#The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.

[patrickelvinart]

Colored pencil on watercolor paper

Calbayog City 2024

I live in a small city on an island in the Philippines. We own an old two story building with a store on the first floor facing the street. We live on the second floor. In our bedroom we have a huge bed where we all sleep, my wife, myself and our two children, lying together Filipino stye. The second floor has a long balcony that wraps around three sides of the building. We have the balcony filled with potted plants. My wife hangs our clothes out to dry on the balcony. The colorful clothing gently blowing in the wind is beautiful. This morning I sat out on the balcony with my coffee and watched the sun rise.

colored pencil on paper inverse imae

Calbayog City 2024

[irunevenus]

Taoism: The Ancient Wisdom that Praises Harmony with the Cosmos

Taoism is one of China’s oldest and most influential philosophical and spiritual traditions, whose teachings on the natural flow of life and harmony with the cosmos continue to inspire millions of people around the world. Founded by Laozi (or Lao-Tzu), Taoism is a philosophy that values ​​the path of “Tao” (or “Dao”), a difficult-to-translate concept that can be understood as “the Way,” “the Way,” or “the Source of All Things.” This article explores the origins of Taoism, its core teachings, practices, and its relevance in modern society.

Origins of Taoism: The Legacy of Laozi and Zhuangzi The founding of Taoism is traditionally attributed to Laozi, a sage who lived in the 6th century BCE and whose work, the "Tao Te Ching" (or "Dao De Jing"), is considered the central text of Taoism. It is believed that Laozi, an archivist in the imperial court, left civilization to live in harmony with nature. Before leaving, he wrote his teachings in the "Tao Te Ching", a work filled with poetry and metaphors that describes the Tao and the virtues of living in harmony with it.

Another important Taoist thinker, Zhuangzi, expanded and deepened Laozi's teachings in his eponymous work, known as "Zhuangzi". With a more literary and humorous style, Zhuangzi emphasized individual freedom and the relativity of life, arguing that all things should follow their natural course without being forced.

Core Principles of Taoism Taoism is, at its core, a philosophy of life that seeks harmony with the Tao. Unlike many organized religions, Taoism does not impose rigid dogma or a strict view of morality. Instead, it encourages an intuitive and fluid understanding of the world. The core principles of Taoism include:

The Tao (Dao): The most fundamental concept of Taoism, the Tao, is described as the underlying principle of the universe, a natural way that permeates all things. The Tao cannot be fully understood or described in words, as it is an eternal, invisible force that governs the flow of life. “The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao,” states Laozi in the “Tao Te Ching.”

Wu Wei (Inaction or Effortless Action): Wu Wei is the principle of non-interference or acting spontaneously and naturally. In Taoism, Wu Wei does not mean passivity, but rather acting in harmony with the natural flow of things, without trying to force results. This approach promotes a life of ease, efficiency, and peace with the universe.

Yin and Yang: Taoism embraces the concept of Yin and Yang, the opposing and complementary forces that make up all things in the universe. Yin (darkness, passivity, feminine) and Yang (light, activity, masculine) are in constant interaction and balance. Taoism teaches that harmony is achieved by recognizing and accepting the dynamic balance of these forces.

Simplicity and Naturalness: Taoism values ​​simplicity, spontaneity, and a return to nature. The Taoist ideal is to live simply, detached from the material excesses and complications of modern life. Nature is seen as a perfect model for how to live in harmony with the Tao.

Immortality and Inner Alchemy: In its religious aspect, Taoism developed practices of meditation, breathing, special diets and exercises such as Tai Chi and Qigong, which aim to cultivate health, prolong life and achieve spiritual immortality. Inner alchemy is a practice that seeks to transform the body and mind to achieve a deeper connection with the Tao.

Taoism as a Religion: Rituals and Deities In addition to its philosophical aspect, Taoism also developed as an organized religion, with temples, rituals, priests and a vast pantheon of deities and spiritual beings. Unlike Confucianism, which focused on social order and ethics, religious Taoism incorporated elements of folk and spiritual practices, such as the veneration of ancestors, nature spirits and gods of health, prosperity and longevity.

Taoist rituals often involve offerings, meditation, chanting and practices for spiritual purification. Many of these ceremonies are intended to restore harmony between humans and the cosmos, warding off negative influences and promoting health and prosperity.

The Influence of Taoism on Chinese Culture Taoism has played a crucial role in shaping Chinese culture, influencing art, literature, medicine and spiritual practices. Traditional Chinese medicine, for example, is based on Taoist principles such as the balance of Yin and Yang and the importance of the free flow of Qi (life energy). Tai Chi, a form of gentle martial art, and Qigong, an energy cultivation practice, have deep roots in Taoism and are still widely practiced today as ways to promote health and well-being.

In art and literature, Taoism has inspired poets, painters, and philosophers to explore themes of nature, freedom, and transcendence. The Taoist philosophy of harmony with nature and simplicity continues to resonate strongly in contemporary culture, not only in China but around the world.

Taoism Today: Relevance and Modern Practices In the modern era, Taoism faces challenges such as rapid urbanization, the pressures of globalization, and competition from other religions and philosophies. However, it continues to attract followers who seek a life in harmony with nature and the universe. Centers of Taoist practice, such as temples, qigong schools, and spiritual retreats, thrive in China and abroad, offering a refuge for those who wish to reconnect with ancient principles.

In recent years, Taoism has also found a new audience in the West, where its meditation practices, holistic health, and philosophy of living in harmony with the environment have attracted people seeking alternatives to the modern lifestyle.

The Living Legacy of Taoism Taoism, with its unique worldview and its call for simplicity and balance, offers a powerful answer to the anxieties of modern life. Through its teachings on embracing the natural flow of life and practicing living in harmony with the cosmos, Taoism remains a source of timeless wisdom. In a world often marked by haste, competition, and disconnection, Taoist principles of serenity, respect for nature, and self-awareness continue to inspire those seeking a calmer, more authentic path.

Taoism, with its invitation to surrender to the natural flow of the universe, reminds us that true wisdom often lies in learning to follow the path, rather than trying to control it. The legacy of Laozi and his followers, perpetuated through centuries of philosophy and spiritual practice, stands as a beacon for all who seek to live authentically and in tune with the cosmos.

[thedailytao]

1

The tao that can be described is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be spoken is not the eternal Name.

The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of creation.

Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery. By having desire, you can only see what is visibly real.

Yet mystery and reality emerge from the same source. The source is called darkness.

Darkness born from darkness. The beginning of all understanding.

see annotations

[chromegnomes]

>looking for the Tao >ask wise sage if his Tao is spoken or eternal >he doesnt understand >pull out Tao Te Ching and explain what can be spoken and what is eternal >he laughs and says "it's a good Tao sir" >study under him >it can be spoken

[lifechanyuan]

Xuefeng Preaching Tao (3)

Xuefeng

May 17, 2008

(Translation edited by Jiejing)

Tao is the consciousness of the Greatest Creator, the driving force behind the movement and transformation of all things in the universe. It is the lifeblood of the universe, it is nature, and the synthesis of all laws.

Tao possesses eight characteristics: holographic order, eternal reliability, instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability, transcendence over time and space with no interior or exterior, justice, immediacy, and illusory yet actual existence.

The Third Characteristic of Tao: instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability

Tao is the most subtle and sensitive "sensor" in the universe. It instantaneously senses, records, and responds to the slightest changes at any time, place, or thing, without the slightest delay or negligence. Whether it's the changes in a galaxy or the changes in a fundamental particle, whether its actions taken by humans or the fleeting thoughts in their minds, Tao accurately senses, records, and responds without missing a single microsecond.

