There's something about the Tao . . .

I've been reading from the Tao te Ching again lately (by Lao-Tzu, Stephen Mitchell translation.) There is something about this text that inspires me, draws me, resonates deep within me.

I'll include one of my favorite quotes:

"Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue."

Perhaps it speaks so clearly because I can ponder it without hearing other voices from my past telling me what it means. That's what makes Bible reading so difficult for me . . . I still have trouble reading it without playing re-runs of all those harsh and authoritative interpretations that caused me such inner turmoil the first half of my life.

The Tao (the Way) is not a religion, but a way of being, a way of living in the world. And it doesn't seem so far removed from the way of the Wisdom Jesus, (which is the title of another great book, by Cynthia Bourgeault).

One of my friends referred me to the Tao-based writing by Dr. Wayne W. Dwyer. Though a lovely book, some reviewers were critical of his posh lifestyle which seemed a bit contrary to the way of the Tao. So, instead, I picked up The Tao of Willie, by Willie Nelson with Turk Pipkin.

What a great find! It's the Tao-like wisdom and philosophy of Willie, delivered in crusty, earthy language, peppered with humor and jokes and personal experiences. It's a not-too-thick paperback, very short chapters, easy and entertaining reading. Who would have thought that a book containing so much wisdom and common sense could be so much fun?