Sage Page for Natural Living, Empowerment, Self Realization

Sage Page informs you about what is a sage, and what does it mean to be a sage.

Definition of Tao or The Essence of Dao

The Sage follows the Way of the Dao.

  To the Sage, the Dao or Great Mother is the Ultimate Force or 

The Absolute Energy Source behind everything.

The great Dao masters (Sage's) were men who taught or wrote about Dao, or who commented on the writings about Dao of others. Dao's students look to the works of those masters, such as Lao Zi of the sixth-century b.c. and Zhuangzi of the fourth-century b.c., to help them find “the way.” Dao masters say that the Dao that can be expressed in words is not the real or “Eternal” Dao. Daoist masters and writers can help you to point the Way.

But first let us be perfectly clear... Daoism (or Taoism) is not a religion! ... It is a Way of Effortless Living!

Heavy energies (including emotional force and psychological cloudiness) is an obstruction to one’s true spiritual growth. Most religions depend on the psychological weakness of human beings. Some use mass hypnosis in their attempt to help control people’s cloudy minds. They mistake emotionalism for spirit. Thus, most religions foster self-assertiveness, prejudice, development of ego, and hostility. But in truth this is the pitfall of spirit. Sons and daughters of Dao must be above this and all things. Daoist cultivation is to integrate one’s wholeness of being with the wholeness of the universe.

Therefore, Daoism is more a way of Care-free Living or Effortless Living on a nature based philosophy, which means that it begins and ends with the observation of nature. This is subjective, of course, and both the observer and the observed make up the entire system. There is no us versus nature; instead there is simply everything at once. Every being is an expression of nature as well as an expression of Dao, which is sort of nature but sort of not. It is important to distinguish the idea of Dao from the notion of a godhead that western religion possesses. In Daoism, an overseer doesn't really make sense. Dao is within all of us. Whether one is aware of Dao or not, all receive their life energy from Dao. Some follow Dao consciously, while others follow it unconsciously. Yet with or without awareness, Dao is the essence of all life. To be ignorant of Dao is to live in blindness. To know Dao is to see everything clearly. Therefore, we follow only the absolute, nameless, original Oneness of the universe, which is the essence of our life. If we violate the Dao we annihilate our own life. We cannot exist without Dao. And it especially important to remind ourselves of this, because as the Principle of Oneness expresses, everything is in relation to everything else. Everything comes to existence perfect and free, and we take on a physical body and allow circumstances to complete us. Oneness and wholeness is essential to Daoism, and if it doesn’t make much sense, here is a simple explanation: be friends with nature! Cause you are nature, and nature loves you!

The ideal person according to the philosophy of Dao De Jing is the Sage who understands and lives in accordance with the flow of the Dao (Nature). Knowing that all opposites are relative and interdependent and that the best way to live, is in harmonizing with the natural course of things (Holistic or Natural Living), a Sage or master does not struggle, oppose, or strive.

Dao means a.o. “The Way.” (but it is also named as the Great Divine Mother, Divine Father or the Source of Everything) We called it for now the Way or Dao. Simply put, the Way is understood to mean The Way of Nature. 

Sages and masters see the cycles of nature and the constant change in the natural world as earthly signs of a great and universal force. They call this unseen force The Dao or Great Mother. For some Dao is the Ultimate Reality or enlightenment, a presence that existed before the universe was formed and that continues to guide the world and everything in it. Like water feeding the earth, Dao gives birth to and nourishes everything but makes no claim to importance. Like water, the wise person will work without calling attention to himself or herself, will do what is right and fair, and will become attuned to the real nature of things. That person can fully understand the working of the Dao.

Reading the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), and Hua Hu Ching.

From Dao De Jing Verse 41:

The superior student listens to the Way And follows it closely.

The average student listens to the Way And follows some and some not.

The lesser student listens to the Way And laughs out loud.

If there were no laughter it would not be the Way.

So, it has been said:

The light of the Way seems dim.

The progress of the Way seems retreating.

The straightness of the Way seems curved.

The highest virtue seems as low as a valley.

The purest white seems stained.

