Tao is for the Wise by Dr. Andre Muhammad

A wise person hears of the Tao and practices it diligently. An average person hears of the Tao and thinks of it occasionally. The foolish person hears of the Tao and laughs aloud. If there were no laughter, the Tao would not be what it is.

Peace and blessings!

Transcending the Ego by Dr. Andre Muhammad

When the human transcends the ego and becomes one with the spirit of the universe, he/she has experienced enlightenment. Most people feel that one must physically die first to achieve such, but the masters know that the real achievement is made when an individual experiences this while living.

The 40th verse, the shortest of all of the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching, suggests that people must return and yield to the Tao. Further, people should realize that they are just one minuscule particle of countless particles that make up the universe. For one to truly realize his/her destiny, he/she must jettison the ego and return to the spirit. More specifically, the individual must realize that the ego is responsible for nothing and that it is the Tao that creates. The Supreme Being is responsible for everything in the world of being, and it manifested from a world of triple-stage darkness, a place of nonbeing and/or spirit alone. If one is to achieve this degree of transcendence, he/she must be willing to yield to the Tao.

Peace and blessings!

Loftiness is not the Way by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The 39th Verse of the Tao Te Ching suggests that when humans interfere with the intelligence of the universe (Tao), the sky becomes filthy, the earth becomes depleted, the equilibrium crumbles, and creatures become extinct. All of these factors are indicative that the human family has found a way to go contrary to the innate nature and manner of living that has been intended. Moreover, instead of living and being rooted in humility, loftiness becomes the order of the day. When one seeks loftiness, he/she discards that which appears to have no particular or immediate use and, as a result, the individual is able to render certain things as unimportant.

When nobility and humility is lost, there is no regard for that which is truly life-giving; rather, individuals become concerned with the needs of the ego and this, in turns, leads to eventual destruction of the self. Though the ego is a part of the self, it rarely elects to be satisfied by that which is truly eternal---love, joy, happiness. The ego becomes that force that causes humans to seek gratification, usually on a material level, and subjugate other people and things beneath the individual. This lack of regard is what eventually leads to the filthy skies, depleted resources, and extinct creatures. This lifestyle of loftiness is that which causes the individual to lose touch with his/her intricate purpose and, eventually, this causes the individual to lose sight of his/her role as a noble and humble element of the universe.

To be Good or Not by Dr. Andre Muhammad

After watching a debate between two presidential candidates tonight, the meaning of the 38th verse of the Tao Te Ching became very apparent. In this verse, it states that a good man is not aware of his goodness and, thus, this is what makes him good. It goes on to state that a foolish man tries to be good and, thus, this is what makes him not good.

After giving this presidential debate and others like it some serious consideration, I find that all political candidates attempt to appear good in the eyes of the public. Each one does his/her best to prove that he/she is in fact better than the other candidate. To me, one who is trying to understand what enlightenment is all about, I see that the political process is an antithesis to the teachings of the Tao Te Ching. According to the Tao, the great master is one who follows his own nature and avoids the trappings of life. He/she gravitates toward the fruit and avoids the fluff. He/she stays with what is firm and avoids the flimsy. He/she stays with what is true and avoids what is false.

Now, with this said, is there any wonder why so many registered voters tend not to vote on election day?

Peace and blessings!

The Anchor of the Universe by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the 37th verse of the Tao Te Ching, the intelligence behind the universe does nothing, but it leaves nothing undone. Further, the verse implies that if powerful men of the world were centered or firmly grounded in such intelligence, the entire globe would be transformed into one which operates in its own natural rhythm.

The premise behind this notion rests in the fact that when false pretenses are removed, and when life is simplistic, the quintessential nature of people is made manifest. The nature of humanity is calmness, and when such calmness exist, the world will straighten itself. When humans of the world come to understand the importance of silence, that will be the time in which individuals come to find themselves as the anchors of the universe.

Peace and blessings!

