A Daily Reference of Practical Ancient Wisdom
First of 3 Books in the Anatomy of the Human Fabric™ Series
Andrew Sadock
Contains Table of Contents and sample chapter
Preamble
Since the opening of China’s gates to the Western world, nearly thirty years ago, both ancient and contemporary writings regarding Eastern wisdom have been exported to the Western world. Unfortunately, the wisdom contained within these texts is presented using terms and concepts that, at times, are not readily understood by readers unfamiliar with the subject matter. This text presents a body of timeless wisdom in an easily digestible format, with the hope that it may inspire practical application of this loving, compassionate way of being.
“Paradox
Defies common sense
And yet may be true”
—Webster’s Dictionary
The TAO Te Ching (casually abbreviated herein, as in common usage, as “the TAO”) is written in the form of a paradox. A paradox is defined as a statement that defies common sense, and yet may be true. At first glance, paradoxical statements seem contrary to one another, inconsistent—and thereby untrue. Yet, deeper examination reveals core wisdom that exposes the subtle nuances of the dualistic nature of the human condition—which serves to enhance self-awareness, our personal evolution—and cumulative evolution as a species.
The monkeymind abhors uncertainty
To thwart uncertainty
The monkeymind takes any action necessary
To obtain an illusory sense of control
The paradox of the human condition is a direct reflection of the two divergent perspectives from which we can view any situation. We examine situations either from the perspective of the soul (soul-aligned mind), or from the perspective of the lower mind. The lower mind is the reactive, doubting, misinformed, unaligned fragment of the mind that craves certainty—i.e., abhors uncertainty. (Note that, arguably, nothing is certain except natural order—a/k/a the TAO, Light, God, etc.). The lower mind is also referred to as the monkeymind, as it continuously squirms for certainty (again, which does not exist). Higher mind sees only truth. It sees things as they truly are, from a compassionate and loving yet objective vantage point. The lower mind does not see truth. Rather, it attaches (clings) to the magnetic illusion of homeostasis (unchanging conditions a/k/a certainty). The lower mind is attracted to people, objects and events which momentarily may bring a perceived feeling of safety, but in the long-run this is nothing more than a fleeting, false sense of certainty. Everything is impermanent and so changes—except the TAO, the great eternal force and wisdom that creates, permeates and surrounds all aspects of nature.
Certain terms, phrases and concepts described within the TAO Te Ching challenge Western understanding. These terms are dissected to their essence, and then described using simplest language to ease comprehension and application.