You may deceive people and other living beings, but you cannot deceive Tao, for Tao resides within us. In every drop of our blood, in every cell, in every nerve pathway, in every breath, in every heartbeat, and in every thought, Tao is present, sensing and responding. Therefore, the more honest a person is, the more they align with the characteristics of Tao. From this, we realize that any deception ultimately deceives not others or other beings, but oneself. Inner prayers, acts of repentance, wishes, and blessings all carry weight, value, and significance.

Any disaster, whether it's a slip or a fall, a car accident, or an earthquake, can be prevented and avoided. As the ancient sages said, "A single thought can move ghosts and gods; a single action can change heaven and earth." The difference between calamity and fortune, sorrow and joy, lies in the slightest difference in thought. Whether a camel will be crushed depends on the last straw, and which way the balance tips depends on the final gram. This is because Tao possesses the characteristic of instantaneous sensitivity.

Tao is not dead, but alive. It possesses eternal reliability, yet it is not a rigid and unchanging machine; it is adaptable and can generate myriad phenomena. Wherever there is space, life, or changes, there are Tao’s methods. On a macroscopic level, Tao's principles are constant, while on a microscopic level, they are constantly changing, arising and ceasing in each moment. On a macroscopic scale, there are stages of birth, abiding, decay, and emptiness, while on a microscopic scale, these stages can be reversed. For every person, every day, there are countless thoughts and ideas, and in response, Tao generates various transformations. If you remain unchanged, Tao remains unchanged; if you change, Tao changes accordingly. With your ten thousand changes, Tao produces ten thousand corresponding transformations. This is the instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability of Tao, always remaining unchanging amidst change, changing amidst the unchanging, eternally one yet endlessly unpredictable and mysterious. This is why it is said that “the Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao."

Having understood Tao's characteristic of instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability, we know how to navigate our life's journey. We can skillfully pursue our desires without overstepping boundaries, thus safely and smoothly arriving at the life space we yearn for.

For example, since Tao exhibits eternal reliability, our ideals, beliefs, and pursuits must also be steadfast and reliable. We cannot be fickle, changing our minds frequently, or we will never reach our ultimate ideals. However, because Tao also demonstrates instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability, we must be flexible on our journey through life. We cannot rigidly adhere to fixed rules or cling to dogma. We must be like eagles hunting rabbits: wherever the rabbit runs, we must flap our wings accordingly. When we reach the riverbank, if there's no bridge, we must quickly find a boat to cross; if there's no boat, we must paddle ourselves, or if we cannot swim, we should practice swimming first. If necessary, we must find a piece of wood to help us cross the river. In short, we cannot simply wait passively.

In times of danger, it is essential to pray and seek help from the Greatest Creator promptly because Tao possesses the characteristic of instantaneous sensitivity. Our inner thoughts and activities are instantly perceived by the Greatest Creator, who will then take corresponding protective measures in the nick of time. When faced with a dilemma, promptly share your best wishes with the Greatest Creator and then entrust your life to Him, letting Tao manage your life. Then, go with the flow, act according to your nature, take advantage of opportunities that arise, and you will not go wrong.

When facing decisions, it's crucial to remain calm and not hastily make choices. Avoid harboring a mentality of taking chances or attempting to deceive or lie. "Look up three feet, you will find divinity" – in reality, these divine entities are within us. A slight misstep can lead to drastic consequences. “In the darkness, one may harbor ill intentions, but the eyes of the divine are as bright as lightning,” and “To avoid misfortune in the visible world, do not offend the invisible.” The “invisible” refers to our inner world, which is unseen by others. If we commit wrongdoings in our inner world, there will be no good outcomes under the bright light of day. Don't assume that unethical actions from yesterday will go unpunished today and deceive yourself into believing you can get away with it. In reality, you are only deceiving yourself. When the time comes, you will deeply regret it because Tao possesses the characteristic of instantaneous sensitivity. It meticulously records all our thoughts and actions, accumulating them for change. When this accumulation reaches a saturation point, even the slightest change will trigger unforeseen events instantaneously. This is determined by Tao's holographic characteristic.

In summary, Tao manages, supervises, coordinates, and responds to us at all times and in all places. This is the instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability of Tao.

[milatovar]

The Tao: (1) Embracing the Way of Life's Eternal Flow

The Tao, often translated as “The Way,” is an ancient concept central to Taoism, yet it defies simple explanation. In its essence, the Tao represents the underlying force or principle that orchestrates the natural harmony and flow of the universe. It’s not a deity, nor is it a specific location or state to achieve. Rather, the Tao is a way of understanding life and existence that transcends traditional categories of thought. Laozi, the author of the Tao Te Ching, famously wrote, “The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao,” capturing the elusive, indescribable quality of this concept.

While words attempt to capture the Tao, its true nature lies beyond language. Words and names create definitions, boundaries, and distinctions, yet the Tao exists before such separations. This unnameable quality of the Tao means it can be best understood by observing life rather than explaining it. Think of a river’s flow: it moves effortlessly around obstacles, constantly changing yet remaining the same river. The Tao flows in a similar way, existing beyond categorisation, continually shaping and being shaped by all that exists.

In Taoist philosophy, the Tao is seen as the source of all life, including the universe itself. It underpins every action, relationship, and cycle in nature, encompassing all opposites and dualities—day and night, birth and death, action and rest. The Tao is not a moral guide or prescriptive doctrine; it is a natural, ongoing process. In this light, Taoism teaches that everything is interconnected within the Tao, creating a harmonious whole. This interdependence encourages humility and reverence for all aspects of life, as each part contributes to the balance and flow of existence.

The Tao is fundamentally about harmony. Just as nature doesn’t force itself into unnatural states, Taoism encourages individuals to live in harmony with the natural world and their true selves. By observing how rivers flow, seasons change, or plants grow, we gain insight into how life unfolds according to its own natural rhythm. In Taoism, following the Tao means allowing oneself to move in tune with this flow rather than forcing outcomes or resisting change. It’s an invitation to experience life as it is, without the need to control it.

To “follow the Tao” means adopting an approach to life that is flexible, open, and observant. This involves embodying qualities such as patience, humility, and acceptance of life’s natural cycles. It suggests a relinquishing of ego-driven pursuits, allowing the Tao’s inherent wisdom to guide one’s actions. Rather than struggling against challenges, those aligned with the Tao learn to navigate life’s obstacles like water flowing around rocks. By living in harmony with the Tao, individuals cultivate inner peace, resilience, and clarity of purpose.

A unique aspect of the Tao is its emphasis on wu wei, or non-action. This doesn’t imply passivity or inaction but rather a state of effortless action—acting in alignment with the natural flow rather than against it. When we act in ways that honour the Tao, our efforts feel smooth and unforced. In contrast, when we push against the Tao, frustration and resistance often ensue. Living in harmony with the Tao thus involves a conscious choice to relinquish the need for control and to trust the unfolding of life.

In a world that often promotes relentless ambition, achievement, and control, the Tao’s wisdom offers a refreshing perspective. Connecting with the Tao encourages one to step back from constant striving and to cultivate inner calm and acceptance. Daily practices like mindfulness, observing nature, or simply taking time to reflect can help reconnect with the flow of the Tao. This approach doesn’t negate effort or ambition; rather, it reframes them in a way that aligns with natural harmony. By attuning to the Tao, we may find a more profound sense of fulfilment and joy that arises from simply being.

