In a world in which your sense of self worth rests upon how the boss is treating you today — or on whether you're carrying the new iPhone — it's hard to find a solid foundation. Wayne Dyer is all too familiar with this feeling. In fact, it's what led him to a philosophy more than 25 centuries old, The Tao Te Ching.
In his newest book, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life, Dyer offers contemporary translations of 81 of the Tao's verses. This is the first:
1st Verse
The Tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named
is not the eternal name.
The Tao is both named and nameless.
As nameless it is the origin of all things;
as named it is the Mother of 10,000 things.
Ever desireless, one can see the mystery;
ever desiring, one sees only the manifestations.
And the mystery itself is the doorway
to all understanding.
Living the Mystery
In this opening verse of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu tells us that the “Tao is both named and nameless.” This sounds paradoxical to our Western intellect—and it is! Paradoxical thinking is embedded in Eastern concepts such as yin and yang or the feminine and the masculine, and where things are comfortably described as both this and that. We in the West, by contrast, tend to view opposites as incompatible concepts that contradict each other. Yet this book is asking that we change our ingrained ways of thinking and see how our lives change as a result. The Tao is an unknowable, unseeable realm where everything originates; while at the same time, the Tao is invisibly within everything. When we desire to see this invisibleness (mystery), we attempt to define it in terms of the outer world of form—what Lao-tzu calls “the 10,000 things.” He counsels us that letting go of trying to see the mystery will actually allow us to see it. Or, as I like to think of it, “let go and let God.” But how can we do that? One way is to permit ourselves to practice more paradoxical thinking by recognizing that desiring (wanting) and desireless (allowing) are different and the same . . . rather like the mysterious ends of a continuum. Desiring is the physical expression of creating conditions that allow us to be receptive; that is, it’s in-the-world preparation for receiving. According to Lao-tzu, wanting to know or see the mystery of the Tao will reveal evidence of it in a variety of manifestations, but not the mystery itself. But this isn’t a dead end! From this ground of desiring, the flowering of the mysterious Tao grows. It’s as if wanting transforms into effortless allowing. Desiring, one sees the manifestations; desireless, one can see the mystery itself. When we tune in to what Lao-tzu is telling us, it becomes readily apparent that our world produces abundant examples of this paradoxical process. Think of gardening and desiring those luscious homegrown tomatoes or spring daffodils: Allowing them to grow is ultimately what happens. Now think of the things in life that involve wanting and how they differ from allowing: Wanting to go to sleep, for instance, rather than going to sleep. Wanting to diet, rather than dieting. Wanting to love, rather than loving. In this reference to the Tao, desireless means trusting, permitting, and allowing. Desire is both the beginning and the ground of desirelessness, yet wanting is also the beginning and the ground of allowing. They are the same, and they are different. Pay attention to times when you can feel in your body where you are on the continuum between desiring and allowing (or trying and doing). Trying to play the piano, drive the car, or ride the bicycle is the same as, and different from, actually playing the piano, driving the car, and riding the bicycle. Once those outer-world activities are desired and learned, there’s a time when allowing is what you do. The point here is to recognize the difference in your body between trying and allowing, and to then become aware of the effortless sensation of the latter. This practice will also lead to a greater awareness of the invisible mystery and the 10,000 things, which are the visible phenomena of our world. The 10,000 things that Lao-tzu refers to represent the categorized, classified, and scientifically named objects of the earth, which help us communicate and identify what we’re talking and thinking about. Yet for all our technological expertise and scientific categorization, we can never truly create a human eye or liver, or even a grain of wheat for that matter. Each of these things—along with the remainder that comprise the known or named world—emerge from the mystery, the eternal Tao. Just as the world is not its named parts, we’re not exclusively the skin, bone, and rivers of fluids that we’re physically made of. We, too, are the eternal Tao, invisibly animating our tongues to speak, ears to hear, and eyes to see and experience the manifest and the mystery. Consciously allowing this nameless mystery is ultimately the way to practice the Tao. Does that mean putting yourself in harm’s way? Of course not. Does that mean trusting the mystery at the moment you’re being mugged or mistreated? Probably not. Does it mean never trying to change things? No. It does mean cultivating a practice of being in the mystery and allowing it to flow through you unimpeded. It means permitting the paradox of being in form at the same time that you allow the mystery to unfold. Do the Tao; find your personal ways of living in the mystery. As Lao-tzu says in this 1st verse, “And the mystery itself is the doorway to all understanding.” Here’s my advice for translating this passage into daily practice in this 21st century:
First and foremost, enjoy the mystery! Let the world unfold without always attempting to figure it all out. Let relationships just be, for example, since everything is going to stretch out in Divine order. Don’t try so hard to make something work—simply allow. Don’t always toil at trying to understand your mate, your children, your parents, your boss, or anyone else, because the Tao is working at all times. When expectations are shattered, practice allowing that to be the way it is. Relax, let go, allow, and recognize that some of your desires are about how you think your world should be, rather than how it is in that moment. Become an astute observer . . . judge less and listen more. Take time to open your mind to the fascinating mystery and uncertainty that we all experience.
