4. Tao te-Ching

The supposed author of the first Chinese philosophical text, Lao-tzu, or Master Lao, wrote The Way and Its Power or the Tao te-Ching around the 3rd century B.C.E. Although its origins are disputed, this text remains the basis for Taoist beliefs. Lao-tzu, a contemporary of Confucius, is often compared to Confucianism.

I found the the Tao te-Ching to be profoundly interesting. The philosophies of mastery through challenging oneself are particularly worth mentioning. Through following the Tao, one challenges one's own self to master the world around him, both physical and spiritual, but he or she cannot ever attain full mastery. This is not because it is not possible, but it is not within the balance of the universe. One only uses their mastery when necessary and once it is wielded it is hidden once more. I think this idea is really powerful, and reminds me of the state of militarianism that exists in the United States. Although we believe or truly have become masters of war, we do not use that mastery properly. Instead of using the power that is possessed to achieve a particular goal, it is constantly being extended and abused. This extended abuse of power, in Taoism, disrupts the balance of the universe.

Another verse that struck me was "Their court-yards and buildings shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries empty. They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth; such princes may be called robbers and boasters." 53
This verse reminds me of the current global recession and the wealthy global populations unwilling to compromise their wealth although times are desperate. People are continuing to live outside of their means (myself included) creating much dire straights for our financial future. Not only that, we are disregarding the effects that our wants and desires have on the physical world around us. Whether or not you can argue global warming exists, we are continuing to destroy the world's environment. Knowing one's conditions and keeping an equilibrium between wants and desires; power and mastery; yin and yang keeps the spirit in balance.