The Best Dao De Jing Website

  A typical webpage created by Mike Garofalo for each one of the 81 Chapters (Verses, Sections) of the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) by Lao Tzu (Laozi) includes over 25 different English language translations or interpolations for that Chapter, 5 Spanish language translations for that Chapter, the Chinese characters for that Chapter, the Wade-Giles and Hanyu Pinyin transliterations (Romanization) of the Mandarin Chinese words for that Chapter, and 2 German and 1 French translation of that Chapter.  

Each webpage for each one of the 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching includes extensive indexing by key words, phrases, nouns, verbs, adjectives and terms for that Chapter in English, Spanish, and the Wade-Giles Romanization.  This is the most extensive Concordance of the Dao De Jing available online.  

The Best Dao De Jing Website

Each webpage on a Chapter of the Daodejing includes recommended reading in books and websites, a detailed bibliography, some commentary, research leads, translation sources, and other resources for that Chapter.  

Each webpage includes a Google Translate drop down menu at the top that enables you to read these 81 webpages in over 100 languages.

The Most Complete Daodejing Website

Chapter Indexing, Concordance, for the Tao Te Ching

English Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Spanish Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices

Taoism: A Selected Reading List

Concordance to the Tao Te Ching 

One Old Daoist Druid's Final Journey  

The Most Useful Tao Te Ching Website

Tao Te Ching  Chapter Number Index Standard Traditional Chapter Arrangement of the Tao Te ChingChapter Order in Wang Bi's Daodejing Commentary in 246 CE Chart by Mike Garofalo Subject Index
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38	39	40
41	42	43	44	45	46	47	48	49	50
51	52	53	54	55	56	57	58	59	60
61	62	63	64	65	66	67	68	69	70
71	72	73	74	75	76	77	78	79	80
81

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 20

 Dao De Jing, Laozi

Chapter 20 

"Give up learning, and put an end to your troubles.
Is there a difference between yes and no?
Is there a difference between good and evil?
Must I fear what others fear? What nonsense!
Other people are contented, enjoying the sacrificial feast of the ox.
In spring some go to the park, and climb the terrace,
But I alone am drifting, not knowing where I am.
Like a newborn babe before it learns to smile,
I am alone, without a place to go.
Others have more than they need, but I alone have nothing.
I am a fool. Oh, yes! I am confused.
Others are clear and bright,
But I alone am dim and weak.
Others are sharp and clever,
But I alone am dull and stupid.
Oh, I drift like the waves of the sea,
Without direction, like the restless wind.
Everyone else is busy,
But I alone am aimless and depressed.
I am different.
I am nourished by the great mother."
-  Translated by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English, 1989, Chapter 20   

"Renounce learning, it brings loss to the Inner Life.
How slight the difference between Yes and Yea!
How great the difference between Good and Evil!
That which men fear is indeed to be feared.
When men give themselves up to disorder it never stops.
Many men rejoice and rejoice over a supply of good food, over being in a high and exalted position.
I am calm, I do not feel the slightest emotion, like a new-born child which cannot yet smile at its mother, without attachment to anything, returning always to the Inner Life.
Many men have superfluous possessions.
I have nothing that I value; I desire that my heart be completely subdued, emptied to emptiness.
Men of wealth are in the daylight of prosperity.
I am in the dark.
Men of wealth are endowed with penetration.
I appear confused and ignorant.
Suddenly I am, as it were, on a vast sea, floating on the sea of Inner Life which is boundless.
Many men are full of ability.
I appear to be stupid and rustic.
Thus I am different from other men.
But I revere the Mother, Sustainer of all beings."
-  Translated by Isabella Mears, 1916, Chapter 20 

