Tzu-ssu

Like all of the previous readings I enjoyed this one.  Even if I do not agree with the principles and philosophies contained in the text I still profit from the knowledge and understanding of other religions.  Taoists have a lot of the same ideas and beliefs as hinduism.  Notably the idea that the world and everything in it is connected.  We are as much a part of the ecosystem as we are of the universe.  This idea of human nature and its connection to the world is Tao.  Tao is the harmony of balance and equilibrium of the senses, emotions, thinking and all aspects of life.  Job, social status, family, location of residency, are all things that if enjoyed and accepted the way they are bring about the fulfillment of the Tao, creating what is known as the "mature person."  Fulfillment of the Tao does not spontaneously manifest itself in an individual.  Instead it is cultured over the individuals lifetime like a flower who's light is obscured by the growth of another plant changes its direction to regain the light it lost.  This happens over and over throughout the flowers life until it finally dies.