Verse 40

40.

Returning is the movement of the Tao.

Yielding is the way of the Tao.

All things are born of being.

Being is born of non-being.

The end is in the beginning. The infinite is like an blank sheet of paper; empty, yet filled with the potentiality of all things. The moment a mark is made, something appears out of nothing. For a time it seems to exist independently, although in truth we can only perceive its ‘being’ by contrasting it with the counterpoint, the vast space of emptiness or ‘non-being’ from which it emerges and on which it relies for existence. Eventually the pen-mark fades and being again dissolves back into non-being; the ‘something’ returns to the ‘nothing’.

We’re all on a return trip. Most people cling to their ‘beingness’ and are hesitant to let it go. It’s not until death comes that they are forced to relinquish the illusions of their mind and ego. It’s only then that they realise that who and what they truly are is not defined by things, possessions, achievements, thoughts or beliefs; but by something altogether deeper and more enduring.

Yet we don’t have to wait for physical death. In each moment, we have the choice to “die before we die” and in so doing return to awareness of the Tao. This is to go beyond our screen of thoughts, concepts and beliefs and to have a direct experience of reality as it is, independently of what we think it is.

To reach that state of harmony and balance that can only come from living in alignment with our true nature. Not everyone is ready for this call to awakening – the dream is too alluring and too convincing for most – but for those that are ready, the opportunity is present in each moment. It won’t happen at some point in the future, it’s not some elusive goal to strive toward. It can only happen in this moment, right here, right now.