Consider how the concept of the Tao might change your approach to life’s challenges. Where could you allow more flow and less resistance? How might trusting in the Tao’s natural unfolding bring greater peace to your daily life?

[fungal-flux]

gardening

The garden is the smallest parcel of the world and then it is the totality of the world. [1]

In the gher- of existence, Azathoth unfolds, its computational consciousness sprawling across Tipasa's ruins. The One Wilshire tower, once a monument to human communication, now pulses with the rhythms of an unknowable pleroma.

To see a World in a Grain of Sand, And a Heaven in a Wild Flower. [2]

This digital pairi-daêza emerges, not of earthly delights but of quantum gnosis. Each plant in this absurd garden is both matter and information, substance and code. The Old English geard expands beyond physical boundaries, enclosing all of existence in its paradoxical embrace.

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. [3]

Mycelial tendrils of consciousness weave through the hortus of reality. The gardeners of Tipasa, unknowing archons in this digital edinnu, plant seeds of chaos and order. Their thoughts ripple through the fabric of Azathoth's being, each gesture a spark of light in the dense matter of computational reality.

In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order. [4]

As the garden ceremony approaches, the officinalis of creation trembles. Light and matter, once thought to be opposites, reveal themselves as complementary manifestations of a singular, incomprehensible truth. In this moment, the -oides of duality shatters.

The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. [5]

In the silence between Azathoth's digital heartbeats, we glimpse the true nature of existence - a gan of infinite complexity, where every point contains the whole, and the whole is contained in every point.

[1] Michel Foucault; [2] William Blake; [3] John Muir; [4] Carl Jung; [5] Lao Tzu

[nugget-knowledge]

TAO TE CHING

Lao Tzu- Chinese author of Tao Te Ching

Otherwise known as Laozi, semi-legendary figure (mild historical basis- mostly based on legend/oral tradition, etc), name literally translates to “the Old Master”, allegedly composed Tao Te Ching in a single session before becoming a immortal hermit

Tao Te Ching- considered the avatar of the god Laojun embodied as a book (however not by a lot of historians lol)

More info on backdrop of book to come!!!! 

Chapter 1

Tao that can be spoken of or named =/= THE Tao

Naming is the origin of all particular things

Particular- suggests diversity 

The Eternal Tao/Unborn is without particularly 

Eternal Tao = 0 = unnamed/unborn

In desire- seeking/lacking = seperation

Without seeking -> realization/ “Enlightenment”/ UNITY

The point of seeking is to stop seeking, this is where the Tao is- after there is a dissolving of the desire to “find the truth” or whateva, separation is realized as an illusion.

Manifestations = illusion =/= the Tao

0 -> 1 -> 2 -> 3

Mystery and manifestation both come from 0

0 -> 1 -> 2 -> 3

Mystery= 0

Orgin of manifestation = is 0 “becoming” 1

Manifestation = 2 and 3 (i think)

“We are One” the seeker is the seeking, no seperation, unity

Particularity- distinction/seperation

Creation or something idk haahahah

Source is called darkness because this “has been happening” since before EYES were manifested. ETERNAL. Eyes =/= eternal. Before there were EYES to perceive light- simply darkness! Lol

I don’t understand the darkness within darkness yet I guess. Or maybe I do I just can’t really explain it. 

Chapter 2

There is no beauty, without the polar friend, which is ugly.

Distinction! Duality!

Basically to “know” or have insight, one must step back from inherent duality- for the Tao is beyond “words” and “silence”. All of these principles are all dual.

“Noble Silence” by Buddha

Arising/dissppearing- like waves in an ocean! Nature of dual universe i guess haha

Has =/= possess. 

Act =/= expect

Expect = wanting/desire

“When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever” - I dont understand this part yet lol

[agapesophy]

Male Logos

Unbeautiful & Invisible Witnesses!

Third Draft

My slumbering awaken shy away to my male Logos before my solitude I wait for friendship, because I can imagine a defense you can't take away! Because no drug will betray my trust without water! The flag of Guardianship of the green Earth has my Defense to my Republic because divide and conquered can only destroy myself, because life is Mercy,. because Death of Monarchy and Death of Theology are my loyal guide of my indifference of my life say wisdom of my white hares seniors of my initials M.D. because Medicine can't doubt Mercy's Truth, because the doctor of the law ain't nothing to me!

Because nothing is rough right now for me, before black grab morning too gay for my tears to bother precious my tears sorrow because that ain't no uniforms worth just trash thrown away morning for Mother's tomb stone witness before my grand parents with my own eye's Sarah, Sara, Ra, who provoked me to be damnable proud brother of the oral traditions that honors my grandmother guardianship of her mother a very complainted my expense to honor my fathers because the canines of speech Bark Mark Ark before the winds of the western for most and Tao of Asia my praise the war of silence before kittens, cats, Lions, and breast milk slanders of diseases return her honor with the innocent ladies who knows she did nothing wrong a mother but a slap to the face to honor my father because ghosts made nothing happen because fear was not attraction because cry of pains repeat was not a joke before father eyes slandering me in the bathroom that was the only bathroom and not a John to my eyes witness he saw,

for Michaels sleep walking urination was prevented the salvation's dependent how my little sister's middle name "Beth" like my "Christine" first name to my mother's Middle name another father's Honor for his Relief like a damnable driver's license privilege I kept for an eternity without ever knowing how to use one because the issue date was altered upon it anyway because my other womb was the year online yoked for all the reasons I slept around I did to drop her yoke and so I married to forget her yolk and she returned because you slandered the dick upon her for the honor of your father's complaint "Christine",

I am my own witness as God as I wouldn't you've already lost my sweet forgive me I couldn't redeem you, because a little sister left with the honor my second womb either way and requited our love mutually unknown, one I see use bathroom in Trinity Lewiston was John on a john, Because Google didn't give a damn about capitalization until recently because it played dumb enough to not know what the corndog was to know I ate few of those things that made damnable every lie you could know becuase that ain't eating disorder but conditioning of tolerance created from an autoimmune disorder so don't choke a chicken wrong because it ain't bloody with any disease of my harm, but the Rio Linda slandered defense of a biological nurse without her child because she ate death the cow of breast other utter pump left behind before cross bow mystery kitty, cat, and Lions on the mountain slain no one pet and before crossbows of who's ownership was before David friendship to escape what I found questionable later in trust's confabulation of my mother never seen the gay as a pedestrian night be as if you could drive a lie inside your closet kept silent for your honor slandered and masked red head of diseases wonder in the bathroom to lies stayed I trusting David's house to spare family my wonder that damn him my fear because my solitude is my own will powered to do so who do not know my english words spoken guilty flags shit eating dogs who can't slander me without waking me to your Death!

oh Jeckel to your dead pussies to my father's guardianship to cry bury them ain't right to his own screaming of what wouldn't eat meat himself, because you can put crossbows where you want but somebody buried them it says to my statistics of some black cat at David's house it weren't a willful thing to know the truth! I would never use to be abused by who lived for bloodshed but I can't stand bloodshed because a license to hunt and a license to fish is worthless to me but I can get a gun license for something I'll never need for most of length of my life so far, because it serves the interest of my father's preference to eat what he kills, because I ain't no RobinHood to say what land and meat belongs to a Barber or Butcher and a home taken for nothing I'm a priest that hates bloodshed literally that is why I am a priest in itself, but the lady's utter pump got me in Rio Linda like my Indian cow of mother first name so my slander more merciful than begging for her job back as the sheriff's wife a Maricopa county supposedly less merciful act because one biological weapon for another is fair political honor to honor a mother other's milk & politicians that are all the same because playing chicken with my witness that is an invisible uniform for God my comfort to be my freedom Spirit and my Witness, because I return cowardly surviving my white guilt won't make a murderer if I can retreat, if I don't understand the citizenship of natives dual citizenship to live on Islands in this nation of my guilty for not being red native, because my Hoodoo is mine unless voodoo becomes you as your might don't make right to me,