"When we renounce learning we have no troubles.
The (ready) 'yes,' and (flattering) 'yea;'
Small is the difference they display.
But mark their issues, good and ill;
What space the gulf between shall fill? 
What all men fear is indeed to be feared;
But how wide and without end is the range of questions asking to be discussed!
The multitude of men look satisfied and pleased; as if enjoying a full banquet, as if mounted on a tower in spring.
I alone seem listless and still, my desires having as yet given no indication of their presence.
I am like an infant which has not yet smiled.
I look dejected and forlorn, as if I had no home to go to.
The multitude of men all have enough and to spare.
I alone seem to have lost everything.
My mind is that of a stupid man;
I am in a state of chaos.
Ordinary men look bright and intelligent, while I alone seem to be benighted.
They look full of discrimination, while I alone am dull and confused.
I seem to be carried about as on the sea, drifting as if I had nowhere to rest.
All men have their spheres of action, while I alone seem dull and incapable, like a rude borderer.
Thus I alone am different from other men, but I value the nursing-mother Dao."
-   Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 20   

"Leave off fine learning! End the nuisance
Of saying yes to this and perhaps to that,
Distinctions with how little difference!
Categorical this, categorical that,
What slightest use are they!
If one man leads, another must follow,
How silly that is and how false!
Yet conventional men lead an easy life
With all their days feast days,
A constant spring visit to the Tall Tower,
While I am a simpleton, a do-nothing,
Not big enough yet to raise a hand,
Not grown enough to smile,
A homeless, worthless waif.
Men of the world have a surplus of goods,
While I am left out, owning nothing.
What a booby I must be
Not to know my way round,
What a fool!
The average man is so crisp and so confident
That I ought to be miserable
Going on and on like the sea,
Drifting nowhere.
All these people are making their mark in the world,
While I, pig-headed, awkward,
Different from the rest,
Am only a glorious infant still nursing at the breast."
-  Translated by Witter Bynner, 1944, Chapter 20

A typical webpage created by Mike Garofalo for each one of the 81 Chapters (Verses, Sections) of the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) by Lao Tzu (Laozi) includes 25 different English language translations or interpolations for that Chapter, 5 Spanish language translations for that Chapter, the Chinese characters for that Chapter, the Wade-Giles and Hanyu Pinyin transliterations (Romanization) of the Mandarin Chinese words for that Chapter, and 2 German and 1 French translation of that Chapter.  Each webpage for each one of the 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching includes extensive indexing by key words, phrases, and terms for that Chapter in English, Spanish, and the Wade-Giles Romanization.  Each webpage on a Chapter of the Daodejing includes recommended reading in books and websites, a detailed bibliography, some commentary, research leads, translation sources, a Google Translate drop down menu, and other resources for that Chapter.   

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index  

Chapter 20 of the Dao De Jing by Laozi: Text and Commentaries  

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching 

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices  

Chapter and Thematic Index to the Tao Te Ching

Studying Classic Texts

The task and daily practice of studying classic philosophical, spiritual, or religious texts is called "Svadhyaya" by B.K.S. Iyengar and others from the Hindu, Pantanjali, Raja and Hatha Yoga texts, sources, and traditions.

It is the education of the self via the wisdom literature.  

"To make life healthy, happy and peaceful, it is essential to study regularly divine literature in a pure place. The study of the ancient books of the world will enable the sadhaka to concentrate upon and solve the difficult problems of life when they arise.  It will put an end to ignorance and bring knowledge.  Ignorance has no beginning, but it has an end.  There is a beginning but no end to knowledge. By svadhyaya the sadhaka understands the nature of his soul and gains communion with the divine.  The sacred books of the world are for all to read.  They are not meant for the members of one particular faith alone.  As bees savor the nectar in various flowers, so the sadhaka absorbs things in other faiths which will enable him to appreciate his own faith better."
- B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga, 1966, p. 39

Pantanjali
Gonardiya or Gonikaputra
The Yoga Stura
Circa 200-400 CE

Ashes to Ashes

Palm Sunday--
heroes smiling,
people cheering

Mardi Gras and 
Shrove Tuesday's
debaucheries--
reasons for repenting.

Cleaning out
the fireplace--
Ash Wednesday

Ashes to ashes--
yet departed Guides
live on

Forty days
of austerities--
questioning demons

Buds emerging 
on leafless branches--
metaphors of
Rising from the Dead.

Devastating EARTHQUAKES--
Nature
does not care.  

