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what does the 18th chapter of the tao te cheng mean

The 18th chapter of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese philosophical text attributed Lao Tzu, discusses the concept of when to decrease in order to increase. emphasizes the importance of humility, simplicity, and flexibility as pathways to achieving harmony and balance.

The chapter begins by highlighting the idea that when people lose their connection to nature and become consumed with desires, they often become restless and dissatisfied. Lao Tzu suggests that by practicing simplicity and contentment, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment.

Furthermore, the chapter discusses the virtue of flexibility and adaptability in the face of challenging or changing circumstances. It encourages individuals to embrace change, recognizing that flexibility can lead to strength and resilience.

Overall, the 18th chapter of the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the value of humility, simplicity, and adaptability as essential components of a balanced and harmonious life.

what does the 18th chapter of the tao te cheng mean

The 18th chapter of the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the idea that when the great Tao or Way is abandoned, different virtues and behaviors arise as substitutes. It touches on the consequences of deviating from the natural path and highlights how benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and knowledge can lead to great pretense and complications when they are used as substitutes for understanding and following the Tao.

Lao Tzu, the author, expresses the view that merely possessing good intentions or noble qualities does not guarantee doing the right thing. The chapter warns against relying solely on knowledge and wisdom without a genuine understanding of the Tao and accepting its principles sincerely. It suggests that such attributes, when disconnected from the natural Way, can lead to unintended and negative outcomes.

Overall, the 18th chapter of the Tao Te Ching provides insight into the importance of staying aligned with the natural Way and genuine understanding, cautioning against the pitfalls of relying solely on outward virtues and knowledge without a deeper connection to the Tao.

Chapter 18 Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) Classic of the Way and Virtue By Lao Tzu (Laozi) Compiled and Indexed by Michael P. Garofalo Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Center, Gushen Grove Notebooks, Vancouver, Washington Chapter 17 Chapter 19 Index to All 81 Chapters Daoism Concordance Cloud Hands Blog English Chinese Spanish Chapter 18 Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing) by Lao Tzu Classic Book (Ching) about the Tao (Way, Nature, Patterns, Processes) and Te (Virtue, Potency, Power, Integrity, Wise Person, Sage) Concordance: Indexing, Search Terms, Topics, Themes, Keys, Subjects, Words English and Chinese (Wade-Giles) Terms: Compassion, Filial Piety, Justice, Jen, Great Tao (ta tao), Hypocrisy or Duplicity or Falsehood (wei), Duty or Devotion or Filial Piety (hsiao), Loyal or Patriotic (chung), The Decay of Manners, The Deterioration of Society, Hypocrisy, Chaos, Natural, Selfishness, Morality or Duty or Righteous (yi), Change, Tao Disappears, Intellect or Intelligence (hui), Six Relationships, Social Convention, Country or Nation (kuo), Way, Morality, Convention, Disharmony, Bureaucracy, Disorder or Confusion or Chaos (hun), Formalism, Rules, Country, Family, Forgotten or Abandoned (fei), Artifice,Harmony or Peace (ho), Deception, Families or Clans (chia), Pretense, Trouble or Discord or Anarchy (luan), Unnatural, Knowledge or Cleverness (chih), Disorder, Sham, Religion, Clans, Dishonesty, Appear or Emerge (ch'u), Ministers or Rulers (ch'n), Benevolence or Kindness or Humane (jn), Love and Affection (tz'u), Trminos en Espaol: Compasin, Piedad Filial, Justicia, Gran Tao, Hipocresa, Duplicidad, Falsedad, Obligacin, Devocin, Leal, Patritico, Caos, Natural, Egosmo, Moralidad, Impuestos, Justos, Cambio, Desaparece, Intelecto, Inteligencia. Seis Relaciones, Convencin Social, Pas, Nacin, Burocracia, Trastorno, Confusin, Formalismo, Reglas, Campo, Familiar, Abandonada, Artificio, Armona, Engao, Familias, Clanes, Conocimiento, Astucia, Desorden, Religin, Deshonestidad, Aparecen, Ministros, Gobernantes, Benevolencia, Bondad, Amor, Afecto. Electronic Concordance for all 81 Chapters of the Tao Te Ching English Language Translations of the Tao Te Ching "When humankind strayed from the natural way of life, Relative social disciplines began to appear. When intelligence and cleverness of mind are admired, Great hypocrisy is born. When disharmony manifested in family relations, Children who respected their parents And parents who respected their children Became rare examples. When chaos prevailed in the county, Only a few loyal ministers were recognized. Let all people return to their true nature. Love, kindness, wisdom, family harmony, and loyalty Should not be taught one by one, Separately from an honest life. Then, once again, People will regain the natural virtue of wholeness. The world will be naturally ordered. There will be no one who singly and cunningly Works for personal interest alone." - Translated by Hua-Ching Ni, 1979, Chapter 18 "Great Tao lost, There came the duty to man and right conduct. Wisdom and shrewdness appearing, There came great hypocrisy. The six relationships inharmonious, There came filial piety deep, deep in the heart. Kingdoms, families, and clans at war, There came loyal Ministers." - Translated by Isabella Mears, 1916, Chapter 18 "When the great Dao is in decline, Benevolence and loyalty appear. As wisdom arises, so does hypocrisy. Only in a feuding family do filial piety and parental doting become conspicuous. Loyal ministers emerge whenever the country is in chaos." - Translated by Han Hiong Tan, Chapter 18 "When people try to improve upon, and thus deviate from, the way Nature itself naturally functions, they develop artificial codes of right and wrong. When knowledge becomes highly abstract, men are deceived by mistaking abstractions for realities. When instinctive family sympathies are replaced by rules for proper conduct then parents become "responsible" and children become "dutiful". When corruption replaces genui