Is Number 1 the Highest Rank? by Dr. Andre Muhammad

From an early age, most of us are taught to become the best that we can be. Whether it is to achieve that champsionship title in a sport or achieve the valedictorian status of a graduating class, most of us have been taught to become "numero uno." As a result of our qwest to become such, we often stress ourselves to achieve what is highly limited and coveted. The downside of such a notion is that there is only one number one spot. What happens to all of those who fall short of number one? In general, those who fall short are those who eventually lick their wounds and continue to reach for that ever elusive number one spot. From last place to first place, and all positions in between, this continual process of achieving the most coveted position is, for the most part, our motif operandi, and we apparently are willing to pay a significant price for achieving or failing to achieve such. The price we pay many times impacts us mentally, spiritually, and physically and we, as a result, rarely come to understand the systemic cause for our disease and discontentment.

When an individual rexamines his/her position in the grand scheme of things, the enlightened one will arrive at a position, for lack of a better phrase, that is even more loftier than number one. That position is the mindset in which all competition is in fact removed for all intents and purposes, so that the individual finds him/herself in a mental state in which there is a new criteria for ranking, one in which the human soul encounters a quiet strenght that enables him/her to demonstrate a degree of longevity that far exceeds those who base their existence on strength and the security of rankings and status.

For one to celebrate what it means to be number one, he/she must have experienced what it was like to have been to be other than that. For one to understand what it means to be strong, he/she must have experienced what is was to be weak. The wise one understands this subtle discernment and, subsequently, subscribes to a notion of oneness of all ranks.

Peace and blessings!

Living Beyond the Worldly Pleasures by Dr. Andre Muhammad

If one were to take deep and critical look at today's society, one would have to concede that it is based primarily on the aspect of seeking and obtaining worldly pleasures. In most cases, what people have determined as pleasurable is truly temporal. Nonetheless, this degree of temporary pleasure is what has caused many of us to suffer mentally, physically, and spiritually. These various degrees of unease have manifested as a result of allowing that which we have considered as pleasurable by becoming that which rules our lives.

The enlightened individual considers the enduring pleasures of the Tao (the Way). Perhaps this position is taken as the enlightened one is he/she who has come to understand the countless blessings that are automatically given to an individual at birth. These countless blessings come in the forms of joy, happiness, and other aspects of spiritual pleasures that far exceed the limited forms of worldly pleasures that keep most trapped and dependent upon that which is, for all intents and purposes, bland and insipid.

The Way is Great by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The Way is broad, and it encompasses all. All things depend upon it, yet it claims no authority or demands no merit. It clothes and feeds all, yet it does not claim to be the master of anything. The Way has no desire, so it can be perceived as small, yet because it is the substance to which all things depend, it is in fact great. Because the Way does not attempt to be great, it succeeds in being great without any effort.

Peace and blessings!

Understanding Self by Dr. Andre Muhammad

When a person understands others, he/she is considered as having knowledge. When a person understands him/herself, he/she has wisdom. According to the 33rd verse of the Tao Te Ching, mastering others requires force. On the other hand, however, when one masters self, this individual must have strength.

When a person realizes that what he/she has enough, this person will come to know that he/she is truly rich. One who lives by the Tao surely endures.

Peace and blessings!

Going with the Flow by Dr. Andre Muhammad

If we were all in accord with the Tao, there would be no need for conflict, wars, and famine. The 32nd verse of the Tao Te Ching causes one to examine the degree to which the physical existence is in harmony with that of the Tao (the Way). This verse further invites the individual to ride with the flow of the universe and view it as an ally as opposed to an enemy. It is obvious that we encounter conflict when we fail to allow ourselves to come in harmony with our Source.

On some occasions, flowing with the Source might have one to pay close attention to the winds of change that may be blowing directly in one's life. These winds of change may manifest as any change that directs or causes one to make a switch from that which is routine or ordinary. As a result, following the flow of energy may involve the individual in making a change and following a direct calling that has been destined. Can people miss their calling? The answer to this question must be emphatically yes, as people not in tune with the Source may not necessarily be in a position to benefit from the flow of the Tao.

Thus, it is important that we embrace the flow of the Tao. More specifically, it is important that people see the importance of sometimes surrendering their own independent wills to the great will of the universe. In order to do this, the individual may need to become an empty vessel that allows him/herself to become full with the energy of the Tao.

Peace and blessings!

