Lao Tzu...teachings for turbulent times. TAO!

A few months ago - after a lecture I gave at the Young Buddhist Center on the sacred "Four Noble Truths" - a Zen teacher struck up a conversation with me.

"Your teachings reminded me of Lao Tzu," he noted excitedly.

Not surprisingly, since the Master greatly influenced my spiritual outlook on life.

Lao Tzu was born September 14th (604 B.C.) in the village of Ch'u Jen.

He was the author of many great teachings on TAO, the most widely read scriptures in the Eastern World.

His concepts like - "each being part of the whole" - appealed to my sensibilities right away. But, the idea of "non-action" resonated so distinctly that I became a convert immediately.

In addition, I was drawn to Tzu's teachings on the "void".

The Master believed that it was only through an "empty heart" that one could comprehend the great truths. So - the experience of "the void" he spoke of - was essential in order to be "filled by the mysteries and wisdom of existence".

According to the wise sage, if an individual followed "the way" he could naturally become empty - and subsequently - be "lived by existence".

In sum, he propounded that there must be a total receptiveness to that which arises in the "heart of hearts".

In view of this, a basic foundation of the teachings includes the practical application of "non-action" (Wu Wei).

"Wu Wei is a useful attitude," he conjectured.

The Master taught that human relationships often force defeat; after all, every action causes a reaction, every challenge a response. Likewise, if an individual interfered with a natural state - it naturally resisted - according to Lao Tzu.

If everything is allowed to go its own way, the harmony of the universe will be established. After all, every process is only capable of "doing its thing", in relation to all others.

In his opinion, there was "no achievement" in action.

"To yield is to be preserved whole," he taught.

His teachings sprang from the TAO principle of the "observing individual" that lords over all existence.

The observer (or navigator) is guided by the stars in the heavens, while the sailor is mindful of the currents and winds that may throw him off course.

With unity of eye and heart there is an intelligent perception about the nature of the path.

Tao is an all-encompassing law - a "way of living" - that honors (and does not interfere with) the elements. In particular, the teaching applies to the actions of individuals and the politics of life.

The wise old Master put forth the notion that each sentient being must take their own steps to realize truth; then, apply the wisdom they've acquired to ultimately harmonize with nature and man.

In essence, he conjectured, inner nature is an extension of the universe.

The teachings of Lao Tzu were eventually structured into a full-fledged religion and developed to their full potential by a dedicated follower, Chang Tao Ling.

A seeker who pursues the truth through the teachings of TAO becomes known as a "man of calling" or a "heavenly teacher".

In his elder years, legend says that Lao Tzu tired of the Chou Dynasty and the onslaught of decadence and decay in the society. So, he rode off on a black ox one fine morning to pursue truth elsewhere.

As he was departing from the Kingdom through the Ku Pass, a gatekeeper there - Yin Hsi - intuited that the Master's arrival was an omen.

"You are about to draw yourself from sight. Please compose a book for me of your teachings."

So, Lao Tzu wrote the sacred book TAO TE CHING.

TAO means "the way"; TE translates to "virtue and power"; Ching means book.

Hence, the translation, "Book of the Way and Virtues".

Then, Lao Tzu disappeared without a trace.

Today, some scholars allege he never existed at all, that the teachings of Lao Tzu were simply a collection of scriptures gathered from sages over the years.

A compilation of the teachings in one - "Holy Sacred Scripture" - was attributed to the Father of TAO, Lao Tzu.

Not true.

According to legend, Lao Tzu has appeared in spirit "to man" unexpectedly throughout the ages.

I've felt his presence on occasion and his spirit has guided me.

Lao Tzu quote,

"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."

Mitt Romney...Jay Leno gives lip service!

After Romney's altercation with a reporter in recent days, a newspaper reported on the brawl of words, and captioned the article, "Romney loses his cool".