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Tao Te ChingChapter 18 The Taoist Classic by Lao TzuTranslated and Explained 18 When the great Way is abandoned, Benevolence and righteousness arise. When wisdom and knowledge appear, Great pretense arises. When family ties are disturbed, Devoted children arise. When people are unsettled, Loyal ministers arise. The Book Tao Te Ching The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained. The great Taoist philosophy classic by Lao Tzu translated, and each of the 81 chapters extensively commented. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link). More about the book here. Pretense Tao is the Way of the universe. If we just follow it, there is no risk of going wrong. But when we deviate from it, we are sure to make mistakes, no matter how noble our intentions are. Following Tao is doing what is natural. Anything else is a mistake, leading to complications, shortcomings, and confusion. Benevolence and righteousness are fine qualities, but they are no guarantee of doing the right thing. If our loss of the Way is substituted by ever so good intentions, they are still just substitutes. Using them as compasses for our actions is bound to lead us even more astray. Our good deeds turn out to have bad consequences, because they lack the understanding of how things work at length in this world. Lao Tzu was no friend of knowledge and wisdom. He saw them as meager substitutes for a true understanding of Tao and sincere acceptance of its terms. At the Chinese emperor's court, he had seen wise men use their wisdom for their own advancement. They played their roles with cunning and cleverness, but rarely used their mental resources for the benefit of all. Even when used with the best intentions, knowledge is a poor guide, compared to awareness of Tao. It creates a false understanding of the world. Therefore it leads to false conclusions. Anyone wise enough to recognize this has the choice of either throwing it all away in search of Tao, or insisting on knowledge being a perfectly reliable substitute. The latter takes some folly to trust. There is pretense in claiming that wisdom finds the Way, and there is pretense in claiming that knowledge penetrates Tao. They are insufficient substitutes, no matter how pompously they present themselves. The family ties are sacred in China, as well as in most societies around the world. The Confucian tradition describes those ties as duties. Lao Tzu implies that they are natural, as is shown among animals. There is no debate involved in it, nor should rules be at all necessary. But when Tao is lost, so are the natural family ties. If the children still remain devoted to their parents, there seems to be no need for complaint. But this devotion is odd and flawed. There are conditions, from the children towards the parents as well as the other way around, even when the bonds seem unreserved. Parents have expectations on their children, and children have demands on their parents. Devotion is a contract that usually contains a lot of fine print. In that way, devotion can be compared to pretense. Fragile Loyalty Another kind of pretense is that of loyal ministers. Their loyalty is always conditional, mainly in the sense that it's given to the one in power at the moment. A ruler who loses power will instantly lose the loyalty of the ministers, who move on to praise whoever sits on the throne next. When people are unsettled, changes in government are more likely to take place. That makes the ministers more eager to demonstrate their loyalty, in order to keep their own positions in the turmoil, but their loyalty is actually less trustworthy in such a situation. The ministers who proclaim their loyalty the loudest, are the most likely to shift at the moment it's to their benefit. If the people is unsettled, it means that the country is in some kind of turmoil. The former order of things is no longer the case, at least not to the extent that people can rely on it. This is indeed a country far from Tao, the natural order of things. When