Practice letting go of always naming and labeling. The labeling process is what most of us were taught in school. We studied hard to be able to define things correctly in order to get what we called “high grades.” Most educational institutions insisted on identifying everything, leading to a tag that distinguished us as graduates with knowledge of specific categories. Yet we know, without anyone telling us, that there is no title, degree, or distinguishing label that truly defines us. In the same way that water is not the word water—any more than it is agua, Wasser, or H2O—nothing in this universe is what it’s named. In spite of our endless categorizations, each animal, flower, mineral, and human can never truly be described. In the same way, the Tao tells us that “the name that can be named is not the eternal name.” We must bask in the magnificence of what is seen and sensed, instead of always memorizing and categorizing.
Do the Tao Now At some point today, notice an instance of annoyance or irritation you have with another person or situation. Decide to do the Tao (or practice the Way) in that moment by turning inward with curiosity about where you are on the continuum between desire and allowing. Permit the paradox of wanting the irritant to vanish and allowing it to be what it is. Look inward for it in your thoughts and allow yourself to feel it wherever it is and however it moves in your body.
Turn all of your attention to becoming open-minded, allowing permissiveness to befriend the mystery within yourself. Notice how the feeling manifests itself: perhaps doing “loop-de-loops” in your stomach, giving a rigidness to your skeleton, making your heart pound, or tightening your throat. Wherever it is, allow it as an enigmatic messenger within you, and give it nonjudgmental attention. Notice the desire for the feeling to disappear, and allow it to be monitored compassionately by you. Accept whatever comes. Encounter the mystery within without labeling, explaining, or defending. It’s a subtle distinction at first, which you must take personal responsibility for identifying. You alone can prepare the ground of your being for the experience of living the mystery.
Do you see how the philosophy of the Tao could be applied to your daily life? We're anxious to hear your response.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 17
As a Nichiren Buddhist, I can flow with that which is referred to as the philosophy of the Tao. However, we intone the invocation, "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" - this vibration is free from meaning-dependence. Though grounded in superb philosophy, the means of receiving positive effects adheres to the sound production and requires only openness and willingness. Honestly!
Thank you for sharing Kim!
Even if Dyer doesn't have the complete answers, the fact that he is attempting to apply spiritual truths -- objective meaning -- to contemporary existence is valuable. It's the beginning of a dialogue, maybe, and not an arrival.
What do you think?
I have been reading Dyer since his book, Your Erroneous Zones, way back when.
I also try not to miss his public TV programs (even if they are self-serving).
I have a copy of The Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell. It will be interesting to see Dyer's take on it and compare. The important thing to me is that Dyer is always consistant in stressing "its all inside". And, I truly believe that.
Thanks Kim.
It's just my belief that people are more open-minded than they think they are, and maybe more than Dyer thinks they are. I firmly believe that if Dyer uses the term 'God' that he really understands it in a more sophisticated context than he's using it. Westerners are intelligent ... eventually someone has to recognize that and help us into the next step of understanding. We could all use a little of the abstract.
It's the difference between writing a book that people will use to change their lives, and writing a book that could change reality itself.
They're both honorable goals.
Maybe, we can discuss.
Last episode of Hell's Kitchen, Wayne Dyer.
Wayne Dyer, Last episode of Hell's Kitchen.
I hate to say it, but I think Gordon is going to win. I'll read Dyer's book at work and catch up with you guys. ;)
My challenge is: can he personally demonstrate that? How about a follow up to Edwarda's condition from his "A Promise Is a Promise" book? After all, he had a "knowing" that she would recover. Did she? His examples of the "impossible" are typically not very convincing as they are not very difficult or extraordinary to begin with. For instance he tells us that as a child his teachers regarded him as a poor writer and speaker, but look at him today. He has overcome "impossible" odds! That is not convincing, in my opinion. That is to say, being better at something than others thought you were as a child is a long, long way off being anything--and he emphasizes anything even to the point that he says he teaches his kids to move clouds with their minds--you want. I, too, beat the expectations of my teachers but this is common rather than extraordinary. Therefore, it does not show that we all can do the impossible. And, he has not shown us that he can do the impossible. (If he did I suspect there would have been no invasion of Iraq.)
I would think that if he wanted to be convincing of his message he would show that impossible by conventional standards not the dumbed down ones he contrives: make an unprecedented contribution to mathematics, or solve the quantum mechanics puzzle (actually, he shows that he really does not understand the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle), or become an NBA star, stop all wars, etc. But he does not. Instead his examples are, "and they said I could not write this book [Wisdom of the Ages] in 60 days." Well, again, that is a long way from doing the "impossible." Or that he jumped a fence at 50 years old because he forgot that he was 50. His examples are everyday things that millions do. All he is doing is lowering the standard for what he wants to call "impossible" and then claims we are seeing examples of "impossibility" all around us.