The grandest virtue seems deficient.

The sturdiest virtue seems fragile.

The most fundamental seems fickle.

The perfect square lacks corners.

The greatest vessel takes long to complete.

The highest tone is hard to hear.

The great image lacks shape.

The Way is hidden and nameless.

Still, only the Way nourishes and completes.

Hua Hu Ching 4

Every departure from the Dao contaminates one's spirit. 

Anger is a departure, resistance a departure, self- absorption a departure. 

Over many lifetimes the burden of contaminations can become great. 

There is only one way to cleanse oneself of these contaminations, and that is to practice virtue. 

What is meant by this? 

To practice virtue is to selflessly offer assistance to others, giving without limitation one's time, abilities, and possessions in service, whenever and wherever needed, without prejudice concerning the identity of those in need. 

If your willingness to give blessings is limited, so also is your ability to receive them. 

This is the subtle operation of the Dao.

If you think you can just read the books "Dao De Jing" or the "Hua Hu Ching" from cover to cover and know the answer to everything, you will be very disappointed in time. Although it seems that Lao Zi was wise beyond his time, these books have been written so cryptically, you’re just going to have to read between the lines to find out The Ultimate Truth for yourself.

Part of growing up in life is to be consciously competent and reach that level where one exists without existing. 

This is not to be confused with a blind, zombie-like state. Sure, when one enters a trance, one often acts like an automaton. But after the epiphany, when the mud settles and the water clears, sudden clarity and illumination dawns of becoming free. 

Alan Watts has already spoken of Daoism in the '70s and explained that putting on saffron, yellow or maroon robe and caressing a flowing, white Ho Chi Minh beard, burning incense in a Chinese Temple certainly won't make you a Daoist master, neither a Sage. A Sage is one who has devoted himself to living in the intuitive flow of the Dao without restraint, uncovering layer after layer to gain a deeper understanding of Reality and the Universe. Many times this starts with an inner intuitive calling in the individual, to start looking for life's real purpose or balance and harmony in your daily life.

From that comes a journey-like wandering on the Way, looking for what is Dao. Or questions as, Who am I really, and what am I doing here?

Start opening yourself to discovery and verification of everything you encounter in your life, no matter what it is that triggers you at the moment. Triggers are intuitive signals from within, calling you to take a closer look at the matters that are going on at the moment. Are they really what they look like, or are there other explanations and backgrounds to be found? The same goes for subjects that pull your attention, it could be that there are certain things to be looked up or books to be read for deeper understanding. Keep using your common sense and intellect, but simultaneously do not neglect your inner voice speaking as intuition or gut-feeling. Set yourself a goal, it is your personal inner calling on the way that will guide you and even show you the way if you are willing enough to follow the signals on the way. If you feel stuck, inwardly ask your question and let it rest. Sooner or later the right answer will present itself in your daily life.

Daoist Three Treasures or Three Jewels (comprise the basic virtues of Jing (essence), Chi (energy) and Shen (spirit). 

Jing is the deepest and most fundamental aspect of our energy. It governs the gradual processes of development and aging. Jing is essential to life and when it runs low our life force is severely diminished and thus we lose all power to adapt. The quantity of Essence determines both our life span and the ultimate vitality of our life. Jing is burned up in the body by life itself, but most especially by chronic and acute stress and excessive behavior, including overwork, excessive emotionalism, substance abuse, chronic pain or illness.

Chi is more of a day to day energy, which controls our everyday body functioning and overall health, and Shen relates to our mental, emotional, and spiritual selves. Chi or the Essential Life Energy is produced from the air you breathe and the food you eat. This means that you need good quality food and air, and strong digestive and respiratory systems in order to produce Chi. Strong Chi means plenty of energy and strong immunity. Chi is also about flow. In good health, your Chi flows smoothly. Learning how to regulate and balance the Chi flow can help to take you back to the state what the Chinese call xiao yao, most translated as free and healthy and a state of relaxed contentment, flow and joy.

Everything in the universe is ‘made’ from a form of ‘energy’. The word energy (or Chi) is the closest word I could find to describe it. In every culture, religion or system it has a different name.