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When the great way falls into disuse There is benevolence and rectitude; When cleverness emerges There is great hypocrisy; When the six relations are at variance There are filial children; When the state is benighted There are loyal ministers. Benevolence and rectitude clearly accompany civilization. Such humanitarian and righteous ideals distinguish us from the other life on this planet. This is the result of letting the great way falls into disuse. But surely that wasnt mankinds intent. I imagine we just want to bypass some of the down side of the great way, like taking the lower position at times. We always want to be on top. This survival instinct backed by our unique cleverness has lead us off the great way. The great way falls into disuse whenever I jump to idealized notions about how to conduct life instead of taking lifes circumstances one step at a time. Such over thinking disconnects and isolates me in the long run. Any good that comes out of benevolence and rectitude falls short of what was lost initially. How can the great way falls into disuse? The way is broad, reaching left as well as right [see ch. 34]. While it is all inclusive, my mind doesnt always feel and appreciate this reality. I try to seize control of life, like some god, and thus the great way falls into disuse conceptually speaking anyway. I think up ideal ways life should be and hang on to them with righteous rectitude. Rectitude is favoring right and rejecting wrong. When I forget that right and wrong, like good and bad, beautiful and ugly produce each other, I end up favoring rectitude. Rectitude is rectilinear, as opposed to circular. Circular is murky while rectilinear is direct. Circular, as an approach to life, is difficult to accept because it doesnt get me anywhere. It feels like loss or death. I suppose the fear of this compels me to take a stand in righteousness rectitude and benevolence. It takes faith to trust the circular nature of the great way. A lack of faith impels me to take control. Its cleverness that enables me to indulge in great hypocrisy. On one hand I can find good reasons for you not to shortchange me, but then I can turn around and rationalize why its okay for me to take advantage of your mistake even if its in my favor; Ill just rationalize that you have more than enough anyway, insurance will cover it, orbhah, bhah, bhah. Cleverness allows us to excuse ourselves for the same actions we condemn in others. This is so pervasive its no wonder Jesus had so much to say on the issue. My cleverness is rooted in a need to winto come out on top. Cleverness comes in different forms: tools, shortcuts, rationalizations. The hypocrisy or pretense in this is that Im not conforming to how things are, but rather Im playing a kind of game aimed at putting me in the lead. Striving to come off appearing more than we really are, naturally, must be based on hierarchical instinct. Our social need to either be accepted or better yet be admired, drives cleverness. We use clothing, jewelry, goods, achievements, diplomas, knowledge, and so on, as personal adornment in this quest to be more. Variance in any social relation degrades overall harmony. We attempt to make up for our weakened relationships by a show of filial piety and kindness. The deeper my sense of connection, the less pressure I feel to engage in outward displays of connectiongifts, flowers, special occasions, complements, chit chat. The more insecure and in disarray I am, the stiffer and more upright I become. Such loyal formality betrays my benighted interior. This corresponds to the principle of cosmic balance, I suppose. Exteriors counter-balance interiors. Obvious signs always point to hidden inner forces. Thus, the opposite is also true. When I really have it together within, my life is more flexible. What holds for my microcosm holds true for a state. After all, the state is simply a collection of individuals like myself. While this is clear to me now, it took decades to disce

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how do i obtain a deeper connection with the Tao

Obtaining a deeper connection with the Tao involves embracing its principles and cultivating a sense of alignment with the natural flow of life. Here are some suggested steps to help you achieve this:

  1. Embrace Simplicity: Taoism encourages living a simple and uncluttered life. focusing on simplicity, you can reduce distractions and create a clearer mental and emotional space to connect with the fundamental principles of the Tao.

  2. Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate a sense of presence and awareness in your daily life. Mindfulness allows you to appreciate the beauty of the present moment and tune into the natural rhythm and flow of existence.

  3. Embody Humility: Embracing humility helps in letting go of the ego and the need for control. By acknowledging your connection to something greater than yourself, you may deepen your understanding of the Tao.

  4. Seek Balance: Strive for balance and harmony in all aspects of your life. This may involve recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and aiming to maintain equilibrium in your thoughts, actions, and relationships.

  5. Study and Reflect: Engage with the teachings of Taoism, such as the Tao Te Ching and the writings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. Reflect on these teachings and their application in your life.

  6. Nature Connection: Spend time in nature and observe its rhythms. Nature serves as a profound reflection of the Tao's principles and can help you attune to its essence.

  7. Cultivate Acceptance: Practice acceptance of the ever-changing nature of life and embrace the concept of "wu wei," which involves effortless action and going with the flow.

By incorporating these practices into your life, you may deepen your connection with the Tao and experience a greater sense of alignment with its principles.

