The cloud does not insist upon its form,
The wave does not force its way over the ocean,
So why should you clutch so tightly
Your little map?
Follow your heart
And know joy in all things.
The path of freedom
Has no markers,
Yet it leads to fulfillment;
The path of confusion
Is crowded with signs,
Pointing in all directions.
The Great Way is a humble, solitary path,
Leading Home:
Follow it closely and be guided.
How do you know you are on the Way?
When your map no longer serves you.
- Taken with thanks from dear Sister Krishna’s Deciphering Spirituality blog.
Ya Haqq!
May 5, 2008 at 12:11 am
Thank you for posting this wise and lovely poem. I will read it several more times, for the joy of the words, and the guidance they impart.
May 5, 2008 at 12:50 am
I love most of Tao Te Chings sayings and it is the most difficult to follow ..
Hope all is well with you and your family
May 5, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I could say
Follow your heart
Be honest with yourself and your innate being
Trust in yourself
Even if there is nothing inside you
For that nothing is something..
May 6, 2008 at 1:23 am
“How do you know you are on the Way?
When your map no longer serves you.”
How true!
May 6, 2008 at 5:13 am
Beautiful post Brother Irving. The way of tao – just let everything takes it own course. Action through no Action. Be free……….dont force anything, be at one with Tao of all things, the nature of it, dont resist it! Good philosophy and outlook to have on life.
I like your little Tao stanza Shahrzad! Short and Sweet!
May 6, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Salaam Dear Sisters and Brother:
Thank you all for the comments :) Shahrzad, for the excellent poem, and Abdul for the wise and succinct expression of the Tao :)
Ya Haqq!
May 28, 2008 at 2:15 pm
oh, i love this so much, brother Irving!
especially this bit:
So why should you clutch so tightly
Your little map?
i’ve been lost and confused in a few things lately, and the last couple of days i’ve been trying to give myself pep talks to focus and lay out a clear route for myself, so that i can properly figure out where i need to go. but i like this poem’s suggestion much better – maybe i can do that without a map, too.
thank you!
i hope you are well. i’m trying to play catch-up in blogistan! =)