Author Archives: bobgriffith

Tao Te Ching Chapter 32

Posted on February 19, 2014 by bobgriffith

The Tao is forever undefined. Small though it is in the unformed state, it cannot be grasped. If kings and lords could harness it, The ten thousand things would come together And gentle rain fall. Men would need no more … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cascadian Wanderer | Leave a comment

Tao Te Ching Chapter 31

Posted on February 19, 2014 by bobgriffith

Good weapons are instruments of fear; all creatures hate them. Therefore followers of Tao never use them. The wise man prefers the left. The man of war prefers the right. Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise … Continue reading →

Posted in The Cascadian Wanderer | 3 Comments

Tao Te Ching Chapter 30

Posted on January 25, 2014 by bobgriffith

1.  Warning Against the Use of Force He who by Tao purposes to help the ruler of men Will oppose all conquest by force of arms. For such things are wont to rebound. Where armies are, thorns and brambles grow. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tao Te Ching | 5 Comments

Tao Te Ching Chapter 29

Posted on January 20, 2014 by bobgriffith

1. There are those who will conquer the world And make of it (what they conceive or desire). I see that they will not succeed. (For) the world is God’s own Vessel It cannot be made (by human interference). He … Continue reading →

Posted in Tao Te Ching | Leave a comment

There’s a reason for everything

Posted on January 17, 2014 by bobgriffith

On the porch with coffee this morning I wonder if there is a reason for anything until we give it one. And so I give a reason to this thought which comes while a chain of geese who winter on … Continue reading →

Posted in Ruminations | 1 Comment

Tao Te Ching Chapter 28

Posted on January 13, 2014 by bobgriffith

1. He who is aware of the Male But keeps to the Female Becomes the ravine of the world. Being the ravine of the world, He has the original character (teh) which is not cut up. And returns again to … Continue reading →

Posted in Tao Te Ching | 1 Comment

Tao Te Ching Chapter 27

Posted on January 4, 2014 by bobgriffith

  1. On Stealing the Light A good runner leaves no track. A good speech leaves no flaws for attack. A good reckoner makes use of no counters. A well-shut door makes use of no bolts, And yet cannot be … Continue reading →

Posted in Tao Te Ching | Leave a comment

Tao Te Ching Chapter 26

Posted on January 2, 2014 by bobgriffith

1. The Solid is the root of the light; The Quiescent is the master of the Hasty. Therefore the Sage travels all day Yet never leaves his provision-cart. In the midst of honor and glory, He lives leisurely, undisturbed. How … Continue reading →

Posted in Tao Te Ching | Leave a comment

Tao Te Ching Chapter 25

Posted on December 12, 2013 by bobgriffith

1. Before the universe was born there was something in the chaos of the heavens. It stands alone and empty, solitary and unchanging. It is ever present and secure. It may be regarded as the Mother of the universe. Because … Continue reading →

Posted in Tao Te Ching | 2 Comments

Tao Te Ching Chapter 24

Posted on December 10, 2013 by bobgriffith

  1. Those who stand on tiptoes do not stand firmly. Those who rush ahead don’t get very far. Those who try to outshine others dim their own light. Those who call themselves righteous can’t know how wrong they are. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tao Te Ching | 1 Comment