Ash Wednesday

Origins of Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

By T. S. Eliot, 1930

"The silent sister veiled in white and blue
Between the yews, behind the garden god,
Whose flute is breathless, bent her head and signed but spoke
no word

But the fountain sprang up and the bird sang down
Redeem the time, redeem the dream
The token of the word unheard, unspoken

Till the wind shake a thousand whispers from the yew

And after this our exile


V
If the lost word is lost, if the spent word is spent
If the unheard, unspoken
Word is unspoken, unheard;
Still is the unspoken word, the Word unheard,
The Word without a word, the Word within
The world and for the world;
And the light shone in darkness and
Against the Word the unstilled world still whirled
About the centre of the silent Word.

O my people, what have I done unto thee.

Where shall the word be found, where will the word
Resound? Not here, there is not enough silence
Not on the sea or on the islands, not
On the mainland, in the desert or the rain land,
For those who walk in darkness
Both in the day time and in the night time
The right time and the right place are not here
No place of grace for those who avoid the face
No time to rejoice for those who walk among noise and deny
the voice"  

The Best Tao Te Ching Website

 A typical webpage created by Mike Garofalo for each one of the 81 Chapters (Verses, Sections) of the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) by Lao Tzu (Laozi) includes over 25 different English language translations or interpolations for that Chapter, 5 Spanish language translations for that Chapter, the Chinese characters for that Chapter, the Wade-Giles and Hanyu Pinyin transliterations (Romanization) of the Mandarin Chinese words for that Chapter, and 2 German and 1 French translation of that Chapter.  

Each webpage for each one of the 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching includes extensive indexing by key words, phrases, nouns, verbs, adjectives and terms for that Chapter in English, Spanish, and the Wade-Giles Romanization.  This is the most extensive Concordance of the Dao De Jing available online.  

The Best Tao Te Ching Website

Each webpage on a Chapter of the Daodejing includes recommended reading in books and websites, a detailed bibliography, some commentary, research leads, translation sources, and other resources for that Chapter.  

Each webpage includes a Google Translate drop down menu at the top that enables you to read these 81 webpages in over 100 languages.

The Most Complete Dao De Jing Website

Chapter Indexing, Concordance, for the Tao Te Ching

English Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Spanish Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices

Taoism: A Selected Reading List

Concordance to the Tao Te Ching   

One Old Daoist Druid's Final Journey  

The Most Useful Tao Te Ching Website

Tao Te Ching  Chapter Number Index Standard Traditional Chapter Arrangement of the Tao Te ChingChapter Order in Wang Bi's Daodejing Commentary in 246 CE Chart by Mike Garofalo Subject Index
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38	39	40
41	42	43	44	45	46	47	48	49	50
51	52	53	54	55	56	57	58	59	60
61	62	63	64	65	66	67	68	69	70
71	72	73	74	75	76	77	78	79	80
81

Limping Towards Recovery

I was making steady progress on recovery from my cryo-balloon heart ablation on 2/2/2023.  I was walking for over 6,000 Steps per day, practicing my Taijiquan, and doing some light stretching.  

Last Sunday, while getting up carelessly and quickly from a 14 inch high low bench, I twisted my right leg.  Immediate Pain!  My right knee buckled and hurt, my hamstring hurt, my quadriceps hurt.  I could not walk without serious pain.  I was slowly limping around the house.  I began treatment: rest, ice, compression, gentle massage, elevation of my right leg.  Then, I sprained my right foot on Tuesday.  More pain, more limping, more discouragement.  

This is a rare series of leg injuries for me.  Very discouraging and disappointing setback to my normal exercise routines, and my heart recovery.  I've not injured my hamstrings or quadriceps since my baseball playing days when I was 40.  

I am now studying and implementing the recommendations for slow recovery found in the excellent book:

Built from Broken. A Science-Based Guide to Healing Painful Joints, Preventing Injuries, and Rebuilding Your Body. By Scott Hogan. Salt Wrap, 2021, index, reference, appendices, 341 pages. VSCL. 

