S3E7: Let It Be (How to Surf the Tao Lesson 1)
Photo Credit: Jeff Mallinson, free camping in Montana
We discuss the insights from the Tao Te Ching that help us all evade various forms of manipulation & mental shenanigans. In addition to some introductory matters, we explore at least 5 common pitfalls or "wipeouts" that many experience when learning to surf the Tao. Lest you become crestfallen, as hard as these temptations & challenges are at the outset, rest assured that they soon give way to deep peace for those who are ready to rest secure in the source of deep rest.
““Your ego always exists for something or someone else. So with ego, you are giving away your power and become a slave to them or that thing, since you don’t have your own agency at that point. Therefore, rediscover your true self and nurture it.”
We discuss our alternative to the cone of shame. Here’s a video about how to use a onesie instead of that ghastly (albeit occasionally necessary) cone of shame. Here’s the pup embarrassed; we share it not because we want to disregard her sense of shame but to defy it, especially since she’s a dog and literally doesn't care about online photos, so long as you treat her well in the embodied state.
This is the first in a series of podcasts about a curriculum we’re putting together about how this text from Lao Tzu might help us outfox religious wolves.
We discuss the original Chinese word behind “sage:” shen ren (聖人) which is literally “holy person.” This can also mean “saint,” but that might miss the point of the deep wisdom that’s involved rather than simply a blameless life. The first character suggests a person with both good speech and also listening skills.
We mention the following:
Alternatives to the cone of shame.
The Brothers Karamazov.
Each week, we’ll leave you with a question to ponder. This weeks question:
Think of someone you love deeply. If you were to commit to 100% release of control over their lives, what do you think would be the worst that would happen? What beautiful things might arise?