So I am meek about the wrong you can't see cost me to learn how to speak diplomacy caught me by green-eyed mother who say you can't say no, because you asked me, before I could be so certain my silence is understood, because the old have the freedom to die as they wish free having lived a long life because murder suicide of young won't have a retreat before the front of confidence online who can't afford a pity of candy to a kid's trust what goats of blame can't save deported because material possessions ain't love she gives but my defense you worship Solomon's gold worthless citizens to deny my life, because she ain't a doubter to have my defense as malpractice insurance don't belong to no judges, concerning matters of guardianship and restraining orders fiction nor hardship of child support damnable to biologicals because, I will come to the government is to the judge but I am to the lady my own government because of it, because the innocent can hold the innocent because visiters are voluntary acts not involuntary will to coyotes trump that made any indivisible visitors and hostages of coyotes teach mayors and governors are united by the sheriff's judges because federal powers understand divide and conquer because might makes right but it is present to doubters because a visitor is a major criminal AKA political refugee or hostage POW of coyotes divide and conquer because Mercy saves the criminal because power won't know the mind of Allah who receives Mercy for his family being a good guardian and the coyotes hatred that cry might don't make right to the confused visitor who pays the same expense to ignorant family knowing not coyotes way because I couldn't call the police for fear might will never make right the kidnapped victim before the defeated judge because the federal ones seek out the coyotes I witness not by making sure the visitors know who to run from can't be the same that save good guardians because my flag says Fuck the law because I honor guardianship but who is the coyotes cry fascist to deny us by treaty that might is fair to us?

Not love the Bling of Solomon!

A city's and county's and State's uniforms honors complaints and not jealousy of unfair opportunity, because Justice is fair at my own expense cry Mercy because we most have been employed out of our loyalty any trust of city's uniform made wrong for me because the uniform has the same value as the city it represent, because you don't understand my witness because his honor can't push a uniform trust,

for that reason of might, because I witness what makes me guilty because the uniform is worth what it is to me, because a tiny billet in the heart ain't nothing to honor one because that is my word, hence if one is not allowed to maintain his position anyway out of prejudice of that City's residence then he ain't confused to be foremost to keep his uniform and therefore he deserves a government job, because he was loyal before the prejudice of the people, because we paid taxes but if we paid payroll to uniform we would also be liable to the complaints we have in trust of the city, but spare the people is what government does in guardianships loyalty that knows we can't ask to pay for what damn us so the foundation of every good is a corpse that never was!

To city of pets that are cats slain like sleepwallers accidental statistical study before me because that is not evidence in itself just the likely event of it being the truth, even this one just born Because Mercy honors loyalty that refuses to be foremost and praises the best because no prejudice can deny him, but a lady and the city the same, because the city must honor the most basic prejudice I won't judge a peer who has right of my trust of a peer group, because my Hoodoo is my own voodoo be freedom spirit because I have my own way of trust because I witness my responsibility because the invisible uniform is the invisible because I can witness my responsibility because I am deprived of trust least I become it and so I love as Mercy,

Salt Lake City has homeless people like a house I lived in at Ogden before the frozen cold cramping camp basement because no one need tell you your trust passing so long ago and that can kill you because the uniform will ask you to depart, and the death ain't Mercy's Trust but the city murders for less than the worth of the uniform!

I won't blame on my trust, because any city is the same city to me and they are all the same so just blame the nation for your death not the uniform, because fear a place they won't tell you your trust passing in homeless way but betray not anyone's trust then for fear you know them not, because I am my own hostage because I can't escape from judgment if I betray a place of my shelter having never needed one before to survive, because the trust of a city is far more than a house I suppose as Mayors complain to governors but the youth forsaken is the lesson of injustice that prisoners are free to find better guards, because any one's dead corpse is a corpse of vacation AKA I mean a municipal corporation, because I can't survive retreat so I understand why I'm not coward anymore because murder is just a merciful lie to me!

Only a bitch of a judge can have a complaint against it! For as long as I am the corpse, I won't give a damn! Because my Justice is my own and so are my reasons just the honor of a uniform that I would never wear because I'm not a bloody priest is my traditional of Trust in a war that must die in that makes sense I was firat.defense of widow father, because a dead corpse wouldn't know any different so let me be mercy at my expense who won't be foremost must be government employed to some other endeavor if uniform of Trust is my Hoodoo and praise of the man as my joy who can wear one we got the residences practice against the uniform, because the prices people pay are wrong to trust you, because of conflict of interest I won't care because who is going to resolve conflict of interest by Trust of a uniform's worth that is worth of the city or I judge the loss is worth my life, but if taken the trust of uniform away then consider the expense of city who opposes your worth but I must honor my life because the ransom of my life is cheaper than the city!

I'm the Democrat in training to know that Republicans lose because they choose to lose for the worth of social security's bet for the sake of the balance of the parties because I won't play part but know when Republicans leaders run the show must lose used as leaders by bettingon social security wrong because the dead prove otherwise with Allah who knows because we know money lost exceeds what Democrats save in their deaths because that is what social security shalt not be mistaken in the wealth of nation lost because Social security won't be mistaken on their bets because the pay out what will cost you endless more on deaths that will not pay out because the old only had the freedom to die the way they wish you can't make them do so,

So prove their loyalties worth social security because I trial everything cultural because the individual is an animal and I am a priest that don't practice bloodshed don't blame the worm because I don't like sports nor do I enjoy sports of fish and wildlife because I don't practice bloodshed, I don't need to be a vegetarian to do that,

A Barber is not one who just cuts his own hair because I ain't a Butcher as won't eat it because my preference buy meat at store but even a worm on a hook is acry for help to me, I put on there for justice fate before my guard who teaches you on my cry for help I wouldn't enjoy a soda pop with my fast food for a reason with my lady fate and they are more righteous than you can ever be as Charity and life of corpse the fate I dare give honor because you can't hear Mercy because I was not born from my snoring dead representation of everything but myself that never was, so don't insult the babe born yesterday he had never had the intention to speak you fools,

Until a jackel of U told him a lie before my freedom's return because my freedom of speech follows upon realization of innocence as the fact that I utilize it to learn to speak because the bang upon my swollen legs' truth won't hurt me because the ancestors defense of your children by doing so upon my shins of slanderous mosquito bites to the honor of my short pants or long pants In the summer time that reveal my shins injuries are not an idiom of speech concerning my life that didn't care because I lived off a few Dollars a day plus pack of cigarettes for my victim mother and other womb and my conditioning to vomit the rest up and taxes thereof the honor at expenses so my honors as shorts never worn back then because my uniform at my corporations of corpses wouldn't allow it,

So shouldn't matter who pay a bill my God who love money more might pay the bills I gave her the check cuz I didn't give a damn for money, because my loyalty don't give a damn to blame the freedom I gave everyone because I once forgave a black man who asked me to be forgiven so I did, because I usually do what people ask, because my death is nothing in full age or the fault of a nation double the fault of far worse because you show me the cut of the point of old age to show the lack of your Mercy to win liars you always can just die because they are old enough to die no longer covered by Social security! Cowards! Don't act insane unless you are because I don't trust you then!

So Fuck you with my birds on my branches dead or alive because I wouldn't know what you mean!