Verse 31 of Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

It is because arms are instruments of ill omen and there are Things that detest them that one who has the way does not abide by their use.
The gentleman gives precedence to the left when at home, but to the right when he goes to war. Arms are instruments of ill omen, not the instruments of the gentleman. When one is compelled to use them, it is best to do so without relish. There is no glory in victory, and to glorify it despite this is to exult in the killing of men. One who exults in the killing of men will never have his way in the empire.
On occasions of rejoicing precedence is given to the left; on occasions of mourning precedence is given to the right. A lieutenant's place is on the left; the general's place is on the right. This means that it is mourning rites that are observed.
When great numbers of people are killed, one should weep over them with sorrow. When victorious in war, one should observe the rites of mourning.

Achieving Results Without Force by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Rulers should be encouraged not use force as a means of conquering the universe, as this only results in a means of resistance and opposition. In verse of 30 of the Tao Te Ching, adherents are reminded that only thorn bushes grow in the places in which armies have passed and, subsequently, only tough times remain in the wake of great wars.

Humans are encouraged to do what needs to be done while avoiding the temptation to use power as a means achieving desired results.

It is natural for the human to achieve results, but he/she must not seek to be glorified in doing such. Moreover, the human should feel no need to boast or be proud in achieving results.

Violence and force is not the proper means of achieving results, as the individual who uses such is eventually weakened as a result of such actions and, as a result of going against the Way, must eventually meet with an early end.

Peace and blessings!

Commentary on Verse 29 by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the 29th verse of the Tao Te Ching, the more boastful and arrogant a person is, the more likely this individual feels insecure. The boasting and the arrogance is often used as a defense mechanism of counteracting the feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Consequently, this is the reason why bullies often tend to try to use intimidation against the seemingly weak, as it enables the bully to experience a sense a self-worth which, many times, unfortunately, is at the expense of others.

People who follow the Way are not of those who seek to intimidate or show how mighty they are. Instead, people of the Way know how to handle and complete their challenges. Without boasting, showing arrogance, or using intimidation, people of the Way are able to bring their confrontations to an early conclusion, whereas people who do not follow the Way meet their early end.

Peace and blessings!

Not to Control by Dr. Andre Muhammad

One who attempts to control the universe is one who is destined to fail. Each and every creature of the universe has its own and unique destiny, and no one can interfere. No matter how much one might feel the need to control various situations, the result will always be in favor of the universe.

It is better for humans to allow their lives to unfold naturally, as it too is a vessel that is in movement toward perfection. As a result, it is a specific time to be ahead and a time to be behind. There is a time to be in motion and a time to be at rest. There is a time for be vigorous, and there is a time for being exhausted. Last, there is a time for being safe, and there is a time for being dangerous.

To the sage, excessiveness, extravagance, and the extreme are not paths to perfection.

Peace and blessings!

The Valley by Dr. Andre Muhammad

We should realize the importance of knowing opposites. A healthy knowledge of two seemingly opposite positions gives one a broader understanding of the whole. As with the mountain and the valley, there is a mountain top and a valley. When one achieves a lofty position, he/she may feel that he/she has made to the top of the mountain. Yet, when a person is considered at his/her lowest point, they are considered to be in the lowest valley.

In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu recommends identifying with the valley on a regular basis. This predisposition may be the result of Lao Tzu recognizing the safety that is provided at the base of the mountain as compared to the uncertainty of the mountain top. Though the view can be extravagant at the mountain top, it can also be very unsafe, as it is perceived as the highest point. When analyzing the highest point of the mountain top, there is no place to go but down. Perhaps this is wisdom for a society in which everyone strives to be and come out on top.

Peace and blessings!

The Wise One by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The wise one is the knower of truth. This individual is able to travel without leaving a trace and speak without causing harm. Additionally, the wise one finds him/herself able to give without keeping an account, as he/she is willing to help all beings impartially.

The wise one follows the light, and he/she never waste opportunities. Certainly, the light represents knowledge, and it is the duty of the enlightened one to teach to all, abandoning none. The teaching here may not always come in words, but it may come in actions and deeds, as the best lessons are sometimes learned without words.

The teacher must be respected, and the student must be given care. Confusion arises if the aforementioned is not taken into account. This is the great secret.

Peace and blessings!

