This particular post has stuck in my mind ever since because of the pictures it contained, which left me speechless.  You can now see for yourselves a video representation of the pictures here.

Warning before watching the following video: For all those people who revel in their self-importance and pettiness, be prepared to have your self-imposed bubble of pretentiousness well and truly burst:

Hopefully you would have all learned a thought-provoking lesson after watching that – I did.  In fact, it taught me a cold hard truth about myself and where my actual place is in this unfathomable Universe.

I felt both truly humbled and vulnerable after seeing our seemingly insignificant planet floating in an infinite black sea of galactic planets and stars.

We as a conceited species often think that we are the most important entity in existence because of our advancements in language, communication, technology, science and medicine.

Man goes as far as thinking he is God (a limited term that he created) because of his mastery of many things (including over each other) on earth and his limited exploits into space.  But in all truth, we are actually insignificant, because despite this sought-after knowledge that we have accumulated over thousand of years, we have yet to solve the modern-day problems that continues to constrict our growth and peaceful co-existence with one another.

After all, our minds are synonymous with the universe, where we all share one universal infinite consciousness which, inexplicably, has been made limited and divisive by knowledge.

We are perhaps fortunate and blessed to have life on such a minuscule planet, especially when compared to the many other planets in our vicinity that have been found not have any signs of life.

There will come a time when the Universe will have had enough of our folly and decides to erase this lonely ‘Pale Blue Dot’.  Before that happens we must at least realise our true purpose here by expanding our minds like the great vastness of space and use wisdom for the greatest good – which would be as significant as the Cosmos itself.

Also watch Carl Sagan’s fascinating Video ‘Pale Blue Dot’:

Our planet (Yes, OURS) may look like an insignificant dot when viewed from afar in the infinite sea of space, but viewed from the perspective of nature’s workings in providing and sustaining life here, it is truly magnificent – so maybe we are all special in that respect.

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Description

Tao Te Ching, which can be translated from the traditional chinese to The Book of the Way and its Virtue, is an important classic Chinese text.

Written around 600 bce by Taoist Lao Tzu (or Lao Tsu, Lauzi), who was a sage and keeper of records at the court of the Zhou Dynasty.

The Tao Te Ching is an important compilation of maxims from a significant period in the history of Taoist Chinese philosophy, and has strongly influenced Chinese Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism.

Tao Te Ching has often been used by Chinese poets, painters, and calligraphers as a major source of inspiration.

Book Review

The old Chinese sage, Lao Tzu wrote this timeless book primarily as a code of conduct to living.  It contains Lao’s precepts towards following ‘the Way’, and is what one must do to achieve a long, trouble-free and contented life.

The advice offered by Lao, in which he put into two books (combined as one), was mainly for those who governed the people and who held the power to lead by example.  The Emperors, in Lao’s eyes, who were sitting at the top in a somewhat precarious position, appeared to be in more danger compared to most, with probable ambitious plans being drawn against them; traitorous subjects amongst them; and restless citizens to tame.

In my interpretation of what Lao wrote, he seemed to be advising that if one should follow the precepts of ‘the Way’ religiously, one will then attain the virtue and wisdom to not only govern oneself, but to be able to govern the empire towards peace and harmony – and with this, one can survive to very old age.

Another aim of ‘the Way’ is to make those in high positions become humble,  live simply and wisely – this is the only way to achieve true contentedness within oneself whilst at the same time not to harm the people of his kingdom due to personal ambitions.

Now, looking at the book in relation to us ordinary plebs, there is much to learn from it, and its wisdom can be applied to our daily lives.

The Tao Te Ching is relatively a small book with short numbered passages, but with its poetic prose and seemingly hidden treasures, it can take a few readings to unearth the apparent wisdom buried away.

So I recommend you carry this book around with you at all times and make good use of it when your lofty ambitions rears its ugly head.  Because when the need arises for you to read a couple of  passages, you will at once choose to let go of any pompous or competitive ways, and will soon discover that choosing to live a simple and humble life is probably the wiser course of action in regards your own personal well-being.

Apparently, “The meek shall inherit the earth.”…something to think about when you feel the need to be extremely hard with someone you think you have power over.

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.”

~ Tao Te Ching

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