Strength Training for Seniors

For Spiritual Encouragement, I am rereading and studying the valuable book:

Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate FreedomBy B.K.S. Iyengar.  With John J. Evans and Douglas Abrams.  Rodale Books, 2005.  Index, 282 pages.  ISBN: 1594862486.  VSCL.  Contrary to some critics of popularized "gym" yoga, blaming Iyengar; his books reveal his spirituality through the practice of yoga postures, breath work, self-discipline, positive psychology, and meditation.  In short, Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga combined.  

Spiritual Practices for Self-Transformation

How to Live a Good Life: Advice from Wise and Respected Persons

I checked out three books from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System:  

Tibetan Yoga: Magic Movements of Body, Breath and Mind.  By Alejandro Chaoul.  This yoga practice requires instruction from a qualified teacher.  The book provides theory, ancient texts, and very brief descriptions of the movements.  There are no pictures or illustrations of the specific movements.  The use of shaking the body between movements, asanas, and postures are similar to Qigong systems.  For experienced Yogis.

Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body.  By Jivana Heyman.  Beginner's Yoga and for people with health problems.  Good photos to illustrated modified poses.  

Both books tended to stress the incompleteness and inadequacy of popular Western hatha yoga practice in gyms and yoga studios.  They take issue with the goals of flexibility and athleticism in common yoga; and, its not making yoga accessible to different body types or sub-cultures, or for those people seeking spiritual development via Yoga practices.  

In my view, different strokes for different folks.  I'm OK with slim, young, beautiful, athletic, Christian females doing rigorous 'gym' yoga; or, male lamas doing Tibetan yoga on three month retreats; or, old Bigger men, like me, seeking a modicum of fitness without injury via yoga and strength training.  Some folks are into the 'spiritual' dimensions of Raja Yoga, others not so much so.  Everyone benefits from these Yoga practices if they Practice Daily.  

I've been doing some light stretching using a chair or table for support.  

Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way toa Happier, Healthier You.  By Kristin McGee.  William Morrow, 2017. Index, 271 pages. Basic instruction in many exercises you can do while supporting yourself with a chair.  There are numerous books on the market for Chair Yoga.  For beginners and seniors needing alternatives.  VSCL. 

Yesterday, I felt comfortable and safe enough to resume walking, Taijiquan, and gentle stretching, and even some strength training.  I walked 3,400 Steps.  My goal is to walk over 3.500 to 5,000 Steps per day for the next five days.  

B. K. S. Iyengar and Yoga

Iyengar, B.K.S.  1918-    Yogacharya Iyengar

The renowned Yoga Grand Master (Yogacharya) B. K. S. Iyengar was born in Bellur, Karnataka, India on December 14, 1918; and died at the age of 96 on August 20, 2014..  He has taught in Pune, India, since 1936; and all around the world.  "Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, (B. K. S. Iyengar)  is the founder of Iyengar Yoga. He is considered one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world and has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 75 years. He has written many books on yoga practice and philosophy, and is best known for his books Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.  Iyengar yoga classes are offered throughout the world, and it is believed that millions of students practice Iyengar Yoga." 

Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom  By B.K.S. Iyengar.  With John J. Evans and Douglas Abrams.  Rodale Books, 2005.  Index, 282 pages.  ISBN: 1594862486.  VSCL. 

Light on Prānāyāma: The Yogic Art of Breathing  By B.K.S. Iyengar.  Introduction by Yehudi Menuhin.  New York, Crossroad Pub. Co., 2012.  Originally published in 1985 in English.  Index, glossary, appendices, 296 pages.  ISBN: 9780824506865.  VSCL.

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.   By B. K. S. Iyengar.  Foreword by Yehudi Menuhin.  London, Thorsons, 1993.  Index, 337 pages.  ISBN: 1855382253.  VSCL. 

Light on Yoga: Yoga Dipika.   B.K.S. Iyengar.  New York, Schocken Books, 1966, Revised Edition 1977, 1979.  Glossary, index, 544 pages.  ISBN: 0805210318.   Subtitle: Yoga Dipika.  I own the revised paperback edition, 1979.  VSCL.   

 
Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health  By B.K.S. Iyengar.  London, Dorling Kindersley, 2001.  Index, glossary, appendices, 415 pages.  ISBN: 0789471655.  Lavishly illustrated compendium of essential poses, routines, prop use, and yoga routines to help specific health problems.  VSCL.   

