Once Upon A Blog

Now that we are “deep” into the book of Tao Te Ching, we find that it is not as similar as the other biblical and moral texts we have been reading.  Basically what the text says is that by not doing you will be rewarded. The lack of action (as referred to in Bhagavad Gita) can lead to the reward. Basically by avoiding to do something, you receive a benefit. The idea of shining among a society is thrown into the text. And as stated before, by not displaying yourself you will receive bigger shine.

In the series of “chapters”, or poems we had assigned, there were several current dilemmas discussed. The common QUESTion was referred to as well. Why do good people suffer? Or why is life unjust?

The Tao Te Ching deals with this dilemma,

 “Accept misfortune as a human condition.” (THREE)

Basically what the quotation is referring to is that we all have bodies, and as result of this gift we must have consequences. It is not a random act. It is a natural experience that everyone and everything with a body must undergo. Misfortune happens to everybody, and the timing might not be perfect. As bodies, a misfortune is like happiness, a mandatory stage in life.

Simplicity and the importance of it is referred as well. One must embrace simplicity and stop searching for things that with patience will come. One will reach Self with patience, and be virtuous with Virtue as well. It is curious how we see that Self is capitalized. As we have seen in all texts, when a word like this is capitalized it means that it refers to something of importance.

Shifting topics, the Tao is referred to as eternal. Probably suggesting the existence of an after life. It says that when the body dies, the Tao remains. As if the body was a disposable stage and that the state of Tao would mean the point where you actually start living. The discussion of an after life has been in debate for a long time, not only from behalf of the different churches but as well from the scientific part of society. The heated debate only leaves room for personal faith and beliefs. After all there is no proof that proves the existence of an after life, but the again there is no proof that it doesn’t exist. 

Now we embark in a brand new journey. Woo! The Tao Te Ching. The idea of a new different theory of believes and teachings do sound a bit scary but after being introduced it isn’t so bad. Its short, its simple and is not SOO repetitive. Therefore I am happy. In the beginning I did feel like I was stuck in Harry Potter. He who can’t be named, oh scary. Nevertheless I disagree with the idea of not being able to name such who has done greatness and perfect, makes no sense at all. I would like to honor you and praise you for all that you have done with my life, but I can’t say your name. Then how am I supposed to thank you. Everything and everyone has a name, give me yours.  It is really not a big deal. Gosh. For now I shall call it/him John Doe.

As I red on, I found several passages that described the Primal Virtue, so early into the book we are introduced to the Heavenly destination one must arrive. It is more of a state that would make you unique and worthy upon John Doe. Such virtue describes the point where you are sinless, as if you where just born and you had not done anything wrong. The way I see it, it can be considered a state of peace, not only with yourself but with everyone around you.

I did find an intriguing axiom form the reading,

 “No fight: No blame.” (Chapter 8)

What I could understand from this short axiom is that if you don’t fight, if you are a peace you will not have anyone, anything to blame. And there will be type of need to blame other for anything. If there is not a fight, then you should not be blamed, nor blame someone else for something that “doesn’t happen”. It tells us not to fight, for as no one will remain with the guilt.

To conclude, I am happy with my reading, and very tired of homework. Goodnight and farewell.

Reading the teachings in the book of Confucius we learn that there is an overall appreciation and admiration towards the elders and overall the older people. That not only must such be respected but they should be handled in a specific manner stated by the Master himself. I do disagree with the idea that you must respect ALL elders. I believe in the idea of mutual respect, and the idea of not being a complete hypocrite. If an elder treats you with respect and does not mock your innocence then he deserves to be treated correctly.

The book of Confucius states that by being nice and having a proper way of talking, one is not good. You earn the Goodness. Respect is the same, it must be earned.  If you just give it away there is no point trying.

Continuing along with the Master’s teachings I found a citation of great value:

“Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you, but rather strive to become a person worthy of being known.”(Confucius. 4.14)

My understanding of this cite is that you must not strive for the fame. But you must reach Goodness to a point where your memory is admired and remembered. Basically that ones memory and admiration must not be target but rather a price by not aiming for it.

