Living in Peace by Dr. Andre Muhammad

When the Way is lost, war becomes the order of the day for the countries across the globe. For people, a sense of discontentment overwhelms. Unless an individual discovers the more peaceful lifestyle of the Tao Te Ching, he/she will attempt to gauge achievement based on that which has been accumulated. For those who adhere to the Tao Te Ching, true achievement is measured by a healthy degree of inner-peace and happiness.

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!

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!

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!