Go Beyond Surfaces

"A friend's son was in the first grade of school, and his teacher asked the class, "What is the color of apples?"  Most of the children answered red.  A few said green.  Kevinn, my friend's son, raised his hand and said white.  The teacher tried to explain that apples could be red, green or sometimes golden, but never white.  Kevin was quite insistent and finally said, "Look inside."  Perception without mindfulness keeps us on the surface of things, and we often miss other levels of reality."
-  Joseph Goldstein, Insight Meditation

"It takes a little talent to see clearly what lies under one's nose, a good deal of it to know in which direction to point that organ."
-  W. H. Auden    

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."
-  Edgar Degas   

The Five Senses

Vision, Perception, Observing, Seeing

Natural Movement Principles

Lately, I've been reading a book by Tara Stiles titled "Guiding Strala: The Yoga Training Manual.  To Ignite Freedom, Get Connected, and Build Radiant Health and Happiness.  By Tara Stiles.  Carlsbad, California, Hay House Inc., 2017.  Index, 361 pages.  ISBN: 978-1401948108.  The Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries supply me with plenty of good books, CDs, VCDs, ebooks, etc. 

In Guiding Strala, she outlines "11 Principles of Natural Movement" (pp.69-85)  These 11 Principles are then discussed throughout the book mostly in the context of Vinyasa style yoga.

These Principles can also be found in Tai Chi Chuan theory and practices.  Qigong and Feldenkrais practices and theory use some of same concepts. 

"So here they are: 11 principles to natural movement that will get you moving easily and powerfully, without tiring, in everything you do."

1.  Soften
2.  Establish Your Breath-Body Connection
3.  Lead From Your Middle
4.  Use Your Opposites
5.  Use Momentum
6.  Use Your Whole Body
7.  Open the Door, Close the Door
8.  Conserve Energy
9.  Sensitize
10.  Focus on Body Position
11.  Play

For example, Principle 7 (Open the Door, Close the Door): "Always move into challenges from where you are comfortable and open. Always open the door to movement first so you don't have to force your way through."  Relax while learning new movements, be open, don't rush, welcome yourself in.  Don't let impatience, immaturity, or pride close the door to your progress.  Overly stressful exertion, too much effort, or high octane challenges might delay your overall progress and close the door on real progress, benefits, and mastery.  Close the door on dis-ease, and open the door to ease.  Breathing practices (pranayama) use inhaling (opening the door) and exhaling (closing the door) to our benefit and mental-spiritual well-being. Mind-body yoga practices enable us to close the door on unhealthy practices, and open the door to a healthier lifestyle.  [The "Door" metaphor works in many ways.]

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13

Dao De Jing, Laozi
Chapter 13 


"Favor and disgrace would seem equally to be feared;
Honor and great calamity, to be regarded as personal conditions of the same kind.
What is meant by speaking thus of favor and disgrace?
Disgrace is being in a low position after the enjoyment of favor.
The getting that favor leads to the apprehension of losing it, and the losing it leads to the fear of still greater calamity.
This is what is meant by saying that favor and disgrace would seem equally to be feared.
And what is meant by saying that honor and great calamity are to be similarly regarded as personal conditions?
What makes me liable to great calamity is my having the body which I call myself;
If I had not the body, what great calamity could come to me?
Therefore he who would administer the kingdom, honoring it as he honors his own person, may be employed to govern it,
And he who would administer it with the love which he bears to his own person may be entrusted with it."
-  Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 13 



"Favor bodes disgrace; it is like trembling.
Rank bodes great heartache.
It is like the body.
What does 'Favor bodes disgrace; it is like trembling' mean?
Favor humiliates.
Its acquisition causes trembling, its loss causes trembling.
This is what is meant by 'Favor bodes disgrace; it is like trembling.'
What does 'Rank bodes great heartache, it is like the body' mean?
I suffer great heartache because I have a body.
When I have no body, what heartache remains?
Therefore who administers the empire as he takes care of his body can be entrusted with the empire."
-  Translated by D. T. Suzuki and Paul Carus, 1913, Chapter 13 