This energy is not electromagnetic nor can it be detected with any of our normal instruments. We cannot perceive it with our 5 senses. As perceived by the Sage, mystic or visionary explorer it is described as ‘vibrational energy’ in certain states, but it can also be still – not vibrating – still and silent. Then it does not ‘flow’.

This power is not created nor is it deleted or can be destroyed, it simply exists and is used or not.

Shen encompasses your intelligence, thought processes, emotions, and spirituality. When the Shen is strong and settled, you are wise, calm and peaceful. Shen is your link with the eternal and your connection with the universe. Shen is anchored in the body but transcends time and space. It is your Shen that links you with the infinite Dao. The Chinese character for Shen depicts an empty vessel. Only when you are empty of desires, worries, and negative emotions or thoughts can you allow the light of the infinite Dao to shine through and be aligned with the movement and flow of the Universe Self.

Properties of a Sage:

There is an openness to the flaws of life itself, the sage witnesses all the comings and goings as they are passing by. 

We always strive for living in the present moment because we feel deeply and realize that the present moment is the only thing that we will ever have. 

There is a self-deprecating sense of humor that stems from a place of certain certain-hood whereby one has lost all hang-ups and attachment to be offended by anything. The Sage doesn't resist and gracefully goes along with what happens, which is tantamount to surviving in cataract and not resisting. But also doing what you do as if there is no tomorrow, like a horse rider which effortlessly glides along in a race, a ballet dancer or an alpine skier or slalom artist whence they gracefully glide along over the surface in complete self-control, mastery and emptiness. Emptiness realized in the mind of the Sage who has freed himself from all obstructing notions and distracting passions makes the Dao act through him without obstacle.

“The Art of Preserving Health” Internally and Externally harmony and Self Cultivation:

Dao philosophy reaches not only the intellectual and spiritual lives of its students but also into their physical life. Sages see the physical (inner) body as a kind of microcosm, or miniature model, of the Universe. 

Sages ask themselves: “How can a person be harmonizing with the Subtle Energies of the Universe (Cosmos) if his or her body is not harmonizing with itself?” 

Thus, to a Sage, how someone treats his or her (inner) body is just as important as what the person thinks, feels, believes or acts relating (to) others.

Nourishment and exercise. Enjoy The Essence of Dao or Tao definition

Many Sages and ancient masters have recorded the medicinal uses of thousands of plants — trees, herbs, flowers, fruits, and fungi — and have studied nutrition. They recommend a prudent and balanced diet to maintain health and to promote longevity. However, this does not mean that they strictly forbid anything except to avoid substances that are harmful to the body such as an excess of alcohol and other toxins. Keeping balance and living Care-free is the Way, meaning that all excess is to be avoided to keep body-mind and spirit healthy. In addition to a healthy nourishment (wholesome foods), exercise, Natural Lifestyle and self empowerment for sustainability is an integral part of the practice. Chi-Full uses Chi-Dao and Eight-Form Moving Chan exercises to balance Chi (QI) and 'breath' as an essential element of human existence (body-mind-spirit) to improve physical/emotional health and spiritual growth. The stretching, bending and flexing exercises are embodying the natural Chi-Dao-movements in the same way animals are moving and those are helpful to dispel the physical tensions that withhold people from finding their natural inner peace to become and stay in alignment with The Way or Dao. 

Also, in this case, there will be a broadening in the inwardly sensing individual being becoming aware of the responses in itself caused by what it experiences in daily life.

Existing as a Natural Being.

Sages use forms of meditation ("Zuowang Lun" or sitting in Oblivion) that lead them into growing harmony with the Ultimate Reality of this Universe (Dao) or Self Realization. 

In Dao meditation, the concept of 'Wu Wei' (meaning act through non-acting) is a central focal point because it leads the sage towards the field of quietude by letting go of all worldly thought and actions so that the connection with The Way can start showing itself. Then inner peace, balance, harmony and the journey to self realization will start to emerge from within and become more brightening as this expands over time. 'Do-without-doing' or 'act-without-acting' is not supposed to be literally taken because it has nothing to do with laziness or being unaware. The practice of 'Wu Wei' lets the practitioner experience a way of existing (non-duality) without conscious effort, it flows in the same way as nature does (being as-it-goes-by-itself, like the seasons for instance).