The Calmness Within by Erna Muhammad

The enlightened one is still and calm like water. The one who remains calm during challenging times is the master of turbulence, as she does not allow others to disturb her state-of-being.

Understanding success is to be centered at all times. As a result, this individual is not influenced easily by outside forces.

Why should one who is calm and centered be swayed easily? Regardless of what is going on around you, an enlightened one should have the ability to stay calm and maintain a peaceful disposition during times of chaos. When a person maintains a peaceful and poised disposition, she does not allow disturbance to interfere with her life.

Remaining in touch with one's inner-self to me means choosing not to let others disrupt the calm, center of myself.

Love, peace, and blessings!

The Greatness Within by Dr. Andre Muhammad

As one reads the verses of the Tao, there is a message which resonates continually. The notion that is referred to is that there existed a formless and perfect existence which was here before the universe was born. According to the 25th verse of the Tao, this existence is serene, empty, solitary, and unchanging. Moreover, this existence is described as infinite, eternally present, and the Mother of the universe. As one continues to read, he/she will eventually arrive at the fact that this, for lack of a better word, is called Tao.

Tao is great, boundless, eternally flowing, and always returning. This is why it is important that as humans we come to understand the greatness of the Tao (the Way) so that we can also recognize the greatness within the heavens, earth, and people.

Thus, when we come to know humanity, we have come to learn the heavens and the earth. When we understand this, we come to know the Way, and we understand the greatness within ourselves.

Peace and blessings!

The Natural Approach by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The 24th verse of the Tao Te Ching opens with the fact that when an individual tiptoes, he cannot stand; when an individual strides, he cannot walk. It is interesting to note that when an individual finds him/herself on the tip of one's toes, it is usually because that individual is trying to stand taller. The Tao instructs the human family to learn the art of acceptance and, accordingly, people are dissuaded from trying to be something other than what nature has intended for the person. Perhaps the human is predisposed to the attempt of standing taller. Perhaps "standing taller" is a symbol for an individual trying to become something bigger than they are at the moment. Is there anything wrong with this? Perhaps there is not. Certainly growth is something that each of us should make; however, each individual undergoes growth as a part of the life process. This means that there is no real need for us to tip toe, as this is not the the natural posture for the human and nature automatically provides us with our height and our ability to grow.

Additionally, the 24th verse discusses the notion that when an individual strides, the individual does not walk. Walking is the natural approach to arriving at one place or another. When a person is seen running, he or she is considered either late or in a rush to get where he or she is going. In many instances, it is only when a person walks that he or she is afforded the opportunity to see things that may have been missed if the person was late or either in a rush. Further, when an individual is seen running, that individual stands out from the rest of the group. Standing out or not being inconspicuous is not the way of the sage, as the sage understands the importance of remaining obscure. Even more, the sage understands the importance of not attempting to brag or boast, as he or she understands that the consequence of such actions lead to the opposite of endurance and/or longevity.

Peace and blessings!

Silence and Reflection by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the 23rd verse of the Tao, to use words rarely is to be natural. The implication here is that people should probably spend more time in a quiet and reflective mood as compared to a very active and locquatious manner.

In the 23rd verse of the Tao Te Ching, readers are reminded of the fact that even the winds, which are produced by the universe, are not intended to blow forever. Thus, the ceasing of the winds could possibly serve as a sign about the ceasing of our own talking. As a result of the 23rd verse, inner-reflection and self-examination should be our personal focus, as these two things are what enables us to become connected with the great power within.

When we connect to the power within, we will experience being embraced by the Tao (the way). Likewise, those who work against "the way" are those who conform to loss.

Peace and blessings!

The Way of the Sage by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The way of the sage is the focus of verse 22 of the Tao Te Ching. According to this verse, the sage is one who remains inconspicious. This individual attempts to avoid the limelight at all costs. Instead of seeking fame and notoriety, this one seeks to remain obscure. This individual avoids trying to be considered "right" on subject matter and, as a result, he/she is considered illustrious. The sage is not boastful and, as a result, he/she is viewed as a person with merit. Again, this individual avoids bragging about anything and, as a result, he/she endures.

Because of the fact that the sage refuses to contend with anyone, no one contends with him/her. Consequently, when no one contends with the individual, the individual strengthens his/her opportunity for longevity.