"Dread glory as you dread shame.
Prize great calamity as you prize your body.
What does this mean:
"Dread glory as you dread shame"?
Glory comes from below.
Obtain it, you are afraid of shame;
Lose it, you are still afraid of shame.
That is why it is said;
"Dread glory as you dread shame."
What does this mean:
"Prize great calamity as you prize your own body"?
We who meet with great calamities, meet them because we have a body.
If we had not a body what calamity could reach us?
Therefore he who honours the kingdom as his body can govern the kingdom.
He who loves the kingdom as his own body can be trusted with the kingdom."
-  Translated by Isabella Mears, 1916, Chapter 13  

"Favor and disgrace are things that startle;
High rank is, like one's body, a source of great trouble.
What is meant by saying favor and disgrace are things that startle?
Favor when it is bestowed on a subject serves to startle as much as when it is withdrawn.
This is what is meant by saying that favor and disgrace are things that startle.
What is meant by saying that high rank is, like one's body, a source of great trouble?
The reason I have great trouble is that I have a body.
When I no longer have a body, what trouble have I?
Hence he who values his body more than dominion over the empire can be entrusted with the empire.
He who loves his body more than dominion over the empire can be given the custody of the empire."
-  Translated by D. C. Lau, 1963, Chapter 13   


寵辱若驚.
貴大患若身.
何謂寵辱若驚.
寵為下.
得之若驚.
失之若驚是謂寵辱若驚.
何謂貴大患若.
身吾所以有大患者為吾有身.
及吾無身.
吾有何患.
故貴以身為天下若可寄天下.
愛以身為天下, 若可託天下.
-  Chinese characters, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13




ch'ung ju jo ching.
kuei ta huan jo shên. 
ho wei ch'ung ju jo ching.
ch'ung wei hsia.
tê chih jo ching.
shih chih jo ching shih wei ch'ung ju jo ching.
ho wei kuei ta huan jo.
shên wu so yi yu ta huan chê wei wu yu shên.
chi wu wu shên.
wu yu ho huan.
ku kuei yi shên wei t'ien hsia chê k'o chi t'ien hsia.
ai yi shên wei t'ien hsia, chê k'o t'o t'ien hsia.
-  Wade-Giles Romanization, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13


"Los santos decían: "Alabanzas y culpas causan ansiedad;
El objeto de la esperanza y el miedo está en tu interior".
"Alabanzas y culpas causan ansiedad"
Puesto que esperas o temes recibirlas o perderlas.
"El objeto de la esperanza y el miedo está en tu interior"
Pues, sin un Ego, no pueden afectarte la fortuna o el desastre.
Por tanto:
El que observa al Mundo como se observa a sí mismo es capaz de controlar el Mundo;
Pero el que ama al Mundo como se ama a sí mismo es capaz de dirigir el Mundo."
-  Translated by Antonio Rivas Gonzálvez, 1998, Tao Te Ching, Capítulo 13

"Accept honors and disgraces as surprises,
Treasure great misfortunes as the body.
Why say: "Accept honors and disgraces as surprises"?
Honors elevate (shang),
Disgraces depress (hsia).
One receives them surprised,
Loses them surprised.
Thus: "Accept honors and disgraces as surprises."
Why say: "Treasure great misfortunes as the body"?
I have great misfortunes,
Because I have a body.
If I don't have a body,
What misfortunes do I have?
Therefore treasure the body as the world,
As if the body can be entrusted to the world.
Love the body as the world,
As if the body can be entrusted to the world."
-  Translated by Ellen Marie Chen, 2000, Chapter 13


"You are in everything.
 Everything is in you.
 Create hope and fear and you throw away the Dao.
 Create happiness and sorrow and you will collapse.
 Keep your feet on the ground.
 Love everything as you love yourself.
 Then everything is within your reach."
 -  Translated by Ray Larose, 2000, Chapter 13

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 13, Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu.  Complied by Mike Garofalo.  

