Understanding Constancy by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Each and every day there are beginnings and endings. These beginnings and endings take place simultaneously, as the astute observer notices. Perhaps in order to become the astute observer, one must become totally void of the tugs and pulls from the experience of life. Though these tugs and pulls can be symbolic to countless things, they usually involve those things which impede the human soul from being at peace. Just as in previous verses of the Tao, the enlightened one must jettison these obstacles and become an empty vessel. Upon becoming the empty vessel, the invidual is in a position to be at peace with his/her surroundings, observe, and understand the enduring nature of things.

When the individual becomes the empty vessel, he or she experiences peace. Further, when the individual experiences peace, he or she is fulfilling the destiny of the soul. The fulfillment of the soul is constant, and to know this constancy is called insight.

One must know the constant in order to gain perspective. The perspective is to be impartial, and the impartiality of the individual is nobility. Subsequently, the highest degree of nobility is Divine. When the invidual has reached the highest stage of nobility, he/she will be at one with the Tao. Being at one with Tao is eternal, and the physical aspect of death has no influence upon the everlasting way, as it is constant.

Peace and blessings!

Characteristics of a Sage by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The 15th verse of the Tao Te Ching examines the characteristics of the sage. In doing so, Lao Tzu explains the great depth and profoundess of the sages. In fact, Lao Tzu suggests that since the wisdom of these enlightened masters was so extensive, he, rather than to elaborate on their wisdom, examines their actions.

Observation of these sages demonstrate that they were very watchful individuals. They were alert, particularly against situations of danger. They are described as living their lives as courteous beings, particularly as if they were visiting guests. They were considered as yielding inviduals, and their behavior was similar to ice which was about to melt. Further, these sages were considered to live their lives in a simple manner, who were as hollow as caves and as opaque as muddy pools.

According to Lao Tzu, the sage is consistent, and he/she avoids seeking fulfillment, as he/she does not possess a desire to change.

Peace and blessings!

Living Beyond Form by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the 14th verse of the Tao Te Ching, that which cannot be seen is called "the invisible." That which cannot be heard is called "the inaudible." Additionally, that which cannot be held is called "the intangible." If one were really to examine these three things, he/she would come to the conclusion that these things cannot be defined. Moreover, an aware individual would have to conclude that these three are even best merged as one, as it is only by intuition that you perceive them.

The sage not only perceives these three things, he/she becomes the invisible, inaudible, and the intangible. Again, the sage concentrates on cultivation of the inner self, allowing his/her will to come into the harmony and onesness of the universe.

Peace and blessings!

The Independent Mind by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The 13th verse of the Tao Te Ching begins with the admonition that high status creates a degree of contention. Even more, we are reminded that seeking high status or favor among people is degrading, particularly as it can be a disturbance upon acquiring it and losing it. Thus, people should be encouraged to have an independent mind, not one in which actions or nonactions are predicated on an acceptance of others.

The 13th passage reminds us that, as humans, we have various selves. Resultingly, these selves, if not brought into balance, is what creates the disturbance within. Consequently, people feel that I am this body and will soon die, not being cognizant of the fact that the eternal self is enduring and, like the universe, it continues. Lao Tzu asks the question, "If we have no body, what calamities can we have?" In contemplating this question, I surmise that more of our personal resources need to be directed to the cultivation of this inner self and mind. Though the body returns back to the earth, it is the mind of humans, if properly cultivated, that endures.

The mind is responsible for all that we see, touch, taste, and smell. Why then do we not focus on the cultivation of our independent minds? As humans, there should be a connection to all things, and once we see and understand this connection, we may see that we are to be the guardians and teachers of the world.

Peace and blessings!

Inner Peace and Conviction by Dr. Andre Muhammad

In the 12th verse of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu elaborates on fact that humans often tend to rely too much on the five human senses. More pointedly, humans tend to allow the majority of their attention to be given to the experiences and pleasures of these five senses as compared to focusing on the experiences and pleasures of the inner soul. Consequently, an overemphasis on the five senses results in people becoming trapped in an illusionary world, as material matter comes and goes.

Further, we should understand that the material world, as majestic as it may appear, is only the creation. A deeper and possibly much more rewarding experience would be to attempt to contemplate the creator behind that which has been created.