Peace and blessings!

Achieving Real Success and Contentment by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Each and everyone of us are given the opportunity to experience creation. Creation is magnificent, yet we are often inclined to look pass that which has been given to us automatically so that we can focus on obtaining various things which can, at times, be somewhat materialistic. According the to the 21st verse of the Tao, we should avoid overly seeking such material things as money, wealth, accomplishments, acquisitions, and fame and, instead, concentrate on the nameless, formless force within each of us.

Focusing on that which is within instead of that which is outside of ourselves is certainly a significant paradigm shift. Today's capitalistic society makes it difficult to shun the notion of materialism and, thus, renders a majority of us to what Lao Tzu has referred to as "the chase." "The chase" is never ending. No matter what we achieve in attainment of wealth, fame, accomplishments, and acquisitions, it is never enough. This continual process of seeking that which is outside of ourselves is what renders many of us incapable of achieving real success and contentment. The real success and achievement involves becoming at one with the Tao and recognizing the greatness that already exist within.

Peace and blessings!

The Highly Regarded by Dr. Andre Muhammad

What is the difference between yes or no? What is the difference between good and evil? Perhaps there are some among us who understand that there might not be a huge disparity. That which is considered "good" may not be necessarily so, as that which is considered "evil" may not be necessarily so either.

If we look at it on the surface level, people, for the most part, have the propensity for viewing themselves as "clear,""good," and "right." No matter how one looks at it, a majority of us would like to be held with high regard. Yet, the sage, however, is one that is able to view him/herself in an opposite manner. In fact, the sage views him/herself as foolish, uncouth, and muddled. This viewpoint could be held as a result of the sage seeing the importance of holding him/herself in the opposite self-perception of "high regard."

Now, at first glance, it easy to understand why people might not accept this notion. It is not common for members of today's society to take such a low position of themselves; however, previous teachings from the Tao suggest that we, like the water that runs in the valley, should seek to take a position that is low and close to the lowest point of the earth. By taking a lower position, the individual diminishes the opportunity to be degraded.

Peace and blessings!

Holiness is Overrated by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the 19th verse of the Tao Te Ching, it is better for one to realize one's potential than for one to be "sanctified" or "holy." Someone who lives a life of piousness and/or love has no need for ethical teachings.

When the notions of cleverness, capitalism, and greed are renounced, the thief disappears. Yet, the notions of ethics, kindness, and wisdom are in themselves insufficient.

It is better for a person to realize and see the simplicity in raw silk and an uncarved block. It is far better to be at one with the Tao, developing selflessness, tempering desires and wishes, but thinking and demonstrating compassion.

Peace and blessings!

A Commentary on the 18th Verse of the Tao by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The way of the universe (Tao) is forgotten when individuals resort to idealized notions on how to conduct life. Because many of us only seek to live life on top, we can easily forget what it is like to live life from the opposite perspective. The sage understands that idealism rejects the opposing viewpoint or the opposite polarity leads one to misunderstand the way of the universe. Again, according to the previous teachings, it appears that the better position is an understanding that the top cannot exist if a bottom is not present.

Peace and blessings!

The Enlightened Leader by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the 17th verse of the Tao Te Ching, there are four types of leaders. First, there is the type of leader that hardly anyone knows exist. Lao Tzu refers to this leader as "great," as very few people are able to perceive his/her presence. Second, Lao Tzu makes reference to the leader who the people love and praise. Perhaps, unlike the unnoticed leader, he/she makes it a point for the people to see the leader fully engaged and, as a result, the people may feel dependent on this type of leader. Third, reference is made to the type of leader that is feared by people. Unfortunately, this type of leader is more likely to use force and power as a means of subduing the public. Last, Lao Tzu discusses the leader who is despised and, eventually, defied. The verse elaborates on the fact that when leaders trust no one, no one will trust them.

On the other hand, the great leader is one who speaks very little. More specifically, when this great leader speaks, he or she never speaks carelessly. Even more, the great leader works without self-interest and, in addition, he/she does not leave traces of the work that has been done. Perhaps no traces are left so that when all is completed, the people will say, "We did it ourselves."

Peace and blessings!