Chapter and Thematic Index (Concordance) to the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

English Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Spanish Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices

Taoism: A Selected Reading List

A Daoist Druid's Final Journey  

An Old Philosopher's Notebooks

Text Art - Spring 2020 Exhibit

Text Art by Mike Garofalo

Spring 2020 Exhibit

Homebound Habits

The States of Washington and Oregon have various quarantine orders to prevent the spread of the Covid19 Flu virus.  In Clark County, Washington, were we live, there are 425,000 people.  250 individuals have the Covid19 virus.  Schools are all closed, and many retail businesses are closed. 

Karen and I stay at home, read, watch media, use the Internet, garden, and do chores. 
Fortunately, we have been healthy. 

Mostly listening and observing. 

Many trees, shrubs, and flowers are in their Spring blooming and leafing phase.  Our tulips were very large this year. 

I wish everyone good health and hope we will somehow return to "normal."

Need Good Luck? Earn It!

No luck, good luck, or bad luck ... living involves dealing with the surprises and capriciousness of events in our lives.  

"Your competition is not other people but the time you kill, the ill will you create, the knowledge you neglect to learn, the connections you fail to build, the health you sacrifice along the path, your inability to generate ideas, the people around you who don't support and love your efforts, and whatever god you curse for your bad luck."
- James Altucher

"Diligence is the mother of good luck."
-  Benjamin Franklin

"Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity."
-  Lucius Annaeus Seneca

"The only good luck many great men ever had was being born with the ability and determination to overcome bad luck."
-  Channing Pollock

"Luck is the residue of design."
-  Branch Rickey

"Luck, bad if not good, will always be with us. But it has a way of favoring the intelligent and showing its back to the stupid."
-  John Dewey

Reprogramming the Body and Brain

Change Your Age: Using Your Body and Brain to Feel Younger, Stronger, and More Fit.  By Frank Wildman, Ph.D..  Certified Feldenkrais Trainer.  Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2010.  Index, 214 pages.  ISBN: 978-0738213637.  VSCL. 

Karen and I have been doing many of the movement-awareness routines specified in this informative book.  

Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984)  Bibliography, Quotes, Biography

I attend a one hour class "Awareness Through Movement" on Wednesday  conducted by Christine Toscano in Vancouver, Washington.  

Tips for Living Longer

Ten Easy Tips for a Happier and Healthier Life

"Tip 1.  The importance of exercise
Tip 2.  Time for recovery [relaxation, rest, quiet time, meditation]
Tip 3.  Sleep Fortifies
Tip 4.  Sunshine and fresh air
Tip 5.  Eat yourself healthy
Tip 6.  Choose the right drink
Tip 7.  Keep your weight in check
Tip 8.  Oral health provides general health
Tip 9.  Be an optimist
Tip 10.  We need each other; nourish friendships"

- Bertil Marklund, MD, Phd, The Nordic Guide to Living 10 Years Longer, 2017

Lagom is a Swedish word that means “just the right amount”, “just the right amount is best”. Lagom implies moderation, balance, pared down simplicity, sufficient without excess, reasonable amounts, what is enough. 

How to Live a Good Life: Advice from Many Wise Persons

Cold and Homeboud in Vancouver

All the schools and libraries are closed for four weeks in Vancouver to prevent the spread of the flu.  All gatherings and sports events are cancelled.

This morning it is snowing.  There are about 3 to 4 inches of snow everywhere.

We have our home stocked with provisions and emergeny supplies.  Electricity and water are available.

Both Karen and I seem healthy and have a positive attitude.

May everyone stay healthy and weather this storm of a serious flu pandemic.  

ZZ Top

A documentary about the band ZZ Top is now available on Netflix.  This "Little Band from Texas" has been playing together for 5 decades.

I purchased the album Eliminator in Bishop, California, in September of 1984.  I played it first while driving to Mammoth Mountain from Bishop.  Ah, the memories.

Wintertime Slowdown

I have been recovering from a upper respiratory illness: bronchitis.  Problematic for a 74 year old man who has had bronchitis three times, and pneumonia twice.  A common cold in the cool winter days was hard on me.  Three weeks of recovering at home.  Two trips to visit doctor.  Getting better as of March 6th.

Not much energy during this period of time.   

Started walking 45 minutes each day on March 9, 2020.