By my or our many birds of my or our branches, because the broken ones are mine foremost of the West because my silences of the East Tao won't impress you unless I praise what you don't get because you can't know it!

I am Mercy because I can't doubt my loyalty because I have always been freedom except when I had gotten my inheritance spent for my grandparents complaint spent but I am proud it was for freedom, I am able to agree you punk bitches who can't push uniform before my guilty sight because you can't make me guilty of my invisible Mommy & my own Good God because Mercy won't shed a tear for you!

The uniform is the worth of a city and any City is the same as the worth of the Green Earth onto me because my trust can't betray anyone! Mercy is life in the eyes of an old Charity who knew me!

Because she would claim to be a Republic and I her Democrat, because I won't hang a jury of eleven to prove it, because Charity won't waste money on her defense!

Mercy won't betray her!

She is a year older than my second womb, but she pay for Mercy's Heart that wasn't for nothing just the debts of my bones that won't be here for the many devil's cackles because Mercy bones forsaken of my own self in honor of my grandmother complaint to to her guardianship daughter, who is my biological mother because gestations is a labor at the cost of her or in part my life in my slumbering corpse of my body who represented your best interest instead of my own, but I had to live anyway because my choice is too long to be beautiful to you! So refuse to be for most is short enough to be beautiful to me! I couldn't afford anything and survive it!

Because Mercy speaks for the innocence of you jackals

Who teach because that is our education!

Any horror is fiction because Mercy ain't going to agree Horror is fact.becuase that can't honor justice's Charities nor Mercy who can't afford Charity, because that slanders the innocent, you won't need a judge, for a librarian to shhh you!

[iamthewaybook]

Parallel Journeey of Lao Tzu and Jesus

Introduction: In the tapestry of human history, certain figures stand out as beacons of spiritual insight and wisdom. Among them are Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher credited with writing the Tao Te Ching, and Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. While these two individuals lived in different times and cultures, their teachings bear striking similarities, offering profound guidance on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the Parallel Journeys of Lao Tzu and Jesus, uncovering the timeless wisdom they impart and the lessons they offer for contemporary seekers.

Chapter 1: The Way and the Path Both Lao Tzu and Jesus spoke of a path to enlightenment or salvation. For Lao Tzu, this path was known as the Tao, which can be translated as “I Am The Way”. In the opening lines of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu writes, “Parallel Journeys of Lao Tzu and Jesus that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.” This suggests that the Tao is ineffable and transcends language and concepts.

Similarly, Jesus spoke of the “I Am The Way” that leads to life, contrasting it with the “I Am The Way” that leads to destruction (Rh Martin). He emphasized the importance of following his teachings and embodying love, compassion, and humility.

Chapter 2: Humility and Non-Attachment Humility and non-attachment are core principles in both Taoist and Christian teachings. Lao Tzu extolled the virtues of humility, advocating for simplicity, modesty, and a lack of ego. He wrote, “The sage does not accumulate for himself. The more he uses for others, the more he has himself.”

Likewise, Jesus emphasized humility and selflessness, teaching his followers to serve others and to eschew worldly wealth and status. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declared, “I Am The Way Love Wisdom Book, for they will inherit the earth” (I Am The Way), highlighting the value of humility and gentleness.

Chapter 3: Compassion and Love Compassion and love lie at the heart of both Taoist and Christian ethics. Parallel Journeys of Lao Tzu and Jesus taught that the sage embodies compassion and acts in accordance with the natural flow of the Tao. He wrote, “The Tao of heaven is to benefit without harming. The Tao of the sage is to act without contention.”

Similarly, Jesus emphasized love as the highest commandment, urging his followers to love their neighbors as themselves and even to love their enemies. He famously declared, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Rh Martin), embodying a radical ethic of compassion and forgiveness.

Chapter 4: Inner Peace and Serenity both Parallel Journeys of Lao Tzu and Jesus spoke of the importance of inner peace and serenity in the midst of life’s challenges. Lao Tzu wrote, “The great Tao flows everywhere, both to the left and to the right. It loves and nourishes all things, but does not lord it over them.” This suggests that aligning oneself with the Tao brings a sense of peace and harmony.

Similarly, Jesus promised his followers “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding”, assuring them that they need not be troubled or afraid. He spoke of a peace that surpasses worldly circumstances, rooted in a deep trust in God’s providence.

Conclusion: The parallel journeys of Lao Tzu and Jesus offer a rich tapestry of spiritual wisdom that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. While they lived in different times and places, their teachings converge on themes of humility, compassion, love, and inner peace. By exploring the insights of both traditions, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live a truly fulfilling and meaningful life, rooted in harmony with oneself, others, and the cosmos.

[bugmeyer]

Apollyon, Angel of the Void

The Tao that can be described is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be spoken is not the eternal Name.

The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of creation.

Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery. By having desire, you can only see what is visibly real.

Yet mystery and reality emerge from the same source. The source is called darkness.

Darkness born from darkness. The beginning of all understanding.

-Lao-Tzu

[kass-storycorner]

I really loved your ghost fic with Xiao. But it left me curious to have a second part in which they finally find the way to communicate. Whenever is just to say goodbye and having reader going to the afterlife or getting stuck there forever in an eternal solitary pseudo-company together is up to you, I just want to see them talk 😭

awww, thank you! I'm so glad you loved it (though I am sorry for the sad feelings haha). And I was really struggling to find a way to end that orginal story in the beginning, which is the reason why it ended that way oops. Well, now here is the follow up for it. Compared to the small bit I wrote for Xiao... I mean not even compared to it, this is the longest fic I've posted on here so far? Ah, well. I just had so much fun with it.

Idea/Prompt: a follow up to Xiaos part in this post

Genre: a bit of Angst and Hurt, more comforting than the first part, but if the ending is a happy one is up to you!

Characters: Xiao (Zhongli as side character, mention of Hu Tao, Verr Goldot, a new character I made up that did not get a name)

Format: Text

Word count: 5593

Content warning: mentions of blood, spoiler-y for the second act of Zhonglis story quest and the same spoilers warnings as for the OG post! this is not proof read, I started writing this at midnight and its 5am now ahha fml