Becoming into this flow happens gradually, takes time and requires focus, attention and gentle perseverance. 

This means, that even if you do not immediately understand the deeper meaning of 'Wu Wei', you keep on contemplating it and keep bringing your focus and attention to the subject during your daily life activities (focal point). This does not mean that you have to quit your normal life activities, nor that you become alarmingly unfocused or lacking concentration. You just allow yourself to be curious and wondering, looking for a deeper understanding of what 'Wu Wei' really is.

The Ultimate Life-force.

If we delve into the diverse ancient books (a.o. Dao De Jing, Wen-Tzu, Hua Hu Ching, Huainan Tzu, I Ching, Yellow Emperor's book of Medicine, Nei Gong, etc.) we see that the Sages must have found that the formless Dao existed before anything else. From That (It because it is impartial), came the origin of Being, or One. From one came the balance of opposing forces, Yin and Yang, which are opposite but inseparable counterparts. Yin and Yang are expressed in the three forces of the Universe: Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. From these three come everything else (also called the Ten thousand things). Humanity is functioning between Heaven (father, male energy) and Earth (mother, female energy).

Returning is the motion of the Dao. 

It's a great metaphor because it can mean many things. In the ever-popular Dao metaphor of the river flowing through the easy valley, the return is simply the action of the water finding its way back to the general flow via gravity; water always flows into the river, out to the sea, even when you push it uphill for a bit. So, the return is a metaphor for a returning to grace, to ease, to peace, or to a place of harmony and power. It means returning to silence, stillness and natural Care-free Living or Effortless Living. The Dao emerges from nothingness, so Dao masters hold that to recreate the basic conditions of the Dao in their body. 

You too can return to that state of self realization. But the return can be so much more. Because we often find our thoughts and behaviors extend far beyond our peaceful rivers. We periodically spend time reaching and grasping concepts that do not serve us. Concepts that taunt us, seduce us and confuse us. And we return, but often we aren't mindful of the return. When this happens, we spend our lives grasping and clinging because we never really learn. Life is always a process of making mistakes and returning to the baseline, and it seems to be human nature that we cling to, and get stuck to, the cycle of fixing mistakes with more mistakes. The non-dual idea is that the mistake is what instigates the return to grace. That failure and grace are one and the same; that the return is the process of creation.

For the Daoist Sage, The Dao is the Ultimate Force or the Absolute Source behind everything.

Dao masters accepts that they can never fully understand the Dao. Where the Dao master puts its focus on, is finding a way to get into balance and harmony (alignment) with this Ultimate Force — to 'go with the flow' of Dao and the visible Universe.

The right way to understand all these (things) is to remain in a state of (vacuity,) formlessness and non-being. Only if one remains in such a state, may he thereby know that (all things) necessarily possess their forms and names as soon as they come into existence, even though they are as small as autumn down. As soon as forms and names are established, the distinction between black and white (yin & yang) becomes manifest... there will be no way to escape from them without a trace or to hide them from regulation... (all things) will correct themselves.

"Nurturing energy, forget words and guard it. Conquer the mind, do non-doing. 

In activity and quietude, know the source progenitor. 

There is no thing; who else do you seek? 

Real constancy should respond to people; in responding to people, it is essential not to get confused. 

When you don't get confused, your nature is naturally stable; when your nature is stable, energy naturally returns. When energy returns, elixir spontaneously crystallizes, in the pot pairing water and fire. 

Yin and Yang arise, alternating over and repeatedly, everywhere producing the sound of thunder. 

White clouds assemble on the summit, sweet dew bathes the polar mountain. 

Having drunk the wine of longevity, you wander free; who can know you? 

You sit and listen to the string less tune, You clearly understand the mechanism of creation. 

The whole of these twenty verses is a ladder straight to heaven".

(From Thomas Cleary, Vitality, Energy, Spirit: A Taoist Source book)