I have had the flu three times (1955, 1975, 2002) in my lifetime.  Scary, painful, weakening. 

My wife and I have gotten a flu shot each year for the past twenty years.



I wish everyone good health and best wishes and luck in avoiding the flu season and the new virus strains like Covid-19.  


Every year, the flu season brings serious illness and death to a staggering number of people.  The evidence is shocking.

"Flu season is hitting its stride right now in the US. So far, the CDC has estimated (based on weekly influenza surveillance data) that at least 12,000 people have died from influenza between Oct. 1, 2019 through Feb. 1, 2020, and the number of deaths may be as high as 30,000. 

The CDC also estimates that up to 31 million Americans have caught the flu this season, with 210,000 to 370,000 flu sufferers hospitalized because of the virus."

So how do these numbers compare to flu deaths in previous years? So far, it looks like the 2019-2020 death toll won’t be as high as it was in the 2017-2018 season, when 61,000 deaths were linked to the virus. However, it could equal or surpass the 2018-2019 season's 34,200 flu-related deaths. 

Overall, the CDC estimates that 12,000 and 61,000 deaths annually since 2010 can be blamed on the flu. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the flu kills 290,000 to 650,000 people per year."

Optimal Aging

Twenty Rules for Optimal Living in the 21st Century

1.  Face Reality
2.  Take Action
3.  Create Yourself
4.  Accept Responsibility
5.  Do It Now
6.  You Can't Change the Past
7.  Act Like a Scientist
8.  Work, Work, Work and Practice, Practice, Practice
9.  Push Yourself
10.  Do and Feel
11.  There's No Gain Without Pain
12.  Accept and Forgive Yourself Unconditionally
13.  Live for Now and for the Future
14.  Commit Yourself
15.  Take Risks
16.  Be Interested in Yourself and in Others
17.  Remain Flexible
18.  Use It Or Lose It
19.  Accept Uncertainty
20.  Don't Expect Heaven on Earth 

Albert Ellis, Ph.D., and Emmett Verlten, Ph.D.  Optimal Aging: Get Over Getting Older  1998

How to Live a Good Life: Advice from Wise Persons

Aging Well: Quotes, Notes, Bibliography

[A repost from February 6, 2016 in the Cloud Hands Blog.]

Dao De Jing, Chapter 10

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Chapter 10


"By husbanding the animal and spiritual souls
and embracing unity, it is possible to prevent their separation.
By undivided attention to the passion-nature,
and increasing tenderness, it is possible to be a little child.
By putting away impurity from the hidden eye of the heart,
it is possible to be without spot.
By loving the people, and so governing the nation,
it is possible to be unknown.
In opening and shutting the heavenly doors (mouth, nostrils, etc.)
it is possible to have no creaking.
One may be bright and transparent on all sides, and yet be unknown.
To produce and to nourish, to produce and have not,
to act and expect not, to enlarge and cut not off, —
this is called sublime virtue."
-  Translated by John Chalmers, 1968, Chapter 10 


"By patience the animal spirits can be disciplined.
By self-control one can unify the character.
By close attention to the will, compelling gentleness, one can become like a little child.
By purifying the subconscious desires one may be without fault.
In ruling his country, if the wise magistrate loves his people, he can avoid compulsion.
In measuring out rewards, the wise magistrate will act like a mother bird.
While sharply penetrating into every corner, he may appear to be unsuspecting.
While quickening and feeding his people, he will be producing but without pride of ownership.
He will benefit but without claim of reward.
He will persuade, but not compel by force.
This is De, the profoundest virtue."
-  Translated by Dwight Goddard and Henri Borel, 1919, Chapter 10 


"Can you hold the door of your tent
Wide to the firmament?
Can you, with the simple stature
Of a child, breathing nature,
Become, notwithstanding,
A man?
Can you continue befriending
With no prejudice, no ban?
Can you, mating with heaven,
Serve as the female part?
Can your learned head take leaven
From the wisdom of your heart?
If you can bear issue and nourish its growing,
If you can guide without claim or strife,
If you can stay in the lead of men without their knowing,
You are at the core of life."
-  Translated by Witter Bynner, 1944, Chapter 10 


