Tao Te Ching: Chapter #7

7

The Tao is infinite, eternal.
Why is it eternal?
It was never born;
thus it can never die.

The Tao is before time; it is uncreated and eternal, so it will never die.

Why is it infinite?
It has no desires for itself;
thus it is present for all beings.

Q:
Why does "no desires" mean the Tao is infinite?

A:
A desire defines a "self" that wants something which is lacking. But the Tao is the source of everything, so it can't lack anything. Moreover, it is a pervasive force that creates and encompasses everything.

The Master stays behind;
that is why she is ahead.

Doesn't compete; doesn't strive for anything; and thus arrives ahead.

Q:
Why does the Master arrive ahead if they don't compete or attach?

A:
The Master refuses to engage in a struggle for something. By doing that, avoid obstacles and following the flow of things, like water, arrives where she wants, with effortless action (Wu Wei) and perfectly timed. Who doesn't do the same, and strive for something, along the way encounter obstacles, turnaround ecc.

She is detached from all things.
that is why she is one with them.

If she detaches from desire (non-attachment), she allows things to be the way they are, and by letting go, she becomes one with the Tao that it's one with everything else.

Because she has let go of herself,
she is perfectly fulfilled.

By letting go af any attachment, she liberates herself from her ego's desires, so she reaches harmony and balance, which is the ultimate fulfilment.


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