Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Tao - Infinite Mysteries


"One who understands the Tao cannot tell it."
-Opening verse of the "Tao Teh Ching" by Lao Tzu

"Infinite Mysteries cannot be understood with finite minds."
- Joseph Panek

Tao means "Path" or "Way"
Teh means "Virtue"
Ching means "Book" or "Lesson"

The "Tao Teh Ching" translates as "The Book of The Virtuous Path".

As with many Ancient, Sacred Texts the "Tao Teh Ching" begins
with what seems to be a confusing, cryptic statement:
"One who understands the Tao cannot tell it".

This statement, as with similar statements in other Sacred Writings,
is often interpreted to mean that someone who understands
The Tao (The Way) is "forbidden" to tell it; "forbidden" to reveal
it under penalty of death. This interpretation is Incorrect!

What this statement actually means is that someone who
understands The Tao Spiritually is simply unable to communicate
this understanding rationally.

Words, which dominate the Material (rational) Realm, do not have
the ability to fully describe the Teachings (Wisdom) of the Spiritual
Realm. Words are limiting and clumsy. Once we "attach" a Word to
something we define and limit the thing we are describing. Eternal
Wisdom has no limits or boundaries. Therefore, Eternal Wisdom
cannot be rationally explained; It just IS.

The Wisdom of the Spiritual Realm can only be understood through
Insight and Intuition. "Infinite Mysteries cannot be understood
with finite minds"
. It is only through Meditation and Contemplation
that we are able to Unfold (understand) the True Mysteries of
Ancient Teachings.

These Ancient Truths are available to each one of us to understand
and apply. It is up to us to Seek, discover, and understand them.
Once we understand these Mysteries they are no longer mysteries.
They then become Truths that we can use to govern our daily lives.
However, it is up to us to Choose whether or not we will pursue
these Truths. No one else can do this for us.

"Knock and the Door will Open. Seek and you will Find. Ask and
you will be Given".
It is up to us to Knock, Seek, and Ask.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
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Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
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