"Can you keep the soul always concentrated from straying?
Can you regulate the breath and become soft and pliant like an infant?
Can you clear and get rid of the unforeseen and be free from fault?
Can you love the people and govern the state by non-action?
Can you open and shut the gates of nature like a female?
Can you become enlightened and penetrate everywhere without knowledge?"
-  Translated by Ch'u Ta-Kao, 1904, Chapter 10


"When 'carrying your soul,' embracing the One Thing, can you be undivided?
When 'concentrating ch'i', bringing about Softness, can you be like an infant?
When 'cleansing and purifying the mysterious mirror,' can you be without blemish?
When 'loving the people and caring for the kingdom,' can you be without knowledge?
When 'the Doors of Heaven open and shut,' can you remain Feminine?
When 'Clarity and bareness penetrate everywhere,' can you remain not doing?
Produce and nourish. Produce but don't possess work but don't rely on this preside but don't rule.
This is mysterious Te."
-  Translated by Michael LaFargue, 1992, Chapter 10  


載營魄, 抱一能無離乎?
專氣致柔, 能嬰兒乎?
滌除玄覽, 能無疵乎?
愛民治國, 能無知乎?
天門開闔, 能為雌乎?
明白四達, 能無知乎?
生之畜之.
生而不有.
為而不恃.
長而不宰.
是謂玄德.
-  Chinese characters, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 10



"Having received, in the birth-process, a living soul, one is able, by preserving its individuality pure and uncorrupted, to prevent disunion with the pure original.
By controlling the vital force, and bringing it to the utmost degree of pliancy, one is able to become as a little child again and revert to one’s pristine state of innocence.
By washing and cleansing oneself of that which Heaven alone can see, one may become without one blemish.
By governing the Empire by love towards the people, one is able to keep them from knowing evil; and, they will live in an atmosphere of contentment and trust.
When the Door of Heaven is now open, now closed, then the Female Principle will disappear; and, all will be pure Yang.
If one’s understanding reaches in every direction, he can disregard knowledge.
What he produces, he nourishes.
Producing, he does not claim the possession of virtue.
Acting, he does not presume upon his ability.
Though he be a veteran among his fellows, he assumes no seniority over them.
This may be called Sublime Virtue, the highest development of Tao." 
-  Translated by Frederic Henry Balfour, 1884, Chapter 10 

"¿Se puede mantener el espíritu y abrazar al Uno sin apartarse de ellos?
¿Se puede concentrar su fuerza vital y lograr el más alto grado de debilidad como un niño?
¿Se puede limpiar y purificar su visión profunda por lo que será sin mancha?
¿Se puede amar al pueblo y gobernar el Estado sin la astucia?
¿Se puede jugar el papel de la mujer en la apertura y cierre de las puertas del cielo?
¿Se puede entender todo y penetrar en todos ellos sin hacer nada?
Para producir las cosas y les trasera,
Para producir, pero no para tomar posesión de ellos,
Para actuar, pero no confiar en la propia capacidad,
Para guiarlos, pero no para dominarlos.
Esto se llama la virtud profunda y secreta ".
- Traducido al Inglés por Chan Wing-Tsit, 1953, Capítulo 10 

"Bring soul and spirit into unity, they will become welded in the Inner Life.
Conquer vital force until it yields to you, you will become as a new-born child.
Purify the channels of deep perception, you will dwell safely in the Inner Life.
Govern a kingdom by loving the people, they will learn to act from the Inner Life.
Open and shut the doors of heaven, you will have repose of mind in active life.
Let your purity shine forth in all directions, men will see that you have an Inner Life.
Give it birth, nourish it,
Give it birth, but do not seek to possess.
Act but do not appropriate.
Endure but do not rule.
That is called profound Teh."
-  Translated by Isabella Mears, 1916, Chapter 10




"In harmonizing your hun and p'o to embrace the One,
Can you concentrate without deviating?
In attuning your breath to induce tenderness,
Can you become like a new-born babe?
In cleansing and purifying your Mystic Mirror,
Can you make it free from all stain?
In loving the people and ruling the state,
Can you practice non-interference?
When the Heavenly Gate opens and closes,
Can you play the part of the Female?
When your light shines forth in all directions,
Can you ignore it with perfect equanimity?
To produce things and nourish them,
To produce but not to claim ownership,
To act but not to presume on the result,
To lead but not to manipulate, -
This is called Mystic Virtue."
-  Translated by Henry Wei, 1982, Chapter 10 
 

Daodejing 81 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 25 or more different English language translations or interpolations for that Chapter, 5 or more 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. 

An electronic Concordance for all 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching is provided.

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 10, Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Concordance for the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Daodejing 81 Website

English Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Spanish Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices

Taoism: A Selected Reading List

One Old Daoist Druid's Final Journey

How to Live a Good Life: Advice from Wise Persons

Taijiquan Cane Practices and Lore

[Here is a Cloud Hands Blog repost from May 14, 2014.  Six years ago I lived in a rural area south of Red Bluff, California.  

a foggy morning,
cows watching -
practicing taijiquan cane


2014:

The only martial arts weapon that I practice with is a cane.  I practice all the Taijiquan sword and broadsword forms that I know with a cane. 

Every time I take a walk I carry my cane with me.  Using various cane strikes and stretches while walking is an excellent way to exercise the upper torso.
I use an Instructor's Walking Cane, 40" (103 cm) long and 1" (2.54 cm) in diameter, from Cane Masters.  This cane weights 1lb, 2 oz (510 gm).  This beautiful martial arts combat cane is made of pure hickory heartwood, has multiple notches at three key gripping points, has a rounded hooked horn, and has a rubber covered tip.  I also own the same Instructor's Walking Cane made of oak - a gift from my children.
 

Way of the Short Staff.  By Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.  A comprehensive guide to the practice of the short staff, cane, jo, walking stick, gun, zhang, whip staff, 13 Hands Staff, and related wood short staff weapons.  A detailed and annotated guide, bibliographies, lists of links, resources, instructional media, online videos, and lessons.   Includes use of the short staff and cane in martial arts, self-defense, walking and hiking.  Separate sections on Aikido Jo, Cane, Taijiquan cane and staff, Jodo, exercises with a short staff, selected quotations, techniques, selecting and purchasing a short staff, tips and suggestions, and a long section on the lore, legends, and magick of the short staff.  Includes "Shifu Miao Zhang Points the Way."  Published by Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California.  Updated on a regular basis since October, 2008.  Filesize: 265Kb.  Related to Mike's popular webpage on the Staff.

"The correct use of the bo (sai, tonfa, kama, naginata, sword) can produce a stimulating and practical means of "extension" training. It offers a means of martial arts training and discipline. Weapons training teaches the meaning of control, timing, distance, and flexibility as one unit. The practitioner is required to possess speed, coordination, strength, and endurance in utilizing the respective weapons."
-  History of the Bo Staff

"The jo can be used to strike like a sword, sweep like a naginata, thrust like a spear (yari). Its two ends can be used, unlike the single point of a sword, and its ma-ai (fighting distance) can be varied according to the hand grip you take. Because of its speed and changeable ma-ai, it is a formidable weapon."
-  Muso Shindo-Ryu Jodo   

"In Chinese shamanism, a staff represents the power of the universe. With a staff, a shaman had the power to pass on the universal knowledge to others. Later, when teachers took over part of the shaman's job, they always taught with a small staff in their hands like a shaman."
- Master Zhongxian Wu, Vital Breath of the Dao, p. 106

 

Zen Master Hakuin (1686-1768) painted a Dragon Staff with a horsehair whisk attached.  He gave the above painting to a lay student who passed the Zen koan, "What is the sound of one hand clapping."

