Scholar Warrior: An Introduction to the Tao in Everyday Life by Deng Ming-Dao

Author:Deng Ming-Dao
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Tags: Itzy, Kickass.to
ISBN: 9780062306869
Publisher: HarperOne
Published: 2013-06-20T04:00:00+00:00

A GOAL

During the progress through each stage, setting goals is the best way to maintain focus and concentration. One determines what actions are necessary in the state that one finds oneself in, as well as determining an overall goal in life. Striving to complete and then clear these goals is not the same as the contention or ambition that the Taoists reject. Having goals clarifies one’s personality, whereas contending obscures one’s personality with more and more ambition to increase and hold on to the accomplishment. The way of the Scholar Warrior is to make accomplishments in order to then leave them behind. They believe that we all embody curiosities, tendencies, yearnings, and desires for knowledge. These elements must not be suppressed, but must be given full expression. If we don’t do this, we will not be able to realize emptiness, for our inner need for expression will be unfulfilled. Only by the proper exercise of our goals can we clear away these elements of our personalities.

Many people say that they have trouble identifying goals. The way to do this is not to ask others, nor to ape the lives of heroes. The way is to look within. All answers are within us; we need only calm ourselves to find them. Like water that becomes clear when allowed to stand still, our natures will become clear with still introspection. We must be observant; by being aware of our own tendencies and our own desires, we can slowly ascertain what we are meant to do. We must couple this practice with reasoned experimentation. Try everything in moderation. See whether a certain direction is positive and indicates further exploration, or whether it leads to a dead end. As you envision a short-term goal and achieve it, ask yourself if it leaves you satisfied. If so, then you need not do anything more. If you want to continue, then you should follow, within reason. If you make a mistake, pick yourself up and keep going.

The Taoists believe that our inner truth is often obscured both by our talents and by our flaws. Talent must not be used to feed the ego but should be used for achievement and self-understanding. Flaws must be mastered so that they don’t lead to our downfall. Only training can help us to see beyond our subjective desires and temporary fascinations. Only introspection can then help us to find our innermost reasons for living.

You are unique. No one else can understand you fully. You answer not to a god but to yourself. The Taoists say that the final judgment is before the mirror of truth, and you are both subject and judge. If this is so, then you are the only one responsible for your life, and the direction for your life must come from within yourself.

Our overall goal is nothing less than identifying the innermost purpose of life. Our lifelong quest is to identify that purpose and then use every means at our disposal to achieve it. Without emphasizing introspection and training, you cannot identify it.

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