 

                

 

Books by "Iyengar Yoga" Teachers

Yoga: The Iyengar Way.  By Mira Silva and Shyam Mehta.  New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1995.  Index, appendices, 192 pages.  ISBN: 0679722874.  A very good reference tool for the study and practice of yoga poses.  VSCL. 

Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco

 

   

Forms are Full, Fullness begets Forms

Waves of Reflections at the Bandon Jetty

By Michael P. Garofalo
January 2023

The immense Oceans are undrinkable, and
in some ways unthinkable.  
No fresh water begets death, and 
Water is Life.

Words from the Heart Scripture went unsaid, and
the Bodhi Tree flourished in Life's Garden.  

Something evolves from Something Else, and
nothing evolves from nothing.

Beings emerge from Beings, and
emptiness disappears into emptiness.

"Nothing" is not a noun-thing, and
"Somethings" are dependent relationships.

Forms are Full, and
Fullness begets Forms.

Somethings created my body-mind, and
my body-mind created somethings.  

The Dao marries Yin-Yang, and
some of their step-children are Black Holes. 

Chaos is not emptiness, and
the Void provides Space for Somethings.

Somethings are transitory, ephemeral, and
They are Not empty illusions or unreal. 

Time is the crux of the matter, and
Somethings come and go, appear and disappear.  

"Nothing" is the absence of Something
we desire, and
not the presence of something.  

Somethings are Appearances, and
Appearances are Somethings.

Is or is not, true or false, real or unreal,
something or nothing, be Careful, and
sometimes choose the Middle Way of Maybe So.

Pointing to Nothing, and 
slogging through a muddy muddle of Mu.

Come Closer, Come Closer, and
Open the Door to Wonderous Beings.

Come Closer, Come Closer, and
Embrace Body-Mind-Spirit.
Cast off emptiness and the void.  

Gate Gate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha, and
some Lotus plants died in a drought.  Oh No!

Words from the Heart went unsaid, and
the Bodhi Tree flourished in Life's Garden.  (5) 

Waves of Reflections at the Bandon Jetty
By Michael P. Garofalo
January 2023

 The Heart Sutra and The Threefold Lotus Sutra.  

Emptiness and Forms

Experiences of "emptiness" are often a case of not finding something we desire in the complex world of Somethings.  Something desired seems or is missing.  We want a drink of water and the glass is empty.  We wanted wheat, and a drought destroyed the wheat crop and brought nothing we wanted.

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 18

Dao De Jing, Laozi
Chapter 18

[Note: I find the issues of translation, interpolation, and interpretation of the texts between two very different languages, cultures, historical circumstances, religions, and world-views to be highly instructive.] 

"When humankind strayed from the natural way of life,
Relative social disciplines began to appear. 
When intelligence and cleverness of mind are admired,
Great hypocrisy is born. 
When disharmony manifested in family relations,
Children who respected their parents
And parents who respected their children
Became rare examples. 
When chaos prevailed in the county,
Only a few loyal ministers were recognized. 
Let all people return to their true nature. 
Love, kindness, wisdom, family harmony, and loyalty
Should not be taught one by one,
Separately from an honest life. 
Then, once again,
People will regain the natural virtue of wholeness. 
The world will be naturally ordered.  
There will be no one who singly and cunningly
Works for personal interest alone."
-  Translated by Hua-Ching Ni, 1979, Chapter 18   


"When the great Reason is obliterated, we have benevolence and justice.
Prudence and circumspection appear, and we have much hypocrisy.
When family relations no longer harmonize, we have filial piety and paternal devotion.
When the country and the clans decay through disorder, we have loyalty and allegiance."
-  Translated by D. T. Suzuki and Paul Carus, 1913, Chapter 18 


"When the Way of the Great Dao ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue.
Then appeared wisdom and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy. 
When harmony no longer prevailed throughout the six kinships, filial sons found their manifestation. 
When the states and clans fell into disorder, loyal ministers appeared."   
-  Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 18 