On another note, the Tao reminds us that overreliance on sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing causes one to become trapped in what Lao-Tzu refers to as "the chase." "The chase" is what has most denizens of the planet unhappy and unable to obtain the contentment which many proclaim that they seek. The constant chase to obtain more and more is perpetual in that particpants are rarely able to achieve a degree of satisfaction.

In fact, the few who are able to obtain a substantive degree of contentment are those who have been able to transcend the domain of the five senses and, instead, lock into cultivation of the inner soul and conviction.

Peace and blessings!

The Empty Vessel by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The 11th verse of Tao Te Ching prompts readers to understand the importance of emptiness. Examples from this verse include the empty space of a vessel and the empty space of a room. According to the text, it is not so much the outer appearance of the vessel and room that makes the difference; rather, it is the empty space contained within that allows for the usefulness of these two items. Further, it is the empty space within these items that allows each of these to become even more than what they are initially perceived to be.

Therefore, the nothingness creates a world of unlimited possibilities, as vessels and rooms can contain countless things. Again, what is especially unique is that these items can be emptied repeatedly. Perhaps the empty vessels and rooms mentioned within the verse refer to how we should become. Perhaps we, like the vessels and rooms, should allow ourselves to contain various matters that augment or compliment our physical composition, yet we should not become consumed with any matter for any extended period.

Taking a closer look at the symbolism of the empty vessel and room should have us come to understand our vital essence.

Peace and blessings!

Let the Soul Lead by Dr. Andre Muhammad

In verse ten of the Tao Te Ching, adherents are directed to embrace the soul within. Further, we are directed to cleanse and purify our inner perception so that it may be clear and without flaws. On a deeper level, this purification of the inner perception could mean that I need to give up the idea of who I thought I was so that I can become the person that I am meant to be. The purpose for doing such might center around the fact that we, as humans, should learn to get out of our own way and let the soul within us lead.

Somewhere along the way, I have heard that if we get out of our own way, good things can happen. Perhaps it is our own flawed perception, as suggested in verse ten, that disables us and renders us incapable, in many instances, from allowing the universe to direct our course. Perhaps the course in which our society today finds itself is evidence of a population that has gone contrary to this principle.

This notion of letting the universe direct us is what is referred to as the harminozation of our will with nature's will. Perhaps when people around the globe are able to see the value in such, it may make our planet a better place in which to dwell.

Peace and blessings!

The Inconspicuous Life by Dr. Andre Muhammad

As with the previous verse of the Tao, verse nine refocuses our attention to the concept of humilty and inconspicuousness. In fact, verse nine elaborates on the pitfalls of going above and beyond, storing up and claiming huge amounts of material treasures within our places of abode, and/or claiming particular titles. According to this portion of Tao, these actions will eventually lead to disaster.

Instead, humans must constantly reflect on their humility and inconspicuousness. If each of us were to conduct ourselves in this manner, just think of the world that it would be. More than likely, perhaps we would be hard pressed to find the animosity and disparity that exists among people.

Peace and blessings!

Humility by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The eighth verse of the Tao haves us to focus on the issue of humility. Examing this verse much closer, it causes the reader to examine the flow of water particularly. Water, as we already know, is that which all living things depend. An even closer examination of water causes us to look particularly as it behaves, as it tends to flow in such a manner that it reaches the lowest part of the earth, where it then settles. Though water is magnificent, it chooses to rest in the lowest valleys. This could possibly mean that we, as humans, should go about our existence in a very humble manner. No matter how magnificent we perceive ourselves to be, we should, perhaps, flow like water.

Happy 70th birthday, Mom (Betty L. Freeman)! Though you returned to the essence four years ago, you are still the most vivid example of humility!

Peace and blessings!

Doing for Others by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the seventh verse of the Tao, we are again reminded that heaven and earth are eternal. More specifically, we are told that heaven and earth endure, particularly as they both live for something beyond themselves. The something beyond themselves could refer to the fact that their purpose is to provide for the living. Thus, the notion is that by providing for the living, heaven and earth's durability continues infinitely.

The implication for humans is that they too should seek to provide for those who are living. Moreover, humans should challenge themselves to think and do for others before thinking and doing for self. By doing this, humans automatically endure.

