Today was quite the journey, starting with Philip and #20, and then Cool Beans followed him up with #31. Max then gave us an update on his situation, and we discussed #18, after which Melissa joined with #16.
#16 "Stillness and Integration"
Being empty of mind is of the utmost importance
And it is to be guarded with fervor.
We have all seen states of action arise,
And always beyond it returns stillness.
When any state of action is complete
It naturally returns to stillness.
This allows integration of what arose from action
Which is the natural cycle of maturation.
If stillness and integration cannot be achieved
Constant action will lead to anxiety and wild movements.
Yielding to stillness makes one impartial,
And all particular things fall away,
Then when it is time to die
One can be impartial to that as well.
#18 "Out of Touch with Tao"
When out of touch with Tao
Etiquette is observed.
When etiquette cannot be abided
We find excuses to make it proper.
When excuses gut the family,
Chaos favors the hierarchy.
When all the neighbors are in chaos
Blind loyalty is demanded.
#20 "Stop Learning"
Stop your learning, it has not been helpful.
There is no difference between yes and no,
Nor between good and evil.
Most people would never know that,
They define the manifestation as others have
And foolishly give up themself in favor of that.
Everyone else wants to be excited
I prefer the darkness,
I prefer to not care,
Like a fool I have no direction.
Everyone else has abundance,
While I seem to have lost it all.
Within me there is still no striving,
It appears I am in chaos.
Ordinary men look bright and intelligent
While I alone seem dull and confused.
Aimless as if on the sea, drifting with nowhere to rest.
I don't aspire to be like others
I am nourished by Tao.
#31 "Of Weapons and Mourning"
Weapons are horrible tools,
The Master avoids weaponizing anything.
Weapons promote fear and separation:
Avoided by those who walk in blessings
Embraced by those who walk in delusion.
If compelled to use them, she uses restraint.
There is no glory in victory if weapons are used,
Her enemy is not evil but human like herself.
How can she see glory in their slaughter?
When the Master is compelled to engage a weapon
She does so gravely, and filled with compassion,
Knowing that this is the first state of her mourning.
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