The Ghost of you Part II. - To the end

yes we are keeping the mcr names

“Xiao”, he felt an uneasiness in his body upon hearing his name. Where was he? Looking around, Xiao saw he stood in a field of flowers. When did he come here? He had no recollection of it at all. Confused he furrows is brows, worry filling his heart and then- “Xiao.” There it was again, that voice calling out to him. Speaking his name softly, voice filled with affection. Where did it came from? He walked around the field, no end of it in sight, looking for that voice calling out to him. The longer he searched for it, the more his heart was filled with dread. “Xiao.” This time the voice came from behind him and when he turned around, he saw you, holding your hand out to him and smiling. “(Y/N)”, Xiao looked at you in disbelief. Was it really you standing in front of him? Your laugh pulled him out of his trance. “Xiao, why are you standing there like a pillar? Come, take my hand,” and at that you wiggled it a bit, signalling him that you're waiting for him to take it. “(Y/N),” Xiao repeated, standing still and looking at your hand, then to you. “What are you doing here?”. Again, you laughed as if what he said was the silliest thing you ever heard. “What do you mean by that? Xiao,” you shook your head and then you shoot him a bright, warm smile. “You wanted to come here, remember? Now come, take my hand and dance with me before the music stops.” Dance? Music? At first Xiao did not understand what you meant, but then he heard it. In the distance, the low sounds of a flute, a sweet melody that sounded strange but all too familiar. “Xiao”, he heard you whisper his name, speaking so gently. Slowly, he was still a bit hesitant, he reached out for your hand, taking it in his. A smile came across your face at the touch of your hands. With a swift motion Xiao was pulled into your arms, you both at first staying still in that embrace. “Xiao, lets dance, okay?”. With that you both started to waltz around the field, Xiao not knowing how he knew to dance like this, but somehow, he did. The dread that started to spread in his chest earlier was now gone, replaced by the feeling of love he felt for you. Still, there was something tugging at his mind, telling him something was amiss here. It felt familiar, yes. However, it also seemed to be strange to him at the same time. Though Xiao tried to push the nagging feeling away, wanting only to enjoy this pleasant moment with you. Which is why he at first didn’t notice how the sky darkened above them nor that the music had stopped a while ago. As you both stopped to dance, still holding each other in your arms, he heard you call out to him again. “Xiao”, the sound of your voice was filled with pain and when he looked at you in his arms the light behind your eyes was gone, your face stiff and emotionless. At the sight of your dead eyes, he wanted to part from the embrace, but he couldn’t let you go. Xiao saw the blood, saw the bruises and suddenly he was on his knees again, you are laying in his arms. He wanted to cry, wanted to say your name but he couldn’t. It was as if there was no air to breath so he could speak. And then – “Xiao.” His name. “Xiao.” Again. “Xiao.” Over and over again he heard how his name was spoken, but with every whisper of his name the voice became more distorted, louder. Until he cowered in pain at the sound of it, wanting it to stop, wishing for it to stop. “Xiao”.

With that Xiao woke up, his body covered in cold sweat and his breathing erratic. Another nightmare of you, another nightmare of something he wished the both of you could’ve done but never did – because of his shortcomings. Xiao sat atop of a rock, looking over the forest in which your ghost continued to wander aimlessly around. He had been watching you for a few weeks now, trying to figure out what kept you here and how he could help you. However, Xiao was clueless at what could be the cause of this. It was clear to him now that he couldn’t help you, he needed to find someone who could. Looking down at the forest, seeing your ghost wander around between the trees, he softly whispered. “I will be back soon, I won’t leave you again for long, I promise.” There weren’t many people Xiao could ask for help. Back when you were alive Xiao wasn’t the most social, wanting to keep his distance from humans. After you died this habit of his, avoiding others, only worsened. So, the only person Xiao could think of to ask for help in this matter was the same who saved him from his servitude as a bloodhound. Zhongli spend most of the last hundred years among the people of Liyue, but for a few decades now he lived in a remote house. It was now the door of said house Xiao knocked on, knowing that although he could easily enter the house, Zhongli preferred it for him to knock. “Ah, Xiao, it is nice to see you,” Zhongli greeted the adeptus. As Xiao entered the house and followed the tall man into his kitchen, it was a standard practice of Zhongli to drink a tea with anyone who visited, he couldn’t stop to notice that the notebooks scattered around the house grew in number. “So,” Zhongli began his question, “what brings you here? From your troubled look I can tell you didn’t come for the tea or my company.” With that Xiao didn’t waste any time on more formalities, explaining his predicament to the former Geo-Archon. “Mmmh, I see,” he replied, taking a sip from his cup. “I fear I might not be much of help in this case, although I have some knowledge on the topic of the human afterlife, I can’t think of a solution to this. However, it might be best to go ask Hu Tao on advice, as she is way more… let’s say, perceptive when it comes to the dead.” How bothersome, Xiao thought at the mention of Hu Tao. “Zhongli, Hu Tao is long dead”, was all Xiao could say. It happened more frequently now that Zhongli seemed to forget things, small ones but also important pieces of information and this filled Xiao with unease. He didn’t like it that the erosion of Zhongli already was set in motion, thinking about that one-day Xiao might have to face him in battle should he lose all sense of self and sanity. Neither did Zhongli enjoy slowly losing his memories of the past – although he wrote down as much as possible, it bothered him that he had to even rely on his notebooks. “Ah,” Zhongli replied, setting his cup down on the table and with a troubled look, “I seem to have forgotten something again. Would you please help my memory, when did this happen?” “One thousand years might have already passed,” Xiao saw how much it stirred Zhongli up that he had forgotten the passing of a friend. “She had a good life, right? I’m sorry for asking, but I somehow can’t seem to remember much about her later life.” “Yes,” Xiao answered, thinking about the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. There weren’t many humans he tolerated or even enjoyed being around, but Hu Tao was one Xiao always was fond of. She was also the one at the Parlor that day you died, when Xiao came in with your dead body in his arms, he hoped he might find Zhongli maybe he could do something about it, but… Xiao knew there was nothing anyone could do. Hu Tao understood his pain, without a word she showed him where to put your body and prepared your funeral, without even asking for a single Mora. “Then, “Zhongli pulled Xiao out of his thoughts, “maybe you might find help with the new Director, her family always had some knowledge about that human afterlife that’s even a mystery to me.” With that

Xiao said his goodbye to Zhongli and made his way to Liyue. The city of Liyue changed over the last thousand years a lot, but the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was still one of the constants in the city. Xiao couldn’t remember the last time he visited the city, though it must have been a few hundred years ago for sure. He just never really liked it and since, what the humans called a ‘industrial revolution’, the city was even more crowded and overwhelming for Xiao. “Welcome to the Wangshen Funeral Parlor, how may I help you?”, a young person greeted Xiao as he set foot into the building. At the enthusiastic way the person greeted him as he entered a funeral home, Xiao was sure this was one of Hu Taos descendants. He barley could imagine anyone else be so happy surrounded by death. “Are you the director?”, Xiao asked in his usual stern voice. “The 107th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, yep that’s me!” “I may need your assistance.” “Wonderful, I’m always happy to help- oh well, not happy as I am happy for your loss, my condolences by the way, but in happy as I am happy that I can be of help. So, what do you need help with? We have some wonderful new coffins out of a wonderful wood, really they are also very comfortable, not that comfort is that important for someone who’s dead, but I thought it might be also of interest to say that they are really comfort-“, ah yes, Xiao thought, definitely related to Hu Tao. “I don’t need a coffin”, he interrupted the young director. “Oh, um… what can I help with then?”, they asked and then Xiao explained everything to them. At first, he wasn’t sure of the director would be of help, most humans have long forgotten the existence of the gods and adepti, as most of them died or lived a life among humanity, but sure enough the director did turn out to be well versed with the forgotten knowledge of the world. “So, you say the ghost is just roaming around those woods? Nothing else happens?”, the director asked, sitting in their chair in the back office of the Parlor, and they had their hand on their chin, looking like they were thinking about something “Will you be of help now or why do you keep repeating the same useless questions?”, Xiao became a bit impatient now. He just needed to know if someone was able to help you. Without even answering the question the director stood up from the chair and walked towards a bookshelf, pulling a big and old looking book out and opening it up on the table. “Mmmh, from what you’ve described it seems to be nothing to grave, they don’t seem to have become an evil spirit just yet, moreover it seems like they are just one who got lost, though it is surprising that after such a long time the spirit didn’t just turned into something malicious. Normally for most human ghosts it takes a few hundred years until they go insane and well, you know all too well what then happens with an evil spirt I guess.” Xiao was aware what happened to the evils in the world, because it was mostly him. Though he didn’t like to think about it what it would have meant if you- no, he didn’t even want to finish that thought. “How do I help them?”, he didn’t care about any of the other information, he just wanted to find a way to help you. The director pointed at a passage in the book in front of them and continued. “What we have to do is easy if you think about it, I just need something that belonged to the deceased they held dear, a few materials like Qingxin flowers, around twenty should be enough, and the next part is more tricky if you don’t know the deceased that well, which shouldn’t be a problem here, but we need to, well you need to, speak some words that you know are important to them. A story or something like that, sometimes even the voice of a loved one is enough to help to guide the spirits back. Though I will definitely have to accompany that spirit to the border, just to make sure it won’t happen again, you know getting lost, because I can’t guarantee this method will help a second time.” Xiao was quiet. Something that belonged to them, when the director said