"Wherever the cosmic order is neglected,
Goodness and morality are born.
When the heart’s awareness is repressed,
The intellect is led into hypocrisy.
When the family loses its natural harmony,
The rules of duty and honor are enforced.
When the natural society is disrupted,
The dragon of state arises,
And powerful leaders take over."
-  Translated by Brian Donohue, 2005, Chapter 18  

 

"When people lost sight of the way to live
Came codes of love and honesty,
Learning came, charity came,
Hypocrisy took charge;
When differences weakened family ties
Came benevolent fathers and dutiful sons;
And when lands were disrupted and misgoverned
Came ministers commended as loyal."
-  Translated by Witter Bynner, 1944, Chapter 18

 

A typical webpage created by Mike Garofalo for each one of the 81 Chapters (Verses, Sections) of the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) by Lao Tzu (Laozi) includes 25 different English language translations or interpolations for that Chapter, 5 Spanish language translations for that Chapter, the Chinese characters for that Chapter, the Wade-Giles and Hanyu Pinyin transliterations (Romanization) of the Mandarin Chinese words for that Chapter, and 2 German and 1 French translation of that Chapter.  Each webpage for each one of the 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching includes extensive indexing by key words, phrases, and terms for that Chapter in English, Spanish, and the Wade-Giles Romanization.  Each webpage on a Chapter of the Daodejing includes recommended reading in books and websites, a detailed bibliography, some commentary, research leads, translation sources, a Google Translate drop down menu, and other resources for that Chapter.   

Chapter 18 of the Dao De Jing by Laozi: Text and Commentaries  

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index  

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching 

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices  

Chapter and Thematic Index to the Tao Te Ching

 

Spiritual Transformation: Practices, Techniques, Activities, Paths

Spiritual Transformation:
Practices, Techniques, Methods, Paths, Activities, Expressions
Ways, Tactics, Strategies, Plans, Engagement, Learning

Most people experiment and then discover methods that work best for them, their circumstances, age, culture, personality, education, habits, etc.

When you find a path that works best for you - stick to that way. It is likely that an open-minded and flexible person will use a variety of spiritual practices.  Some aspects of each practice overlap with some aspects of other practices.  

Transformation is not a goal or aim of a practice; the practice itself is the embodiment of transformation.  The process is itself transformation.  Your transformed here and now by doing the practice with some confidence or belief in the efficacy of the practice. As soon as you make the effort to engage in spiritual practices you immediately taste bites of nourishing enlightenment and transformation.  

Aging and Spirituality, Graceful Aging, Coping with Aging

Art, Beauty, Creative Projects 

Asceticism, Self-Denial, Restraint, Fasting, Self-Discipline

Bhakti Yoga, Loving-Kindness, Worship of Other and the Divine

Beauty of Ordinary Objects, Wabi/Swabi, Aesthetics, Tea

Belief, Confidence, Adherence, Trusting

Biofeedback, Electronic Aids, Lights, Air Filters 

Body-Mind Practices, Somatic Therapy

Breathing, Pranayama, Breath Work, Dao Yin

Chanting, Mantras, Sound Healing, Singing

Charity, Benevolence, Sharing, Volunteering

Classes, Lectures, Training Sessions, Learning, Seminars

Cooking, Mindful Eating, Vegetarianism, Good Nutrition

Comparative Religions and Worldviews Studies

Counseling, Psychotherapy, Advisors, Guides, CBT

Eastern Options: Yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, Stoicism, Zen

Exercises: Walking, Yoga, Taijiquan, Stretching, Weight Lifting, etc.

