Hangers

Hanger #1:

"Simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.

Patient with both friends and enemies,

you accord with the way things are.

Compassionate toward yourself,

you reconcile all beings in the world.”

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

1. What is being referred to by "simple in actions and thoughts"?

“Simple in actions and thoughts” refers to how one achieves living by the Way. The term associated with this phrase is wu- wei, which is cultivation of state of perfect and the effortless alignment with the cycles of the natural world. Practice of wu- wei is considered the highest form of virtue; it can also be practiced within and/or without society. Wu- wei can be compared to a river, because of its effortless flow; it allows subtle activity and relaxation to exist.

2. What is believed to be the Sacred, as referenced to in this quote?

The Tao is believed to be the Sacred. This quote highlights the qualities needed in human beings in order to understand the Tao. “The way things are” further emphasizes the eternal, unfaltering principle that underpins the universe. Taoists believe the Tao to be the Sacred, and therefore strive to be simplistic, patient, and compassionate in order to follow the prescribed path. Every Taoists should practice wu-wei, in order to gain better insight into the Sacred.

Hanger #2:

“Close your mouth,

block off your senses,

blunt your sharpness,

untie your knots,

soften your glare,

settle your dust.

This is the primal identity.”

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching: A Literal Translation with an Introduction, Notes, and Commentary

What practice of Taoism does the quote refer to by "close your mouth, block off your senses"?

The quote refers to Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a program of bodily movement that includes breathing and relaxation. Tai Chi relaxes the mind and body, by blocking any outside negativities. It allows one to be at peace with their internal self and find focus on achieving the Tao. Tai Chi aligns Taoists with living a contemplative life with nature and wu-wei. It removes anything that may block the course of ch'i, the natural energy of the universe.

2. How does Ch’I help in achieving the Tao?

Ch'i literally means “breath”, which is the vital energy within every being in this universe. The goal of Taoists is to achieve the Tao, therefore a recognition of this natural energy is needed. Humans must balance and align themselves with simplicity, compassion, patience, and nature. Taoists must also recognize the five elements – wood, fire, metal, water and earth- as forces in which Tao works. The world in which Taoists view contains many aspects, but must see the oneness of it in order to achieve living the Way.