Circle of TaoWritten by Ted Kardash, Ph.D., Taoist PriestThis is the first of several articles to explore the nature of Tao as presented in the writings of legendary sages Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, and to investigate how we might understand and apply these ideas in our daily lives.The Circle of TaoIntroductionWe have all had the experience of being plugged in, deeply connected with something greater than ourselves. Watching a sunset or hiking in the woods, enjoying music or some other work of art, experiencing a special relationship with another person, whether through love, friendship, or compassion any of these events can evoke a feeling of expansion and well-being.Such occurrences are most often deeply meaningful. We encounter a larger reality where the boundaries between us and the outer world seem to vanish. We are totally present and feel whole and complete. We have entered the Circle of Tao.All is TaoAll things arise from Tao.By Virtue they are nurtured.Ch 51, Tao Te ChingThe word Tao has several meanings and many applications. It essentially refers to the interconnectedness of life and its constant transformation. Tao signifies all that exists. Tao is the universe, the mother of all things. And it manifests itself as a flow of unceasing change continuously moving toward a state of balance and harmony. We are all Tao and part of this natural process of change.Our current scientific view of reality, quantum physics, concurs, asserting that all phenomena, such as our bodies and the distant stars, are constructed of the same basic particles of energy and that this energy is always in motion. Imagine everything as part of a vast, never-ending, always-changing grid or sea of energy. Tao is that energy and all is Tao.As humans we are, by our very existence, a part of that continuum of life. However, we generally dont experience ourselves that way. Rather, we perceive ourselves to be separate entities, or individuals. Albert Einstein once described this perception as an optical delusion of consciousness and urged us to see ourselves as part of the larger whole.Actually, humans have sought this realization of interconnectedness throughout history. In order to attain this state and achieve our full potential, over the centuries we have developed an array of practices and belief systems. Taoism, as one such tradition, provides us with a vast array of tools, including ideas for contemplation, mind/body disciplines, and even specific behavioral guidelines, to direct and support us in this quest. The writings of legendary Taoist sages Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu, by acquainting us with the various characteristics and functions of Tao, help us recognize and fully experience our true nature.The Realization of InterconnectednessThe greatest Virtue is to follow Tao and Tao alone.Chapter 21Why is it so important that we realize our oneness with the Tao, with all of life? Such a realization is critical to our natural development because it is part of an innate drive toward wholeness, a basic need which reflects our essence. Just as a seed matures and reaches its potential by becoming a full-grown plant, we become psychologically or spiritually whole by experiencing our true nature.We are already one with the Tao whether we recognize it or not. By training our awareness to open to deeper levels of existence and to our own natural processes, we make this knowledge part of our conscious experience and gain all of the benefits that such an awakening offers.Freeing ourselves from the limiting delusion that we are separate and isolated beings provides us with the opportunity and the power to totally enter lifes flow. We become fully-grown and whole, part of the harmonious and natural change that is the Tao. Recognizing the various attributes and principles of the Tao guides us in this undertaking.This experience of oneness applies both outwardly and inwardly. Externally, we are an inseparable part of the natural world, sharing space and air (oxygen

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I have been asked many times how to find a Temple, Master or how best to learn Taoism. So I created a short Taoism 101 course on how to discover Taoism.Here is a different type of guide to learning Taoism, a modernized practical guide to living as a Taoist!. Taoism teaches a person to follow their breath, to turn crisis into transformation, embrace wonder and the joy of living with style.What is Taoism?To many people, a confusing aspect of Taoism is its very definition. Many religions will happily push judgment and dogma which in reflection defines a person. Taoism flips this around. It starts by teaching a truth; The Tao is indefinable. It then follows up by teaching that each person can discover the Tao on their terms. A teaching like this can be very hard to grasp when most people desire very concrete definitions in their own life.A simple way to start learning the definition of Taoism is to start within yourself. Here are three easy starting steps to learning Taoism:Dont concentrate on the meaning of Tao (this will come later naturally)Understand what Taoism is. Taoism is more than just a philosophy or a religion. Taoism should be understood as being: A system of belief, attitudes, and practices set towards the service and living to a persons nature.The path of understanding Taoism is simply accepting oneself. This leads to inner peace. Live life and discover who you are. Your nature is ever changing and is always the same. Dont try to resolve the various contradictions in life, instead learn acceptance of your nature.Taoism is to flow with life.Practicing TaoismTaoism teaches a person to flow with life. Over the years Taoism has become many things to many people. Hundreds of variations in Taoist practice exist. Some of these practices are philosophical, and others are religious. Taoism makes no distinction in applying labels to its nature because to do so would limit a person. We are each a blend of many truths. The truth taught in Taoism is to embrace life in actions that support you as a person.Taoism teaches a person to live in their heart.Here are some simple starting tips to help a person live as a Taoist.Having a set of basic guidelines can be helpful. However realistically, guidelines dont determine how to live; instead, Taoism teaches by living you will express your nature. My guidelines are the following:With care, I aid those who are extended expressions of my nature.Be true to meConnect to the world as I want to be treated.Connect to those outside my nature with decisive action.To those unwilling to accept me for my true nature, no action is required: Just silently let them be themselves as I remain myself.I own nothing; I am merely a passing custodian of items outside of my nature.Discover a set of practices to aid keeping the mind, body and spirit engaged and strong. Remember practices should support your essence with the activities fitting the needs of the moment. Your life practices will end up being an ever-shifting mix of activities relative to your needs. For example, I practice martial arts to keep my body strong, yoga to make my body subtle, meditation to clear my mind, bike around simply to fly, and poetry as a lens of examination. All these and more are my shifting practices to support my essence, and in doing each, each helps me learn more about myself and the world.Take time, relax and just explore and poke around. Taoism has no plans. Taoism is based on following your gut feelings and trusting your instincts.Its the pause in a breath that each step of living becomes visible for your larger life to improve and follow upon. Smile, when needing to pick a possible next step. To smile is to open possibilities. Breathe when needing a break. Since to breathe is to be at one with yourself. Alternate the two, and your path will become free and clear for an entire lifetime of wonder to explore. While simple, you would be surprised how many people cannot embrace this most basic aspect of Taoist practice! Peo