Family Life and Social Responsibilities Met, Householder Duties

Five Senses Awareness and Explorations

Gardening: Soil Work, Planting, Nurturing, Harvesting, Watering, Ecology

Goddess Devotion and Love, Tara, Kwan Yin, Mary, Lakshmi, Shakti

Gratitude, Thankfulness, Appreciation, Satisfaction

Guided Meditations, Hypnotherapy, Wise Stories 

Hatha Yoga, Tantra, Vajira Body, Longevity, Immortality

Healing, Caring, Helping, Informing 

Holidays, Celebrations, Customs, Observances, Eight Sabbats 

Incense, Smells, Fireplace, Flowers 

Interacting with Others, Group Activities, Church or Temple Services

Jana Yoga, Wisdom Path, Insight, Understanding 

Left Hand Tantra: Libertinism, Antinomianism, Sensuality, Sexuality

Magic, Incantations, Prayers, Spells, Esoterica, Tantra

Massage, Acupressure, Self-Massage 

Meditation, Non-judgmental Awareness, Non-Dual Awareness

Music, Songs, Ambient Sounds, Bells/Gongs, Audio lectures

Nature Outdoors: Ocean, Mountains, Desert, Forest, Rivers, Neighborhood, Garden, Parks

Massage, Acupressure, Healing Hands, Reiki, Acupuncture, Chiropractic

Medicines, Herbal Remedies, Alternative Therapies, TCM 

Movies, Documentaries, UTube Videos

Passages Repeated, Spiritual Notebooks, Inspiring Passages, Prayer Books, Hymnals

Persistence, Grit, Willpower, Determination, Perseverance, Dedication

Photography, Drawing, Painting, Viewing Sacred Images

Philosophy, Thoughtfulness, Reasoning, Understanding, Science

Pilgrimages, Visiting Sacred Places, Learning about Holy Sites 

Play, Games, Sports, Homo Ludens

Praying, Invocations, Spells, Recitations 

Reading, Research, Self-Study, Scriptures, Classics 

Reflections, Ruminations, Considerations, Reminders

Retreats, Vision Quests, Isolation, Solitude, Solo Practice

Riddles, Puzzles, Poems, Dilemmas, Koans

Rituals, Sacraments, Sacred Rites, Rites of Passage

Sacred Objects: Altars, Statues, Bowls, Art, Books

Sacred Places, Sacred Circles, Sacred Groves, Buildings

Service to Others, Helping, Volunteering, Charity

Shamanism, Visions, Astral Travel, Meeting Spirits, Drugs 

Simplicity, Frugality, Conservation, Respect for Things

Sitting in Quiet Awareness, Sitting in Oblivion, Zuowang

Smiling, Joyfulness, Positive Vibrations, Laughter, Jokes

Stories, Inspiring Fiction, Poetry 

Strength Training, Weightlifting, Endurance Events

Spiritual Guides, Gurus, Enlightened Persons, Elders

Supernatural Beings: God, Allah, Shiva, Avatars/Incarnations (Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, Vishnu), Nature Spirits, Angels, Saints, Demons, Bodhisattvas, Dao, Wee Folk, Immortals (Xian), etc.  

Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, Dao Yin, Martial Arts

Tarot, I Ching, Random Visuals/Archetypes/Reminders

Theology, Thinking about the Divine, Scripture Study 

Traditions, Ancestors, History, Religions, Philosophies

Walking, Hiking, Sauntering, Kinhin Walking Meditation 

Yoga

Virtue Ethics, Morals, Proper Behaviors, Karma, Niyamas, Values

Visualizing, Imagining, Pretending, Fantasies, Dreams

Vows, Precepts Taking, Initiation, Confirmation

Work Responsibilities, Career, Management, Effort, Right Livelihood

Worship, Submission, Dedication, Bhakti Yoga

Writing, Journaling, Blogging, Web Publishing 

Zazen, Seated Zen Meditation, Zuowang  

Springtime in Vancouver, WA
Mike Garofalo reading Moshe Feldenkrais

"I am a seeker of truth on a spiritual journey. 
I believe life has sacred meaning and purpose.
May my behavior today express my deepest beliefs. 
May I approach each and every task today with quiet impeccability. 
May I be a simple, humble, and kind presence on the earth today. 
May I see the Divine Nature in all beings today. 
May I be grateful today to those who came before me,
and may I make the roads smoother
     for those who will travel them after me. 
May I leave each place at least a little better than I found it today. 
May I truly cherish this day, knowing that it may be my last. 
May I remember, remember, remember, not to forget, forget, forget."
-   Bo Lozoff, It's a Meaningful Life: It Just Takes Practice 

How to Live a Good Life: Advice from Wise and Respected Persons
Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo