Brian’s Reflection: Monday, January 23, 2012

Who is it that can make muddy water clear?
No one.
But left to stand, it will gradually clear of itself.

Lao-Tzu
Tao Te Ching


I think that this “parable/teaching” is about being an integral part of the Mystery of Life, and it is about Stillness.

We human beings can be an arrogant lot! I see this demonstrated in the way that (we) Christians have interpreted the Genesis story of Creation as meaning that “we are in charge and can do what we want”. If one thinks that, it indicates that we have opted out. We have anointed ourselves godlets, controlling things from “without”. I don’t agree with that understanding of our role as humans in the structure of Existence.

We may think of ourselves as “at the top” of the pile ….. but we are a part of the structure of Being. If we reject our part, refuse to contribute as a part of the Whole, everything goes askew.

In other words, our proper “work” is not to make the “muddy water clear”. It is to behave appropriately as an integral part of Life ….. and eventually Life will “clear of itself”.

One of our important actions as intelligent, caring, powerful beings within the Structure of Being, is Stillness. Pray. Think. Meditate. Act graciously, judiciously, compassionately, without arrogance.

Eventually, the water will “clear of itself”. If we try to dominate, the waters will stay roiled, muddy.

Brian+