On the heels of the momentous event, Jay Leno proceeded to invite the presidential candidate on the late-night forum, to lick his wounds and tell his side of things.

Jay is always on top of these International incidents!

In a nutshell, a heckler in the press corp took umbrage over Mitt Romney's assertions that there wasn't any lobbyist "running his campaign". After all, the writer was under the distinct impression that a lobbyist was, in fact, working in the Republican camp.

It was all a question of semantics, really.

"He advises me, he doesn't run my campaign," Romney retorted, as politely as possible under the circumstances; at which point, the two bantered back and forth like two spoiled brats sparring in the school yard at recess.

Someone was splitting hairs!

Here is the smell test: the adviser didn't inhale, did he?

Exasperated by the reluctance of the rude reporter to back-down, the presidential candidate reiterated the facts. When the reporter refused to let up, Romney finally hit his boiling point and lamented, "Listen to my lips".

Mitt, the correct presidential phrase is, "read my lips"...

Charles De Gaulle once said,

"Since a politician never believes what he says, he is quite surprised to be taken at his word."

Tom Cruise...Scientology sh** hits fan; top gun threatens lawsuits over video!

Well, the old **it hit the fan for Tom Cruise this week.



Yesterday morning, a news outlet featured a videotape of the megastar, engaging in secret ceremonies behind closed doors at Scientology headquarters.



If the disgruntled former member of the cult, who released it, intended to "embarrass" Mr. Cruise, they accomplished that feat hands down!



In one shot, Tom enters an "S" meeting, stops to salute a fuzzy blow-up photo of the creator of the organization - Ron L. Hubbard - then proceeds onstage to acknowledge one of the upper echelon of the odd-ball group that raises eyebrows daily.



I surmise the curious elbow-lift infers that all Scientology enthusiasts are "foot soldiers" in the war against, what? Ignorance? Prejudice against the Church's "personality tests"? Overzealous critics harping about the fact that Scientology is not a religion?



Heh, in the inner recesses of my mind, I do seem to recall that Mr. Hubbard was a former Science Fiction writer. Isn't Scientology just a surreal fantasy, conjured up by a very active, demented imagination?



Worse yet, Tom was caught in the flesh, talking Scientologese!



Yup, he babbled with gushing enthusiasm about SP, and KSG, and all manner of things, hidden in a secret code. SP? "Suppress the people", is what it stands for, according to insiders.



And KSG? "Keep Scientology Going" apparently.



Well, if you have a deranged mind, to.



Do you suppose they have a secret handshake too?



I must say, I was a bit envious of that Gold Medallion swinging lavishly around Tom's squeaky-clean neck a few months ago...an award, you say, for his worthwhile contributions to the sect - um - Church?



To be fair to the star, and in a bold-faced effort to gain a different perspective on 'em, I inputted the word Scientology into the online dictionary at Webster's web site. The word isn't even listed, let alone mentioned in a possible list of suspects.



As I was preparing this post, a 20/20 promo for a segment on the "cruiser", sprang across the screen...so, I was inclined to tune in.



Clips catching Tom demonizing psychiatry were downright scary - especially in view of the fact - he alleges that scientologists have the “the authority".



On what?



If this revelation (no connection to the scriptures) wasn't enough to hurl Cruise fanatics over the brink, they hit bullion when Andrew Morton - who released an unauthorized biography this week on the diminutive actor - was on hand to toss in his two cents worth.



"Tom thinks they are super beings," he actually opined with a straight face.



Ironically, the interviewer, added,



"After observing Mr. Cruise the past few months, it appears to me that he needs some psychiatric therapy."



Ouch!



If asked, maybe Dr. Phil will step in and lend a hand.



On a morning show, the reporter noted that word from Cruise's camp is that any individuals posting the video on their web site, will face litigation.



Why don't you just zap 'em with your super powers, Tom?



