealthy ego-driven cut-throat beat 'em out competition that did it. Working with ethical vegans leaves all the crap out of the equation as we are working towards the same or similar goals in a healthy atmosphere of collaboration and mutual support. Everyone benefits in countless ways. What a world of difference there is when people can just get along with basic human decency.