Tuesday, 14. November 2006
About the Tao

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The thirty spokes unite in the one nave; but it is on the empty
space (for the axle), that the use of the wheel depends. Clay is
fashioned into vessels; but it is on their empty hollowness, that
their use depends. The door and windows are cut out (from the walls)
to form an apartment; but it is on the empty space (within), that its
use depends. Therefore, what has a (positive) existence serves for
profitable adaptation, and what has not that for (actual) usefulness.

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It is much easier to understand the 'Tao Te Ching' if you know a little about of its themes and metaphors. Here are a few of these concepts, some information background information about the Tao, it's influence on culture and its relevance to modern life.

About the Tao: Background Informations & Context

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What is the Tao?

The "Tao" is too great to be described by the name "Tao".
If it could be named so simply, it would not be the eternal Tao.

Heaven and Earth began from the nameless (Tao),
but the multitudes of things around us were created by names.

We desire to understand the world by giving names to the things we see,
but these things are only the effects of something subtle.

When we see beyond the desire to use names,
we can sense the nameless cause of these effects.

The cause and the effects are aspects of the same, one thing.
They are both mysterious and profound.
At their most mysterious and profound point lies the "Gate of the Great Truth".


About the Tao: Read the Tao

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"Heaven and earth are like a set of bellows.
Although empty, they are endlessly productive.
The more you work them, the more they produce.
The mouth, on the other hand, becomes exhausted if you talk too much.
Better to keep your thoughts inside you."

-Lao Tzu


If you sometimes like some "instant inspiration", this is the launch page to view a random quote from Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching. I recommend you read only 1 or 2 at a time and give them some thought. A few of them have additional, explanatory notes, and all of them feature photos of Chinese gardens and temples with Taoist design features.

About the Tao: Tao Quote

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In ancient China, the keeper of the Imperial Library, Lao Tzu, was famous for his wisdom. Perceiving the growing corruption of the government, he left for the countryside. On his way, the guard at the city gates asked Lao Tzu to write out the essence of his understanding to benefit future generations. Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching, left, and was never heard of again.

The Tao Te Ching (also called "The Tao", "The Dao" or the "Dao De Jing"), by Lao Tzu, is one of the most influential books in history. It is the source of famous Chinese sayings such as "Those who know do not speak, those who speak, do not know" and "Even a 1,000 mile journey starts with a single step".

This site includes images and quotes of Lao Tzu as well as explanations of yin & yang, and Taoist philosophy.

About the Tao introduces the Tao to the curious and the serious. (English)

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Category: Philosophy & Metaphysic | Religion & Early Cultures |




Strong Leonid Meteor Shower Expected Nov. 18

If you live in Western Europe or eastern North America, put a big circle on your calendar around Saturday, Nov. 18. If that night is clear, bundle up warmly and head outside because you may be able to catch a glimpse of an intense, albeit brief display of Leonid meteors.

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Leonid fireball on November 18, 1999

The Leonids are composed of the dusty debris that has been shed by the comet Temple-Tuttle, a small celestial body that orbits the Sun at 33-year intervals. In those years during and then for several years after the comet has swept through the inner solar system, it has had a propensity for producing spectacular meteor displays; meteors falling by the hundreds, if not thousands per hour.


These "shooting stars" all apparently emanate from the constellation of Leo, the Lion. Hence the name "Leonids."

Strong Leonid Meteor Shower Expected Nov. 18 by Space.com.
NOTE: Sunday, Nov. 19. for Europe.

See also:
Comets, Meteors & Myth:
New Evidence for Toppled Civilizations and Biblical Tales

A meteor shower is a spectacular sight to see, but what exactly causes it? Though often referred to as a shooting star, a meteor is not a star at all. Meteors are actually fallen debris from a comet.
All About Meteors

A comet is a minor planet made up of rock, dust and ice. It originates from a cloud of debris remaining from the condensation of the solar nebula. Comets are unique because they are created in the outer solar system, and are greatly affected by the planets they pass.
All About Comets

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Comet Liner C2001 A2

Category: Astrology & Astronomy | Events & Meetings |


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