The fact is his claim that anyone can do anything (i.e., "manifest it") is a big lie, I'm sorry to say. Ironically, a chapter in one of his books entitled "The Big Lie" and claims that the conventional wisdom that we have limitations is the "big lie." His claim is not only a lie, but gives false hope to many who could be much happier and more productive should they learn to accept their limitations. (I have personally witness the devastating affects on people who believe they can do something the really cannot. Dr. Dyer never acknowledges the thousands of poor souls who doggedly pursue a career in something in which they have no talent only to wind up with a complete lack of "abundance.") An example of this is can be seen at the beginning of each season of "American Idol." Every year we see examples of thousands of people who have absolutely no singing ability at all say, after rejection, "I know I can do this. I know I have greatness within me and I'm going to pursue my dream regardless of what others say." (All things Dyer would say and encourages us to believe, as well.) Well, since it is others who do not think these folks can sing, then these folds are deluding themselves. No matter how much they think they can sing, the fact these people simply do not and will never possess the talent to sing. Their efforts are in vain. They would be so much better off pursuing something else; knowing their limitations. Yes, there will be a few who surprise us and actually make it beyond the odds, but that does not prove the point that anyone can achieve anything. In fact, that strongly suggests that there really is luck (i.e., conditions beyond our control) within circumstances because most of these people will not achieve success and will waste years through frustration of pursuing something they cannot do. If Dyer is right, then we can expect to be hearing on the radio these thousands of wannabe singers despite their poor singing skills. After all, they have a "knowing" that they can be accepted as great singers, so have all the ingredients prescribed by Dr. Dyer, except one: realistic self-image. In order to attract abundance you must be accepted by others because they're the ones supplying you with the "abundance." You do not create abundance, others give it to you on there terms. The more you know how to manipulate others the more abundance you create. One simply has to look at how a conman (i.e., "confidence man"--one who gains the confidence of others) works to prove this point. So, it is not about what you do it is about how others accept what you do and are willing to reward you for it.
My point is not that people should not try to do the difficult or the impossible. My point is they people need a realistic self-image, first, and that is based on how others see them, too. (Success actually comes from others not from yourself. No one is successful on a planet where no one else exists. Acceptance by others is what success means. If you do not believe that, then let me do some dentistry on your teeth on you because "I have a knowing" that I am a dentist, even though others do not believe I am. My bet is you wont let me touch you regardless of what I think because it is what others think that matters.) Dr. Dyer not only does not put an emphasis on the importance of a realistic self-image he derides it as "self-defeating."
My other point is understanding your limits (e.g. not wasting your time trying to be a professional singer when your voice makes others cringe) is critical to healthy development. This is not the fear of failure I'm talking about, but an understanding of your circumstances well enough to know what would work for you and what to avoid. Having limitations and knowing them is good and healthy; believing you can do anything is self-delusional and, ultimately, self-defeating.
There will always be a few exceptional people who do something we think is impossible. And they do serve as an inspiration to us all. But this is my main departure from Dyer: that in no way can be extrapolated to anyone else can do it, too. What can be extrapolated is there is luck and coincidence in the world: being born with a great singing voice is not a choice but luck; being born with an high level ability to solve abstract equations as a child is luck; being born with the gift of art is luck; etc. Paris Hilton is lucky with her abundance, she did not manifest it.
Another criticism I have of Dyer is that he simply lowers the standard for what can be considered "genius" to prove that "genius" is all around us: children who make up their own languages is one of his examples. Another is his daughter's ability to train horses. Genius by definition means what only a few can do. If anyone can do something it is not "genius." His examples are not examples of "genius." If we go by his standard, then everyone is a genius (and he would probably agree with that). And if everyone is a genius, then actually no one is because there is nothing to separate abilities. Genius marks a level of ability against the efforts of the ordinary. What kind of world would it be if no one act was valued over another? A value system is necessary in order to have a functioning society. Putting value on particular intellectual achievements has created better living conditions for all than all the good intentions every has.
In the end, Dr. Dyer is another proclaiming truth rather than seeking it. Ironically, he tells us to question authority—but when it comes to his ideas, then we should suspend all doubts and open ourselves up to their possibilities. Should I also suspend all doubts at a KKK rally and open my to their doctrine? No, because I know their claims are false. And it know they are false because I can critique them and prove that their claims do not hold up to objective reality. Critique is our best defense against false claims and Dr. Dyer should welcome critique and doubt rather than evading it.
If Dr. Dyer is truly sincere in his message that anyone can do anything, then give us a real example. Show us something truly convincing and not use debating tactics such as redefining words like "genius" and "impossible" to do it. Show us something extraordinary on the terms of others not on your own and I will then follow your lead.
I can see your point of lowering the standard of "genius" -- and of Dyer being a proclaimer rather than a seeker. Perhaps Dyer is a good jumping-point for many who haven't studied Eastern philosophy? Whatever the case, I look forward to following up with you, Ray, and Luke and Cynthia about Dyer's take on the Tao Te Ching...and perhaps on Lao Tzu's original text.
All the best to you,
Kim