Find Your Middle Ground

Inspiration – the Source

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I came across this translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell, and am really enjoying the fresh language and approach to the wisdom of Lao Tzu. A part of me also wonders, could it be that I have changed over time, and it is more than fresh words that open up new insight….

Let me know which version resonates with you today.

Tao Source

 

“Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity.

If you don’t realize the source,
you stumble in confusion and sorrow.
When you realize where you come from,
you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.

Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
you can deal with whatever life brings you,
and when death comes, you are ready.”

~ Lao Tzu*

* Mitchell, Stephen. Tao Te Ching (Perennial Classics) (Kindle Locations 373-383). Harper Perennial.

Here is a translation of the same verse 16 by John Braun Jr..

“Seek the reality of emptiness and stillness,
The great constants of existence.
Though life abounds, its creations rise and fall.

Eventually all return, in their own way, to Tao.
To return to Tao is to embrace stillness,
The relentless way of nature.
The flow of nature does not change.
To see its constancy is to know the intricacies of the ordinary,
Revealing patterns of the grand.

To ignore this constant is to mistake the eternal for the mundane, Bringing unharmonious selfish action and discord,
Pathologies to humanity.
Accepting the constant means opening the mind.
This leads to compassion and impartiality,
A respect for all that Tao provides and takes away,
And an understanding that all return to the ultimate reality of Tao.
Life is fleeting, Tao is constant:
An eternal emptiness, full to bursting.”

~ Lao Tzu*

*Braun Jr., John; Tzu, Lao; von Bargen, Julian; Warkentin, David. Tao Te Ching (Kindle Locations 269-284). . Kindle Edition.

33 responses to “Inspiration – the Source”

  1. Jill Weatherholt Avatar
    Jill Weatherholt

    I think the first version resonates most with me, primarily because of these lines: “Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
    you can deal with whatever life brings you,
    and when death comes, you are ready.”

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Jill. I appreciate how the first version gets to the heart of our experience rather than focusing on the words for us to interpret in our own way.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Jennifer Kelland Perry Avatar
      Jennifer Kelland Perry

      I also preferred the first version. Clear and concise.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Val Boyko Avatar
        Val Boyko

        It is isn’t it Jennifer. That clarity works for me as well. Thank you 💛

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  2. Louise Gallagher Avatar
    Louise Gallagher

    I too find the first version resonates more — and for the same reasons you cited. Also the language feels more familiar which is part of this time we’re in
    .

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Part of this time. Yes indeed Louise 💛

      Like

      Reply
  3. allysoally Avatar
    allysoally

    I like John Braun Jr’s translation…. it sounds a little more poetical to me. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      It is more poetic. I can see that Ally. It brings out the poet in you 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. allysoally Avatar
        allysoally

        Definitely, I love the words, Val. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  4. nrhatch Avatar
    nrhatch

    The first speaks to me . . . the second seems to stumble over the words instead of flowing with them.

    When you realize where you come from,
    you naturally become tolerant,
    disinterested, amused,
    kindhearted as a grandmother,
    dignified as a king.

    Existing in a state of disinterested amusement allows us to become one with the laughing Buddha. 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thanks Nancy❣️ the second is more word focused and somewhat poetic. I sometimes wonder if it’s disinterested amusement or bemusing disinterest 😉

      Like

      Reply
  5. sloppy buddhist Avatar
    sloppy buddhist

    kindhearted as a grandmother ☺️

    I’m loving this new script for me….👶 comes this weekend 💫 such joy! have a happy day Val ☺️

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Wonderful news Hedy. 🥰🎉💕 Have a happy day!

      Like

      Reply
  6. Deb Avatar
    Deb

    The first one is so ALIVE in the present time.
    The way the energy of the words flow…elevates the soul of the message.
    Thank you Val…Namaste and Blessings always of the Light of Joy

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      That it Deb. Elevates the soul of the message 💕 Thank you and love to you 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Train Today to Reap Tomorrow Avatar
    Train Today to Reap Tomorrow

    Nice

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. The Golden Tears Avatar
    The Golden Tears

    Thank you for your post, reminded me to read my copy of Stephen Mitchell again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Always worth coming to. Enjoy 😊

      Like

      Reply
  9. Bela Johnson Avatar
    Bela Johnson

    This: If you don’t realize the source,
    you stumble in confusion and sorrow.
    When you realize where you come from,
    you naturally become tolerant,
    disinterested, amused,
    kindhearted …
    We are unique conduits of this neverending flow, along with other creatures, trees and stars. No more nor less, but we can dance with it however we choose. What a gift it is! Aloha, Val. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Aloha Bela for today, tomorrow and beyond. 💕🙏💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Bela Johnson Avatar
        Bela Johnson

        😇

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  10. insearchofitall Avatar
    insearchofitall

    I like the first one. Got lost in the second one. It didn’t seem like I was reading the same message. Interesting what happens in translation…
    Thanks for sharing this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      It is interesting what happens in translation … literally with a different language, and also our interpretation of the message being delivered by someone who speaks the same language. Thank you for sharing Marlene 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Eliza Waters Avatar
    Eliza Waters

    I find the Mitchell translation simpler and easier to take in. Simple is good!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Simple is always what I am drawn to … perhaps because I tend to get complex❣️ thank you Eliza for sharing 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    Both are so beautiful that I can’t state a preference. I like them in tandem! When I feel that something is really helpful and insightful, I want more of it. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Debra. Wisdom is worth hearing again and again in different formats 💕

      Like

      Reply
  13. Betty Hayes Albright Avatar
    Betty Hayes Albright

    Hi Val,
    I liked both, for different reasons. Somehow the second one moved me on a deeper level, though it’s more abstract. Words – how powerful they can be! Thanks for sharing these two translations. 🤗❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Betty. Perhaps the poet in you appreciates the descriptive language of the second translation. 💕

      Like

      Reply
  14. SurjotKaur Avatar
    SurjotKaur

    The Stephen Mitchell version resonates with me in this moment. I’m sitting at the cove. Waves crash ashore. The morning air smells divine. Thank you for your blog post.

    Like

    Reply
  15. Lance Reed Avatar
    Lance Reed

    Thanks for sharing, I also like Jane English Translation of the Tao Te Ching, many thanks Lance.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Lance for stopping by 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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● About Me

My name is Val Boyko, a dual citizen living near Philadelphia, originally from Scotland.

This blog came to life one morning in 2013.  I woke up with these words in my mind:  “Life is a series of highs and lows. Be grateful for the highs. Be graceful in the lows. And find contentment in your Middle Ground.”

Find Your Middle Ground blog started to explore, reflect, ask deep questions, share insights about awakening, and connect with wonderful people like yourself. Thank you for being here and being such an inspiration.

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