The sage is one who knows and lives by this precept. As a result of the sage putting the needs of others first, he/she ends up ahead. Again, we must be like the sage, always remaining a witness to life and serving the needs of others.

Peace and blessings!

The Eternal Principle by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The universe is eternal and , with a deep contemplation, the human soul should realize that it too is eternal. The universe never wears out with use and neither should the essence of an individual. For the enlightened one, he/she realizes that this energy constantly surrounds him/her and, more importantly, understands that the creation does nothing but bear witness to its eternal existence.

Like the Tao, humans should also be creative. Further, the human's creativity should never cease, as it should be as eternal as the Tao.

Yet, something tells me that in order for one to be eternally creative, he/she must be willing to clear his/her mind and become in tune to with the essence. The essence of the universe is vast, but its identity remains intact. Therefore, I must truly listen to the essence, for it gives birth to all that we see and hear.

Peace and blessings!

The Impartial One by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The Tao is most characteristic of what impartiality is. It does not provide fresh air to some and withhold fresh air from others. It does not provide water to some and withhold water from others. Indeed the Tao is most representative of the notion of impartiality.

Yet as humans, we tend to be the opposite. We tend to favor certain people because of various things, wealth, physical appearance, kinship perhaps. According to the fifth verse of the Tao, we are to be impartial to all which exists. Our thoughts and our behaviors are to be impartial, and we ought to be willing to offer our perceived treasures to all, as like the Tao, we should withhold absolutely nothing.

Perhaps this is what is meant by the biblical principle of "None suffer lack." Perhaps such a notion is what would render our nefarious present socio-economic condition virtually harmless and, after a period of sustained follow through, would lead to the collapse of such a power structure.

Peace and blessings!

Perspective of Infinity by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Approximately three hours from now, the president of the United States will be attempting to offer a plan for stimulating the weak economy and possibly staving off what many economist have been predicting---a recession. Consequently, the initial thought that comes to mind is, Does this person think that he can supply or release to the nation what the universe has already made available---an infinite abundance? The next question to ponder is, Why are most people of the planet suffering from an apparent lack of such abundance? Is it because a few, seemingly wealthy individuals have made the attempt to keep an inordinate amount of the world's resources from the masses? Is it because the masses, like in Rhonda Byrne's tome, have been denied "the secret" and the knowledge of obtaining abundance? Perhaps there is a secret behind the secret. Perhaps there are more questions, and perhaps the truth lies in all of these notions.

In the fourth verse of the Tao, it suggests that the Tao is bottomless. The verse continues to imply that it is what has the abilty to make the rough edges smooth, the twisted knots loose, and the unseen present. The Tao is boundless, and the source of such vastness is the secret that all must come to recognize and understand. When we arrive at this conclusion, we recognize that the answer to our own socio-economic problem does not remain in the hands of any one individual, as the answer, instead, remains within.

Therefore, my personal assignment is to find the answers to the aforementioned. Perhaps readers of this manuscript will do the same.

Peace and blessings!

Living in a Content Manner by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Now, before I begin with the wisdom of the third verse of the Tao, I must discuss my personal background. I am from that generation, X is what the social scientists have labeled it, that has been all about the money. It wasn't too long ago that I can remember the poets, Wu Tang Clan saying,"Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M, get the money, dollar, dollar bills yall." To me, that poem became the anthem for all those who were of my generation and, as quiet as kept, it remains that today.

On the other hand, the third verse of the Tao suggests that we should avoid placing too much value on status or material wealth (so those who know me, you knew what I was thinking right?). Well, initially, I was thinking that this would be somewhat difficult for me, as for the past several years I have participated in a frenzied attempt to generate and build as much capital as possible. Needless to say, when I approached this verse it caused me to rethink my approach. When I read the verse once more, I felt that it was not so diametrically opposed to the concept of generating and building wealth as it was to the notion of placing so much value on wealth and status. The insatiable desire to gain status is what apparently leads one to become discontent. With overemphasis on status and wealth, it will constantly cause the individual to feel as if he/she does not have enough. As Dr. Wayne Dyer teaches, this type of mindset causes the individual to feel as though he/she will need to constantly chase the dollars and, as more is gained, this insatiable desire never abates.