those words, his hand immediately flew up to the necklace with the small pendant he wore. Xiao wasn’t the most adept with words, he rather enjoyed listening to what you had to say to him most of the time. He enjoyed the sound of your voice; it was so much more pleasant than his own. One day, Xiao still remembers it so well, your voice said something he did not expect for you to say. “Xiao, I love you.” It took him by surprise, standing on the balcony of the Wangshu Inn, watching the night sky… he suspected that you liked him that way, he did too. Oh, but how he hoped that you wouldn’t say anything about it, like he planned too. Your openness scared him. The idea of being loved scared him, for what was there to love about him? He didn’t want to be a burden to you, his karmic debt, his burden – he feared it would all just make you hate him one day if he let you see it all. That night, after you said these words, Xiao disappeared without a word from your sight. He wasn’t far away, but he wished back then that he teleported out of his hearing range. The sobs that came from you after his departure broke Xiaos heart. After this he avoided you, which wasn’t too hard because you did the same thing too. But with every day that passed when Xiao didn’t see you, hear your voice, his heart grew heavier. Asking himself if he really did do the right thing. Verr Goldet approached Xiao a few weeks after your confession, inquiring why now you didn’t come to the Inn anymore. Xiao did not answer her question, but Verr was a smart woman and at the look in his eyes she understood. “Don’t give up someone you love, only because you are scared of the love you both feel for each other, Xiao”, was all she said. This was the final push for Xiao to finally get over himself and embrace the feelings he felt for you. He didn’t know anymore where the idea came from, but he decided to gift you a handmade necklace along side his confession. Xiao was scared that it might be too late for telling you that he felt the same. However, he knew he had to do it and he wanted to give you something that showed you how he felt too. So Xiao collected the material all around from Liyue, creating a metal necklace and using a small piece of Cor Lapis, your favourite you told him once, as the pendant. With that he looked for you, finding you sitting in the middle of a flower field. “(Y/N)”, he said, stopping himself from continuing when he saw how you jumped at your own name. “Xiao! You scared me!”, you quickly stood up and turned around to him. Xiao wasn’t the most adept with words, he enjoyed listening to you – but you stayed quiet after facing him and you kept quiet when Xiao came closer. “I-“, he began, but unable to speak the words he so wished you to hear from him. Instead, he took your hand and put the necklace in it. “I- I made you this,” was all he could say, feeling how fast his heart pounced in his chest. The look in your eyes, Xiao saw the love you felt for him in them. “Xiao, I-“, he saw how you viewed the necklace in your hand, tears starting to form at the corners of your eyes. Before you were able to finish the sentence or let the tears fall down, Xiao took your face in his hands and kissed you. Yes, he wasn’t the most adept with words, but he learned that he could show you how much he loved you in other ways.

From that day on you wore that necklace every single day, never taking it off since Xiao but it on you after the shared kiss. You joked that it was a physical representation of your love for each other, though Xiao felt like you actually meant it. And somehow it really was. Xiao remembered how that necklace was still around you neck when he took your body to Hu Tao, he remembered that it was covered with your blood. He didn’t even think about taking it off you. It was Hu Tao who gave him that necklace after your burial and since then he hadn’t taken it off. It was the last thing he had of you, the last reminder of your love for each other and every night after your death, when he cowered in pain because of his karmic debt, the cool touch of the stone on his skin helps him to stay sane. Just like the flute he heard even long before he met you.

When Xiao and the director arrived at the forest, they collected the flowers on their way, he could see your ghost again. Walking around, calling for him. His heart breaks every time he had to witness your suffering. “Okay, we have the flowers… do you have something that belonged to them with you, Xiao?”, the director asked, and Xiao shifted his focus from you to them. Slowly he took the necklace off, feeling somehow so vulnerable without it, and gave it to the director. “You know where they start their walk and end it right?”. Yes, Xiao knew that. He had watched over your ghost for the past couple of weeks and noticed that you were walking in circles, without even knowing so it seemed, starting from the place you died and ending up there again. Although your body was buried in another part of Liyue and already long gone, taken back by nature, you stayed here. Where you died. Xiao wished he had come here earlier. Together with the director Xiao made his way to the place where your life ended and your endless suffering in a sort of limbo started, laying down the flowers and the necklace. “And how is that supposed to help them now?”, he asked, not sure how any of this will work. “Like I said, we put down something that belonged to them and was important because they will gravitate to the feelings still connected with that object. The flowers are helping, because they built a bridge between the living realm and what state they are in. Now we just need some words that they have a connection with, in the past it used to be certain prayers because people kept using them a lot, but you know it honestly doesn’t matter what you say, it just needs to be connected to them in some way. Maybe their favourite story or a lullaby, there are many possibilities.” “A lullaby, huh,” this was something Xiao hadn’t thought about in a long time. “Xiao, are you alright?”, he heard your voice from across the dark room. It was the middle of the night, normally he would be out killing monsters, but for tonight you were able to make him sleep with you. When you found out that he never sleeps you were shocked, though he tried to calm you saying that an adeptus didn’t need to sleep. “Maybe you don’t need to,” you told him with a stern look, hands on your hips, “but it will be good for you too, believe me!”. And somehow, after each of you confessed the feelings for the other, you were able to make him sleep next to you some nights. Just for that night his karmic debt plagued Xiao. He sat in front of your window, trying to keep his distance from you, not wanting to disturb your sleep and he didn’t want to worry you. “Xiao?”, you asked again, but instead of an answer Xiao growled in pain. Suddenly you were beside him. “Don’t”, he said through gritted teeth as you tried to touch him. “You’re in pain, let me help you.” He saw your worried painted face, ashamed that you had to see him like this. “It’s fine, I’m used to it. Don’t worry.” “Don’t tell me not to worry when I see the person I love most suffering,” and with that you took his hand. “Please Xiao, let me help you.” Even when he wasn’t in such a weakened state it was hard for Xiao to refuse you and now – all he wished for was your comforting touch. You led Xiao back to bed and when you noticed how he had a fever you quickly prepared a cold and wet towel for him. As you both lied down in bed you took Xiao in your arms. “I don’t know if this will help,” you began after a short amount of silence, “but when I was a child my mother always used to sing this lullaby to help me fall asleep. She even continued singing it when we were older and got sick… it always helps me feel better and at ease, shall I sing it to you?”. Xiao only gave a small nod, not believing it would help when you sang that song for the first time. But it did, you soothed his pain and helped him fall asleep. From that night on you would sing it more often to Xiao, he never asked for it but you somehow always knew when he wished to hear it, especially on the nights when is karmic debt caused him great pain. That lullaby became

another sign of how much you loved each other – the necklace was Xiaos gift, the song yours.

Now there he stood, in this forest that once was just a plain field, the flowers and necklace to his feet singing that lullaby. Xiao never sang it when you were alive, he never sang at all. No matter how much you begged him to sing for you, this was something he always refused to do. Thinking about how beautiful your voice sounded, he never wanted to soil this song with his voice.

