The Primal Virtue
Carrying the body and soul and embracing the one,
Can you avoid separation?
Attending fully and becoming supple,
Can you be as a newborn babe?
Washing and cleansing the primal vision,
Can you be without stain?
Loving all men and ruling the country,
Can you be without cleverness?
Opening and closing the gates of Heaven,
Can you play the role of a woman?
Understanding and being open to all things,
Are you able to do nothing?
Giving birth and nourishing,
Bearing yet not possessing,
Working yet not taking credit,
Leading yet not dominating,
This is the Primal Virtue.
I recently began reading the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu and I must say that, not only is it full of wonderful writings that give us some direction in life, it also really makes you see things in another perspective. I'm really enjoying it, especially chapter 10. It speaks of the Primal Virtue. I interpret it as follows and would like to open up a discussion of how others interpret it. I hope you all enjoy it.
Interpretation:
Can you embrace body, soul and spirit (Tao) and not allow yourself to separate form it?
Postured in complete meditation, can you be as agile as a newborn child?
When reflecting inwardly, do you see yourself as completely clean?
If you can love everyone and be their leader, can you do it without being arrogant?
If you had the ability to open and close the gates of Heaven, could you be as gentle as a woman?
Can you understand the things going on around you, yet do nothing?
Given life and sustaining it,
Being influential but not overpowering
Accomplishing but not concerned about receiving credit,
In charge but not dictating
This is the Virtue of the Tao.
Kg