vital soul
wondrous bodymind
can you combine these into one phase
and gently hold onto it
one phase one part one moment
can you commune with
and direct the elemental force of life
and enter into the rebirth of gentleness
and be like a newborn
can you wash and cleanse your mystic inner vision
while clearing it of the refuse left behind you
ordinary sight
is it possible for you to stay out of your own way
while being your own leader
can you stomp the earth
look to the heavens while being receptive
passive
possessed of quietude
can you be knowledgeable and clever
and regard it as whimsical
create and nourish
let all creation be the worlds
not your own
have fun when you work
work when you have fun
be a leader without appearing to be
and you will personify fine uncarved wood
in the hands of a master carpenter
can you guess who this master is."
- Translated by the Reverend Venerable John Bright-Fey, 2006, Chapter 10
The Whole Heart of Tao: The Complete Teachings from the Oral Tradition of Lao-Tzu. By John Bright-Fey. Birmingham, Alabama, Crane Hill Publishers, 2006. 376 pages. ISBN: 1575872471. The Reverend Venerable John Bright-Fey, Sifu Fey, is the 12th generation lineage holder of the Blue Dragon Order of Esoteric Zen Buddhism, a distinct line of knowledge descended directly from Shaolin Temple. Sifu Bright-Fey teaches at the New Forest Center for Contemplative Living, Birmingham, Alabama. This version of the Tao Te Ching is both a translation by a Chinese scholar and a fascinating interpolation based on his religious training. He uses a schema of interpretation for lines in each of the 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching based on the concepts of the Taoist Mind (mindset and world view), Taoist Body (day to day concerns of living), Taoist Hand (training techniques by a Cultivator of the Tao, spiritual disciplines) and Taoist Heart (core and cherished beliefs) [p.21-]. His rigorous experiential approach resonates with my training in Taijiquan, Qigong, gardening, spiritual practices, and ritual.
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