Helping Each Other in the Journey of Tao

By Lily HsuNovember 10, 2012

English Tao ClassKuang Ming Saint Tao TempleLos Angeles, U.S.A.

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 25Lao Zi explained the origin and nature of Tao.

“There is something formlessly created. It was born before Heaven and Earth. It is utmost tranquil, shapeless, infinite, being alone and alters not. It revolves eternally. It is the source of all beings. I do not know its name, except to call it ‘Tao.’”

“Don’t be amazed at the fiery ordeal, which is taking place to test your quality.”

(Peter 4:12).

“The biggest obstacle in cultivation now is that people only ask others to change instead of asking oneself.”

Jigong Living Buddha

“God has anointed us with oil of joy.”

(Psalm 45:7).

Steve Jobs: February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

The vision is for an appointed time. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely come.

Habakkuk 2:3

Stairway to Heaven = Lifelong Journey in Tao Cultivation

1st Step: Receiving Tao

Each step represents an obstacle or hardship that wemust overcome in order to ascend to the next level.

When life throws an unexpected curveball at you, what are you going to do with it? Do you try to ignore it by pushing it aside, or do you embrace it for what it is and face it head on? It is undoubtedly easier to practice Tao when we are surrounded by caring people and things are going in our favor, versus when we feel frustrated and defeated when a job is lost, angry when a relationship ends, hurt when a friend betrays us. How you react to these curveballs makes all the difference. It is natural to want to take the easy way out – to pray or wish them away. We need to understand that although we might feel timid or uncomfortable in facing these curveballs, they are nevertheless only a test. The Bible tells us, “Don’t be amazed at the fiery ordeal, which is taking place to test your quality.” (Peter 4:12). It means that the purpose of the trial is to test the quality of our character. It is during these times that we are put under the pressure to show of what we are truly made. These trials and tests are necessary and beneficial in our journey of Tao, because they bring into light the weaknesses in our character and give us an opportunity to grow.

In this lecture, I hope to share with you some of the methods to embrace the curveballs in our lives. For example, know that there is a “yes” in our future. But in order to get to our “yes,” we must go through many “nos.” Don’t let the “nos” discourage us, instead, tell ourselves that we are one step closer to our “yes.” Also, remember to hit the delete button when appropriate. Our minds is like a computer. The way we program it determines how it will work. If we are going to live a fruitful life, we have to learn to hit the delete button and silence the negative thoughts so that we can move forward. Lastly, know that life will keep throwing curve balls at us until we “get it.” So as Tao practitioners, let us take the time to help each other appreciate life’s many lessons in the journey of Tao.

Synopsis

The links to the videos that Lily showed during the lecture about Steve Jobs, tribute at a funeral, and a worthy life:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwsuXHA7RAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEE_-BJF-cchttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bvy_11pxzA

Appendix