Andrew Morton's timely tome apparently focuses on the childhood years, as well. The insightful writer uncovered gems like...the fact that Tom collected model airplanes (Top Gun, right?) and played the "sun" in a 5th grade pageant.



As to the quirky, early stint on stage, a former teacher noted that,



"Even 30 years later, it still gives me goose bumps (thinking about it)."



When it was also revealed that Tom Cruise once impersonated Woody Woodpecker, a Bay Area Reporter quipped,



"We'd bet his Woody is memorable."



My money says Cruise suffers from a Napoleon (small man's) complex.









Tom, psychiatrists usually prefer a horizontal position on the couch...

Michael Douglas...King of California, not!

Michael Douglas (once a blazing star in the glittering firmament) appeared on Dave Letterman the other evening for a bit of chit-chat - and used the occasion to promote the DVD for his latest project - "King of California".

Gee, was the film that bad? Obviously, 'cause "King" almost went straight to a DVD, small-screen release.

"I wasn't happy with the distributors," Douglas complained to the toothy talk-show host, who was all ears.

Michael, is it possible that the comic-adventure was just a silly stinker, with little box office appeal?

Just asking!

Britney Spears...girls behavin' badly; night spree, say what?

When Britney Spears was spotted by a gaggle of paparazzi the other night, her pricey luxury vehicle careened down the street in a quick get-a-way attempt, with the desperados in hot pursuit.

It was described by curious onlookers as a spirited "high-speed" chase on the gritty, mean streets of the city.

The local Boys-in-Blue caught sight of the spectacle, and ceremoniously pulled the crazed photogs over, and cited 'em for reckless driving.

A few exasperating hours later, the grinning rat pack were soon released, on $5,000.00 bond each.

Meanwhile, Britney sped off and wangled her way into a local retailer at 2 a.m. for an - oh-so-privileged - twilight spending spree.

In an effort to smooth over the waters, the owner gushed without batting an eye,

"She just needed some retail therapy."

Say what?

A Dog's Life...in San Francisco; quote of the day!

In the Castro district, at 18th street, City Officials have allotted a picturesque little park where dogs are allowed to run free off-leash and play with abandon.

Yeah, you don't want to plunk down on the grass here - or else you'll end up with poopy pants - that's for sure.

As I perched on a quaint wooden park bench - and marvelled at a unique perspective on the San Francisco skyline - I occasionally petted a rambunctious canine that trotted by, now and then.

As I was about to continue on a leisurely tour of the city - a woman strolled by with an adorable pup in tow - who proceeded to dash up and slobber all over me.

The outgoing woman and I chatted for a moment or two - and during the interim - her trusty pouch was inclined to race off...sniffing here and there among the other, resplendent dogs.

"So many dogs to lick," she sighed quietly.

And, so little time!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Matthew McConaughey...fesses up to fatherhood!

Stork reality for Bongo Boy...


I guess Matthew McConaughey won't be playing the bongos in the nude with his buddies, anymore.

Matt just fessed up to "Daddy-hood".

Well, he's on his way to it, anyhoo!

A "bundle of joy" is three months in the "oven". The proud, expectant mother? Brazilian Model Camila Alves - who, no doubt - will be stylishly modelling maternity fashions in the note-too-distant future.

"Mum" must have been the word, since the very secret news of the clandestine conception, failed to leak out.

Remember Matt, a babe in the arms, will age 'ya! I guess that means, no more late-night carousing, eh?

Seems like he's ready for the fathering experience - emotionally, mentally, and spiritually - if the amusing comments on his web site are any indication of his state of mind.

Matt excitedly penned,

"We are stoked (?) and wowed (?) by this miracle of creation and this gift from God, and so excited for the adventure that will come in raising this child, being mother and a father, and shepherding him or her through his life...God Bless evolution."

To some, God and evolution are generally viewed as an incongruity of terms; in view of this, the talented actor obviously has the right perspective on things.

Who else would guide the hand of intelligent design, but the Lord?

Congrats!