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Download Article Download Article Taoist meditation is a unique form of meditation that although similar to Buddhism has a far stronger emphasis to energy flow, healing, breathing techniques and visualisations. Taoist practices also have a deep stillness aspect, sometimes to connect with the power of the universe and gain deeper insights into the Tao and enlightenment. This tutorial aims to help you start and develop in Taoist meditation. Imagine a point of energy at your lower dan tian, or in your lower stomach area. This is your centre of gravity and is usually a few inches below your navel or a few inches above your pelvis near the belly button and is the start position. Allow it to expand and contract gently until it is a size that feels right to you. Visualize it glowing with a beautiful colour or a pleasant feeling, and while it is very personal to your character, there is no right or wrong colour at the beginning, as long as it is beautiful to you. Advertisement This is done in a cyclical pattern, typically from the start position at your lower dan tian, then to base of your spine, lower back, upper back, neck, top of the head, forehead, face, neck, heart and back down to your lower dan tian. You may do this in a continuous flow-cycle, or you may stop at each stage as you breathe in, then out, or spend a few minutes at each location and then move on. At each stage, imagine the healing energy from the ball flood that part of your body, releasing any tension or blockages while healing and cleansing the area. You may allow the colour to change if necessary (it often will do this on its own) or it will let you know by not feeling right or complete. Allowing this energy to adapt will give the best benefits and you may change the colour until it does feel right. Different colours have different energies (see below section on colour healing). Ideally, breathe out to expand your lower stomach gently, and breathe in to contract your stomach. This is a natural and not a controlled movement, and is done by filling the whole lungs with air. Ideally keep the tongue in a gentle contact with the roof of the mouth as that acts as an energy conduit. Beginners should start with half a dozen or so cycles, which can be 10 minutes long, but longer practitioners may go for as long as they wish. The longer you practice the more you should let go and allow the energy to move naturally until it forms a complete circuit. Complete the meditation This is done by settling the energy ball back where you started at the lower dantian and allowing the energy to settle there. Allow your heart to be filled. Taoist meditation is a unique form of meditation that although similar to Buddhism has a far stronger emphasis on energy flow, healing, breathing techniques and visualizations. Taoist practices have a deep stillness aspect to connect with the power of the universe and gain deeper insights into the Tao and enlightenment. This tutorial aims to help you start and develop your Taoist meditation. Advertisement Imagine your whole body relaxing and as it relaxes, it turns into cloud, vapor, smoke, mist or energy. You may also generate a pleasant feeling instead if your mind does not easily visualise. It typically retains the same shape as your body, but it doesn't matter if it doesn't. Spend a few minutes allowing the whole body to be consistent - tensions and blockages may express themselves as solids or voids in the mists and movements or currents in the mist often represent energy flow in the body, but can also represent your state of mind and so a busy or anxious state of mind can create turbulent mist. If you wish, you may imagine this cloud or mist draining out of you through your feet while fresh mist is flowing in through your head, flowing just like a gentle river and cleansing, healing and replenishing your entire body. This should be done until it fully clear, but you are still fully aware of the boundary of the energy as your normal space. This

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