Living Without Difficulty by Dr. Andre Muhammad

It has been more than three years since my last post, but I have thought greatly about my need to continue embracing the philosophies within the Tao and wanted to complete what I had started. This brings me to the 63rd verse of the Tao, where it speaks of the sage taking on challenges while they are still small. The wisdom here appears to be based on the notion that the sage actually becomes great by winning a series of small challenges that are confronted almost immediately. It brings to mind the notion that instead of trying to endure long and arduous undertakings, one should attempt to address what undertakings can be dealt with in the here and now. Subsequently, the mind should focus on the present, deal with what can be dealt with in the present, and avoid the temptation of unnecessarily "thinking big."

The lesson of the 63rd verse becomes do what you can today by breaking down the arduous task into smaller ones. Do not get trapped into the vicious cycle of "analysis of paralysis." Get started on the project that you always wanted to begin by completing today at least what can be done in a day.

"Moved but not Absent" by Rev. Marla C. Hawkins

"They" separated the unlimited, sagacious, academic resources,
That sought only to educate waiting students,
Who eagerly yearned for the blessing of learning.
"They" sought to destroy what the Master had put together,
A connection unlike any other, that proved to allow the disenfranchised to succeed.
Could it be that "They" thought moved meant absent, obliterated?
Let the truth be told.
The connection continues to live on,
In the hearts to whom it was given and
Those who are allowed to taste its victory.
Discipleship though moved is NEVER ABSENT.


Marla C. Hawkins/10-15-10

Dedicated to my friend and colleague, Dr. Andre Muhammad, a treasured gift from God.

The Treasure-house of the Tao by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The 62nd verse of the Tao Te Ching causes the reader to focus on the fact that the best-kept treasure is within the Tao. It instructs us to look beyond the so-called "wickedness" of others and, instead, offer kindness to those individuals by elevating them with our words and deeds. It further instructs us to teach about the principles of Tao, as the Tao has and continues to be the refuge for all.

Modest Way of Living by Dr. Andre Muhammad

There have been several weeks since my last posting, but I must admit that life has continued to teach me more about the importantance of the Tao and how ignoring the wisdom of such can be life-changing and even possibly lead one to a life of despair. To be less cryptic, I was personally given the chance to realize the awesomeness of the Tao, as each and every day its wisdom became even more apparent to me, even as I veered off of its course temporarily. While veering off of its course, it caused me to experience the opposite of what I was experiencing while previously immersing myself within the confines of its principles.

Therefore, I find myself picking up where I left off---that being verse 61 of the Tao Te Ching, a verse which maybe we all can glean some inspiration and wisdom.

Verse 61 of the Tao Te Ching focuses the individual on living a life dedicated to modesty. It takes the opposing view of today's world which encourages all to be at the top, the pinnacle, the champion, the one who must, by all means, stand out in the crowd.

The verse employs us to refrain from a focus of fixed plans and rather allowing the universe to bring into our lives what it so chooses. The verse, particularly at first glance, reminds me of that old Christian adage which says, "Let go, and Let God."

Regardless of whether we realize it or not, the universe is in control. All of our plans amount to a hill of beans, particularly if in fact the universe is not in agreement. Therefore, we should learn to let the universe guide our paths, and we should attempt to live the lives of modest individuals who realize the importance of longevity and inconspicuousness.

Immunized to Evil by Dr. Andre Muhammad

According to the 60th verse of the Tao Te Ching, it is important for people to change the way in which they view evil. In fact, the verse suggests that people acquire an inner awareness so that evil can have no effect. The verse goes on to say that if one is centered in the Way (Tao), which involves refusing to have injurious thoughts directed to one's self and others, then the strength of evil and wickedness will have no power over that individual.

Peace and blessings!

Perfect Harmony by Dr. Andre Muhammad

For the individual who selects the Tao for direction, no harm comes. In life, there are a few people who seemingly can do no wrong. These are the individuals who seem to avoid sickness, poverty, and any other calamities. Perhaps these are the people who are firmly rooted in the Tao.

According to the 55th verse of the Tao Te Ching, this is referred to as "perfect harmony."
To know harmony is know that which is changeless. To know that which is changeless is to have insight. Things rooted in the Tao remain, as those things which are not grow and eventually wither away. Whatever opposes the Tao eventually soon ceases to be.

Peace and blessings!

The Tao and Virtue by Dr. Andre Muhammad

The person who is firmly rooted in the Tao cannot be uprooted. Whoever embraces the Tao will not fall away. As an individual, I must remember to cultivate the self so that virtue can be realized. I must remember to cultivate the family so that virtue overflows. I must remember to cultivate the community so that virtue increases exponentially. I must cultivate the state so that virtue abounds.

Peace and blessings!

Living Honorably with the Tao by Dr. Andre Muhammad

As humans, we know the that the Way (Tao) is best. It is a way of life which is smooth and straight. Unfortunately, some of us elect to contradict this manner of life and, as a result, these few choose devious paths. These devious paths manifest in a myriad of ways, including deceit and greed. Perhaps deceit is why our courts are so corrupt. Perhaps greed is why we have people attempting to acquire so much wealth that they do not know what to do with it. These are just a few examples of how the Way is not followed.

Peace and blessings!

52nd Verse of the Tao by Lao Tzu

In the beginning was the Tao.
All things issue from it;
all things return to it.

To find the origin,
trace back the manifestations.
When you recognize the children
and find the mother,
you will be free of sorrow.

If you close your mind in judgments
and traffic with desires,
your heart will be troubled.
If you keep your mind from judging
and aren't led by the senses,
your heart will find peace.

Seeing into darkness is clarity.
Knowing how to yield is strength.
Use your own light
and return to the source of light.
This is called practicing eternity.

Peace and blessings!

Verse 51 of the Tao by Lao Tzu

All things arise from Tao.
They are nourished by Virtue.
They are formed by matter.
They are shaped by environment.
Thus the ten thousand things all respect Tao and honor Virtue.
Respect of Tao and honor of Virtue are not demanded,
But they are in the nature of things.

Therefore all things arise from Tao.
By Virtue they are nourished,
Developed, cared for,
Sheltered, comforted,
Grown, and protected.
Creating without claiming,
Doing without taking credit,
Guiding without interfering,
This is Primal Virtue.

Peace and blessings!