A Morning Song from Lao Tzu

When I woke up this morning, I was planning on writing about poetry and had a poem in mind that I had been going back to this past week just because I liked it and what it had to say about life, but then I realized I needed to listen to the nudge I was getting to go to the book shelf and bring down this slim volume entitled, Hua Hu Ching: The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu. It calls out to me occasionally, and, when it does, I know I need to respond. It never fails to provide just the right idea for propelling me forward into the day, allaying any fears or sadness I might be feeling, allowing me to really feel the Oneness that connects me to all things.

I like what Brian Walker, one of several wonderful interpreters of these timeless ideas and the author of this book, has to say about Lao Tzu:  "I have come to think of Lao Tzu less as a man who once lived and more as a song that plays, eternal and abiding."  This was my morning song that led me to "still waters."

The Universe is a vast net of energy rays.
The primary ray is that which emanates from the
   Subtle Origin, and it is entirely positive, creative,
   and constructive.
Each being, however, converts the energy of this
   primary ray into its own ray, and these lower rays
   can be either positive or negative, constructive or 
   destructive.

An individual who is not yet fully evolved can be
   adversely affected by negative energy rays in the net
   around him.
For example, the combined influence of several
   negative rays might cause an undeveloped person to
   believe that his life is being controlled by an
   invisible, oppressive ruler.
Such a misconception can be a significant barrier to
   enlightenment. 

To attain full evolution and the status of an integral
   being, you must be aware of this intricate net and
   its influences upon you.
By integrating the positive, harmonious energy rays
   with the positive elements of your own being, and
   eliminating the subtle negative influences, you can
   enhance all aspects of your life.

In order to eliminate the negative influences, simply
   ignore them.
To integrate the positive influences, consciously
   reconnect yourself with the primary energy ray of 
   the Subtle Origin by adopting the practices of the 
   Integral Way.
Then all the rays in the net around you will merge
   back into harmonious oneness.

Chinese artwork by Wang Qiang and Chen Jun