Even the introduction of this book had some gems of wisdom, like "Within misfortune, great fortune hides." As I've been recently transiting through my own version of life's gravity, that thought shone like a supernova during dark moon. I only got to the end of the first chapter and I had to put the book down. My mind was reeling, even from the rich impact of those few words.
But this is not the first brush I've had with Lao Tzu. I have studied the Tao Te Ching before in various ways, and the conundrum of "something arises from nothing" has been with me for years. Dr Dyer's commentary is the best kind, it's a living commentary - a slice of one mans life, dedicated to living the fullness of the Tao - in real time. For me, reading Dr Dyer is always a humbling experience, his perception and grasp of spirituality is always so rich and complete.
I now realise the paradox, that when I am am focused on one thing, I have always been multitasking. That not all things, are really distractions from one-pointedness. And I have Dr Dyer to thank for that.
* * *
"Ever desireless, one can see the mystery;
ever desiring, one sees only the manifestations.
And the mystery itself is the doorway
to all understanding."
1st Verse (part) - Tao Te Ching.
This section was the beginning of that journey.
Dr Dyer explains beautifully the dynamic between wanting and allowing, explaining that isn't a conflict in eastern philosophy, but more a contradiction or paradox; one is hidden in the other.
Dr Dyer invites his reader to experience contradiction in an exercise at the end of the chapter. First observing a moment of irritation and observing the wanting of that to stop, whilst allowing the irritation to be. It wasn't long before that moment came along! And I had the most curious experience from that!
I had some soup on the stove and I was reading at the same time, and I had such a weird perception that I was cooking and reading at the same time. Whilst reading I was actively cooking, and whilst stirring the soup with the book put down, I was still reading. Both activities were co-existing in both an active - wanting to cook - stage, or an - allowing the soup - to bubble state. Later whilst I ate the soup I realised, that its digestion would also be, eating, in its allowing phase. Even now whilst I write I am "eating/digesting" and "writing/reading" at the same time. Through the agency of the Tao I am doing all! I had a lovely sense of duality dissolving.
It was an overwhelming experience, with which I will continue to work. That was only chapter 1. This book has 81! I'm guessing his book is going to be an interesting read!
Much love, Wendy.
