Lao Tzu believed that a constant awareness of the patterns in nature will bring us insights into the parallel patterns in human behavior. Much of our energy is wasted in propping up our beliefs, defending them, and convincing others to believe in them so that they may become “permanent.”  Once we understand the folly in this, we gain power by using the evolution in nature to our advantage. We develop vision and we help create the future with the power of our vision. There are two major changes that are necessary; the rise of intellectual independence, which is based on individual experience not doctrine or dogma and the need for simplicity. Simplicity in conduct, beliefs, will bring one close to reality. Fixations and desires create a crisis within the mind, letting go of desires gives a feeling of freedom. Lao Tzu believed that the intuitive knowledge was the purest form of information.

There are 81 passages within the Tao. Here are several examples.

#24……..Those who are on tiptoe cannot stand firm. Those who straddle (hypocritical) cannot walk. Those who display themselves cannot illuminate. Those who define themselves cannot be distinguished. Those who make claims can have no credit. Those who boast cannot advance.

#23……..Those who lack belief will not in turn be believed. What one believes, one becomes. Those that follow the Tao know that heated confrontation does not yield long-term results. Attitudes that are harmonious will have the power to alter reality.

#19……..Perceive purity; Embrace simplicity; Reduce self-interest; Limit desires.

#11……..Take advantage of what is there by making use of what is not. Thirty spokes converge at one hub; what is not there makes the wheel useful. Clay is shaped to form a vessel; what is not there makes the vessel useful. Doors and windows are cut to form a room; what is not there makes the room useful.

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ron winnegrad

Ron Winnegrad has been a Perfumer and teacher for 46 years. As a perfumer, Ron has been able to express the world he sees through a rainbow of olfactive and emotive visions. As a teacher, Ron has helped others to see fragrance through his own multi sensorial lens.