Become that who is remembered but do not try to be a famous individual.

As for admiration and respect, I do think that one must treat all people nicely but I don’t thing that automatically earns your respect. Shouldn’t you do Good and expect nothing in return. Elders expect Respect and admiration. This makes no sense at all.

The Psalms. There is really not much to say about them. It is basically a summary of what has been taught in the past month of so of reading. Lay beside The Lord, for as he will grant you safety and strength to face the fear of evils. Don’t be afraid for as he is the eternal salvation of us all. Yeah, Yeah. Right now I am tired of the repetition of this idea. Seriously, can I be any more fed up?

Not the idea of the religion itself but the ranting of absolutely everything that is being said. Spice it up. Throw some nice characters and vivid description. Make me enjoy it. Yet again we see the doubt in God.

And the enemy spoke,

 “Where is thy God?” (Psalm 42. 42:10).

A question people have asked themselves for centauries. Where is my God, when I need him? Where is this heeling power and absolute divinity when my life is falling apart? This tactic could even be used to create confusion among an enemy. Where is HE when you are about to die? Personally I think it is an effective technique to make someone dispose of everything that was taught to him.

Once we ere and admit the sins to the All Mighty we pray to be cleaned. In a way, we search for a now soul. This one is through, give me a new one. Take for instance Psalm 51 where the individual asks over and over to be clean and pure again. Isn’t that what all people want, a fresh start?

I know I want one, free me from this replay before I go absolutely insane. 

David who used to be so graceful and honest now results to be malicious and somewhat negative toward the general story and the idea of the gratefulness of men. Make reference to the previous blog entry in which we talked about how men ere, and previous errors lead to other circumstances.  After seeing how an innocent man is slaughtered, David probably realized that giving in to “bad” is much easier than living by goodness.

Falling into luxury he has sex with a married woman, who he leaves pregnant. Then again, wronging instead of following the correct path given by the Lord. Once he wronged, he then again sinned. Sending his mistress’ husband off to battle to die. Nevertheless his acts are not unpunished. The Lord, sends disgrace upon him. Making David loose his child with his lover.

After a few years Amnom rapes his half sister and David remains quiet. He is mad, but does not scorn this act upon his oldest child. Going back to Bhagavad Gita we can see the lack of action being a sin. Maybe he did not get involved, but by having inaction he chose to “act” in the wrong way. Sinning once more.

Basically we can see the drastic change in ideals in this particular individual. He went from being an admired individual to a hated and despised one. The holy David is now an example for a man who went wrong and doubted the Lord. Simply, gave up. 

The idea how jealousy and goodness can be triggers to pursuits and murder attempts is very disturbing. The idea that Saul’s jealousy leads to his own death is a bit like the idea of Karma. “What goes around, comes around”, apparently all the evil that was desired for David, ended up attacking the source itself. The death of his child, and then his own death. Nice way to teach a lesson.

David o the other hand has a sense of morality superior to Saul. When given the chance to kill and bring misery upon that who wished pain for him, he refused. When given the chance to be as bad and evil as Saul, he refused. Not necessarily does the word “morals” have to be engraved in the story. It is rather implicit within the text, and all humans can see the difference among both.

If we go back to Adam and Eve, when they eat from the forbidden tree of knowledge we can see that such illegal act could turn out to be for the best.  I wonder what would have happened to the story of Saul and David if Adam and Eve wouldn’t disobey?

My guess is that it wouldn’t even exist. Nevertheless if it wasn’t Adam and Eve, it would be someone else. Human curiosity is somewhat natural, and it might not be a sin. But it does lead to sin or to great success, and without it the idea of excelling or failing wouldn’t be present.  After all, any other biblical character would disobey to see what it is like, leading to stories like Saul and David.

Maybe not the best excuse for disobeying the Lord but it is the “initiation” for a series of defiance after defiance. The story of Saul and David is just another justification for a rather large theory. They all leave a question, maybe the stories even try to answer it. When does harm become a sin? And is harm ever right?

Think about this. I am hoping for answers soon.