On the flip side, according to the Tao, it is the flaunting of such status and wealth which creates discontent in the minds and the hearts of onlookers. Unfortunately, we have become a society
that is constantly bombarded with the inordinate amount of wealth and status of a few. Whether it manifests from the television shows "MTV Cribs" or "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," observers get their fair share of what I refer to as "inyourfacism," a more recent phenomenon which is best defined as having one with material riches boastfully displaying his/her wealth in the face of others.

Therefore, the person who is content has learned to approach life from the standpoint that what the universe has granted is sufficient. Personally, I don't believe the verse is saying that we should not strive to improve our economic condition but, rather, we should approach our life from a content manner and allow ourselves to become in sync with the universe and know that our basic needs will be met.

Peace and blessings!

The Oneness of Paradox by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The second verse of the Tao gives one more to contemplate, particularly as the adherent must now ponder the reality of the polarity that exists within the universe. Further, the adherent must grasp the notion that the schism that exist within the universe is of one, and its purpose for being is absolute and quintessential to understanding the wellbeing and balance of that which is.

Subsequently, the question that comes to mind here is, How should one view paradox? This question is particularly necessary, as humans demonstrate the propensity to see right versus wrong, good versus bad, beautiful versus ugly, positive versus negative. Thus, it is important for us to understand the oneness of all that the universe has to offer, and each degree of perceived difference is necessary and justifiable.

Another portion of verse two encourages the reader to see the virtue in silence. Now, because of the fact that the topic of silence is broached within the same verse, perhaps we are not to elaborate on the perceived differences that exist but, rather, we should remain silent and embrace the perceived diveristy as a gift of the boundless universe.

Peace and blessings!

The Way is Nameless by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Verse one of the Tao suggests, "The Way is nameless." From a timely perspective, this principle stands out, as it is an election Tuesday in America, a day in which candidates from the two major political parties are vying for the votes of its citizenry. As our society has done with most things, our scholars, intelligentsia if you will, have attempted to define the inexplicable by categorizing it based on names or labels. Republicans, Democrats, moderates, liberals, progressives are just some of the categories that have been established to make people rest assure that these candidates share the same values. Yet greater questions loom. Do these candidates actually stand for the same values as me? Are they actually committed to such things as an adequate healthcare for all, improved public schools with satisfied teachers, and a world in which we can in all live together in peace? With all due respect, I would be interested in knowing what do the scholars call this? Can they give a label to peace across the globe, a robust economy, and hope for the future? I ask this question in view of the notion, "The Way is nameless." Let us remember this as we journey.

Peace and blessings!

Tao 4 Life: An Introduction by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Several months ago, while browsing at a local Barnes and Noble for a good self-improvement book, I came across one which dealt with the issue of Taoism. Though I was vaguely familiar with the topic, I was well pleased with the fact that Taoism could be practiced by everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. This interested me greatly and, as a result, I decided to purchase the book and read more concerning the topic.

While reading, I came to understand that the term "Tao" translates in "The way of nature." Simply put, Tao is simply the way and order of the Universe.

Lao Tsu (Lao Tzu, Lao Zi) taught that the wisest approach was a way of ‘non struggle action’ ("Wuwei"or "wu wei") – not inaction but rather a harmonization of one’s personal will with the natural harmony and justice of Nature. ‘The World is ruled by letting things take their natural course. It cannot be ruled by going against nature or arrogance.’ (Tao Te Ching; Verse 48). It also means that the individual should do things natural to tao and appropriate to do in his/her circumstances, thus serving as an instrument of the Law rather than doing the things as individuals. That is why no one should take any credit for things done. Nature is stabilized by order, and humans along with all other natural phenomena exist within nature. Attempting to force one's own path is arrogant, futile and self-destructive.

The Tao, as we know it, consists of 81 verses. Therefore, this blog will attempt to share with readers how these 81 principles are being implemented by me. I will attempt to offer some insight into the 81 principles and how I have made the attempt to incorporate each into my daily living. Perhaps, eventually, I will include other materials that relate to how issues of the day can be perceived through the application of the Tao.

Moreover, I look for readers to share their insights concerning Tao-related issues discussed within this site.

Peace and blessings!