From chaos to hope (chapters 25-26)
05/09/20 • 38 min
Episode eighteen looks at chapters 25 and 26, which cover a huge range of profound topics, from cosmology to personal union with the Tao.
In this episode, I start by sharing a bit about how the simple practice of making my bed every morning has become a spiritual liturgy for me, reminding me every day of the character of a God who brings order from chaos. The rest of the content is divided into four parts:
1. Lao Tzu's cosmology versus Ancient Near Eastern views on chaos
2. The hierarchy of the universe
3. Living in union with the Tao: beyond pessimism and optimism
4. Three keys to hope: union, contentment, and meaning
See more at www.coreyfarr.com
Episode eighteen looks at chapters 25 and 26, which cover a huge range of profound topics, from cosmology to personal union with the Tao.
In this episode, I start by sharing a bit about how the simple practice of making my bed every morning has become a spiritual liturgy for me, reminding me every day of the character of a God who brings order from chaos. The rest of the content is divided into four parts:
1. Lao Tzu's cosmology versus Ancient Near Eastern views on chaos
2. The hierarchy of the universe
3. Living in union with the Tao: beyond pessimism and optimism
4. Three keys to hope: union, contentment, and meaning
See more at www.coreyfarr.com
Previous Episode
Standing on tiptoes: Pride, prejudice, and pushing too hard (chapter 24)
Episode seventeen looks at chapter 24, in which Lao Tzu goes off on those who overextend themselves and try too hard to shine. Arrogance, pride, and bragging seem like obvious vices, but it's always easier to identify them in others than it is to find them in ourselves.
In this episode, I start with a little reflection on one of many ways pride has manifested in my life. The rest of the content is divided into two parts:
- Standing on tiptoes and running too hard - don't overdo it, don't compare yourself to others, and trust yourself and your body
- Four warnings against arrogance and self-righteousness
See more at www.coreyfarr.com
Next Episode
Coming full circle (part 1) - The uncarved block and the problem of naming
In this episode and the next, I look at chapters 27-29 and 32. By tying together some overlapping themes, I will show the ways in which we lose our connection with the Tao and then, next week, finding the road home to our true selves.
Because there is so much content, there is no intro or outro for this episode. Just wanted you to know that was intentional. :)
- The Tao as the "uncarved block" - primal reality or original Eden
- The problem of "naming" or carving the block
- Creating boundaries and limitations; the creation of the self
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