 

Dao De Jing, Laozi, Chapter 9

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Chapter 9


"It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full.
If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe.
When wealth and honors lead to arrogance, this brings its evil on itself.
When the work is done, and one's name is becoming distinguished,
To withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven."
-  Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 9 



"Holding to fullness
Is not as good as stopping in time.
Sharpness that probes
Cannot protect for long.
A house filled with riches
Cannot be defended.
Pride in wealth and position
Is overlooking one's collapse.
Withdrawing when success is achieved
Is the Tao in Nature."
-  Translated by R. L. Wing, 1986, Chapter 9  
 

 
"You hold to fullness, and it is better to stop in time!
You keep on beating and sharpening a sword, and the edge cannot be preserved for long.
You fill your house with gold and jade, and it can no longer be guarded.
You put on airs by your riches and honor, and you will only reap a crop of calamities.
Here is the Way of Heaven: When you have done your work, retire."
-  Translated by Tran Tien Cong, Chapter 9 
 

 

  "Do not concentrate one's wealth in abundance.
It is far better for one to know where to stop.
Do not beat one's sword sharp, one can never keep its edge for ever.
If their houses are full of gold and jade, they have no way to keep them forever.
If they are proud of having great riches and honors, they just make more troubles for themselves.
When merits have been achieved, fame has been completed - one may withdraw himself.
That is to follow the law of Nature."
-  Translated by Tang Zi-Chang, Chapter 9



"It is advisable to refrain from continual reaching after wealth.
Continual handling and sharpening wears away the most durable thing.
If the house be full of jewels, who shall protect it?
Wealth and glory bring care along with pride.
To stop when good work is done and honour advancing is the way of Heaven."
-  Translated by Walter Gorn Old, 1904, Chapter 9  



"Continuing to fill a pail after it is full the water will be wasted.
Continuing to grind an axe after it is sharp will soon wear it away.
Who can protect a public hall crowded with gold and jewels?
The pride of wealth and position brings about their own misfortune.
To win true merit, to preserve just fame, the personality must be retiring.
This is the heavenly Dao."
-  Translated by Dwight Goddard and Henri Borel, 1919, Chapter 9 
  

持而盈之, 不如其已.
揣而銳之, 不可長保.
金玉滿堂莫之能守富貴而驕, 自遺其咎.
功遂身退天之道.
-  Chinese characters, Chapter 9, Tao Te Ching



"Let Heavenly Love fill you and overflow in you,
Not according to your measure of fullness.
Prove it, probe deeply into it,
It shall not long withstand you.
You may fill a place with gold and precious stones,
You will not be able to guard them.
You may be weighted with honors and become proud.
Misfortune then will come to your Self.
You may accomplish great deeds and acquire fame,
Retire yourself;
This is Heavenly Tao."
-  Translated by Isabella Mears, 1916, Chapter 9 


"Stretch a bow to the very full,
And you will wish you had stopped in time;
Temper a sword-edge to its very sharpest,
And you will find it soon grows dull.
When bronze and jade fill your hall.
It can no longer be guarded.
Wealth and place breed insolence.
That brings ruin in its train.
When your work is done, then withdraw!
Such is Heaven's Way."
-  Translated by Arthur Waley, 1934, Chapter 9  


"Asir fuertemente y colmar
 Vale menos que dejar de hacerlo.
 Calcular y afilar las armas
 No significa que se prolongue su cuidado.
 Atiborrar la gran sala de oro y jade
 Y no habrá quien pueda custodiarlos.
 Ser rico y orgulloso.
 Quizás perderse a sí mismo sea la desgracia.
 Cuando la obra se completa y la persona se retira,
 Ése es el Tao del Cielo."
 -  Translated by Álex Ferrara, 2003, Capítulo 9


"Going to extremes is never best.
For if you make a blade too sharp, it will become dull too quickly
And if you hoard all the wealth, you are bound to be attacked.
If you become proud and arrogant regarding your good fortune, you will naturally beget enemies who jealously despise you.
The way to success is this: having achieved your goal, be satisfied not to go further. For this is the way Nature operates."
-  Translated by Archie J. Balm, 1958, Chapter 9 

Daodejing 81 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 25 or more different English language translations or interpolations for that Chapter, 5 or more 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. 

An electronic Concordance for all 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching is provided.

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 9, Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Concordance for the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Daodejing 81 Website

English Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Spanish Language Daodejing Translators' Source Index

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices

Taoism: A Selected Reading List

One Old Daoist Druid's Final Journey

How to Live a Good Life: Advice from Wise Persons