From Newsgroup: alt.philosophy.taoism
eye posted:
Labubu fan posted:
mindset,
especially as ordinary people, will inevitably meet a tragic end.
Ordinary people sounds like a curious mind-set.
Most people are and are not average.
At least it reminds me of the dao.
The dao that are dao, etc.
Reminds me of a saying of those who don't follow Dao.
At least one line in the DDJ, iirc, which may be repeated
in another so-called chapter of a sort.
Chapter 55 is mentioned by a Google-bot.
<< begin quote from a bot >>
In the Dao De Jing, "not following the Dao" means
acting contrary to the natural flow of the universe,
leading to eventual decline and early demise,
as illustrated by the principle
"Whatever is contrary to the Tao ends soon" (Chapter 55)
and the idea that things growing strong (te-ou<)
soon become old (*CU) and "not Dao" (E+ioUo),
thus ending quickly (uu-o+#).
This path of opposition,
driven by desire, force, and ambition, contrasts
with the effortless, yielding harmony of the Dao,
which results in longevity and balance.
Key Concepts: What is "Not Dao"?
Force & Ambition:
Using strength, pride, or deliberate action
(e.g., war, excessive wealth, strict laws) goes against Dao,
causing eventual collapse.
Attachment & Desire:
Focusing on names, distinctions, and worldly achievements
(like glory, sharp swords, or surplus wealth) leads away
from the simple, eternal Dao.
Contrast with Dao:
The Dao is natural, yielding, and returns to simplicity
(the "uncarved block"), while "not Dao" is artificial, forceful,
and seeks permanent gain or power.
Examples of "Not Dao" in the Text
Warfare: "Thorns and weeds grow wherever an army goes,
And lean years follow a great war," showing violence against Dao.
Excessive Governance: "The great Dao is level/easy,
but people prefer small by-ways... [they] wear ornamented robes,
carry sharp swords, eat till satiated, own a surplus of wealth and goods - they are called great robbers. This is contrary to Dao!".
Impulsiveness:
Letting emotions run wild, or becoming "strong,"
leads to being old and "not Dao," ending soon.
The Consequence: "Ends Soon" (uu-o+# - Z|Ao y|E)
When things (or people, or nations) act powerfully
and contrary to the natural way (Dao), they become unbalanced and temporary. This imbalance triggers a reversal, a natural consequence where the
extreme force destroys itself, leading to a swift end, like a whirlwind
not lasting the morning or a rainstorm the day.
<< end of quote from a bot >>
- thanks! aye. Cheers!
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2