A Parable by Chuang Tzu Retold by Michael Hofius ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Versión en Español ![]() Taoism teaches us that the natural way for people to live their lives is in harmony with the Tao. The metaphor of water flowing around the rocks or other "obstacles" in a stream is often used. The stream is the Stream of Life and, as water flowing around the rocks, there are really no obstacles. Viewing the situations in our lives as obstacles is an expression of our attitude of judgment. When, instead, we flow with the Stream of Tao, our attitude is not one of judging. Read a parable about non-judgment in one of the other Taoist parables at this site. The following short parable illustrates this concept:
In Taoist tradition this is known as Wu Wei or, acting without acting, which means to take actions which don't disturb the natural order of things, Human or Otherwise. When living by this principle, one goes with the flow instead of swimming against the current. This does not mean to turn the cheek by becoming a doormat as a reaction to events. This means being proactive in Life, following the Natural order of things, and solving problems by not creating them in the first place, by not forcing one's way past the horse. ![]() ![]() ![]() Back to Mike's Spiritual Story Page ![]() Michael Hofius 624 Moore Street Bristol, VA 24201 (276)591-3729 |