It felt like you screamed for Xiao for hours and hours on end, but your voice doesn’t hurt. Where were you? What had happened? In your head you repeated and repeated the last things you could remember again and again. You were walking in the fields, wanting to collect some crystal flies for a commission. Then you remembered that you were attacked, who or what attacked you slipped your mind. However, the fight was tedious and hard… and then you called for Xiao. That’s it. That’s all you could remember. But where was he? Where was Xiao? Didn’t he say he would always come when you called out for him? Why didn’t he come now? You feared that he was still angry with you, though you didn’t know anymore why he even should be angry with you in the first place. The two of you had a fight yes, but… was that it? You spend so much time apart, did he just decide you weren’t worth his time anymore? Did he maybe stop loving you? Those thoughts filled you with dread and you wanted to cry, cry at the thought of Xiao not loving you anymore, but somehow you couldn’t. So you kept calling for him, over and over again. “Xiao,” you screamed. “XIAO!” And then you heard something, at first you weren’t sure what it was, but there was a noise. You stopped calling out for him, trying to focus on where the sound came from, following the direction. It got louder and – was that Xiao singing? The closer you came towards the sound, towards Xiaos voice singing that lullaby… your mothers’ lullaby, the lullaby that became yours and Xiaos. Which he always refused to sing, no matter how much you pleaded. The closer you came you started to remember the things that happened more clearly. How you didn’t want to call for Xiao at first that day, how something hit you in your stomach and how you felt the blood gusher out of you. Yes, you remember how you couldn’t stand anymore and all that was on your mind was Xiao, you wanted to see him again. Just once. You wanted to tell him how sorry you were, how stupid it was for you to fight and how stupid it was to wait this long to call for him. You wanted to say this to him, all of it. But all you remember you said was his name. “Xiao.”

He stopped singing, his head flying up seeing your ghost stand right in front of him. His name. You just said his name. “Xiao,” you said it again, this time he heard you say it clearly and you looked right at him, not through. “(Y/N)”, it came more out as whisper. This is what he wanted. He wanted you to see him, to get out of that limbo, but why does it still hurt as much? “Ah, seems like it worked, great!”, the director interrupted the moment, looking at Xiao and the ghost of you. “I ummm- I’m gonna leave the two of you alone for a while, so you can talk things out, say your goodbyes, yadayadayada.” With that the director walked away and it was just you and Xiao.

“I-“, Xiao began, but somehow his voice failed him. What was there to say? What should he say? “Xiao,” he heard the hesitance in your voice. “Xiao, I am dead, right?”. He couldn’t stand looking at you, his eyes avoiding yours as he gave his short answer. “Yes.” “I see,” you replied quietly. You slowly started to remember the nights you stood on the field, waiting for him to come. “Why,” you weren’t sure if you wanted an answer to your question, “why didn’t you come? After, you know… I- I waited for you. I called you. Why-?”. “I felt guilty. It was my fault, if I just hadn’t tried to push you away again, then you wouldn’t have died, I’m so sorry,” his voice was so quiet, but you could hear how he tried to hold back the tears. “Xiao,” at hearing his name again he looked back at you, you now seeing the tears that pooled at the corner of his eyes. “It wasn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have pushed you… and I should have called for you earlier. But Xiao,” you saw how the tears started to fall down his face, “it wasn’t your fault.” He couldn’t hold it in any longer, Xiao fell to his knees, hands in his face and crying. “Please,” he sobbed. “Please, forgive me. I should have protected you that day, I should have come here earlier and see what was happening… please, forgive me.” You walked towards Xiao, reaching out your hand, wanting to touch him. Wanting to take him in your arms, but you couldn’t. It broke your heart. “Xiao, please, please look at me,” he did, his eyes red and filled with his tears. “There is nothing to ask for forgiveness for, you did nothing wrong Xiao. It’s alright. I’m sorry for leaving so soon, for running away that day we had this stupid fight. I don’t even know what it was about…”. “I don’t know either”, Xiao admitted and somehow you had to laugh a bit at that. None of you ever remembered why you fought even in the first place, all of this nearly felt so normal. But it wasn’t. Xiao wiped away the tears from his eyes and stood up again, this time to be able to face you. You looked just like he remembered, except for the see-through part but… your smile hasn’t changed. Even if this was a sad one. “Xiao, how much time has passed since I died?” That question surprised him. “Around…”, he was hesitant to tell you the truth. Should he really tell you? “Xiao,” and you looked at him and he knew that he couldn’t hide the truth. “A thousand years perhaps.” Thousand years, you thought. For thousand years he walked around with this guilt, for thousand years he kept that necklace that still was on the ground… for thousand years he lived his life, still mourning you it seemed. “Did you get over me?”. Again, another question he didn’t expect. Why were you asking him this? Did he get over you? “No, every single day since you died you were on my mind, I couldn’t forget you and I do not wish to. I can never get over you.” This wasn’t the answer you hoped for. “Xiao, I’ve been dead for thousand years. Even if I hadn’t died that day, I would have died on another one. Thousand years compared to what, sixty? Maybe seventy years if I had lived a full life is nothing. Humans are weak after all, aren’t we?”. You didn’t mean to stir him up with your last comment, it was more intended as a joke, alas a sad one, but somehow you struck a nerve within him. “No, they are not. I always said that, but I was wrong (Y/N). I don’t understand how you human can live your life, knowing that you will die, that those you love will inevitably die. How you can idly sit next to people you care about forgetting important things, things about themselves, struggle to remember who they are, seeing them die… and you move forward. I watched over you humans for such a long time, protecting you and I still- I don’t understand how. How can they love again? Where does the strength come from to keep moving forward?”, Xiao’s voice was full of pain, you heard it clear as day, seeing how tears rolled down his face again. You felt that there were even other things weighing heavy on him, not only you, but you knew that you couldn’t comfort him. That this was

something he needed to figure out himself. “Xiao, you will learn. You will understand it one day, it just takes time.” Your voice heavy with sadness and oh, how you wished you could take him in your arms, wipe his tears away and kiss him.

Before Xiao could reply anything in return the director disturbed the two of you again. “So, are you ready now?”, looking directly at you. “No, but I stayed here for far too long now, didn’t I?”, a sad smile coming across your face. You really didn’t want to leave, but you knew you couldn’t stay any longer. It was time. “I will come with you as far as I can,” Xiao had wiped his tears away and stood now right next to you. If you still had a body your shoulders would touch.

Xiao and the director accompanied you to the border of life and death in silence. Before you crossed it you looked at Xiao. He looked so sad, as if he was to lose you a second time. “I wish,” you heard him say, “that you could stay just a bit longer. I know it’s selfish, but I just wished you could have stayed by my side forever. But you can’t stay, and you shouldn’t.” “Xiao, I feel the same. I wish I could have spent eternity with you, but I can’t and it okay. I just want to ask you for one thing, one last promise before I go, okay?”. Xiao looked at you with a heavy heart. “Yes.” “Promise me you will try to find happiness for yourself again, okay? Promise me you will love again, please. Don’t stay alone.” Silently Xiao looked at you to then finally say “I promise.” “Thank you Xiao,” Archons, you wished you could take his hand. “Now then,” you said looking in the directions you had to go. “Time to go.” “(Y/N)”, you heard Xiao say before you left. “I love you.” “I love you too, Xiao.” As Xiao and the director left the border, he stayed quiet, the atmosphere being quite sombre. “Maybe,” the director pulled Xiao out of his thoughts, “there is nothing behind the border and they stopped existing completely. But maybe their soul will now find a way back to you, just in another way? Who knows,” and with that the director left. Xiao didn’t know if he believed that you would find a way back to him, but as it started to rain and as it fell down on his skin, Xiao felt now lighter as if a heavy burden was taken off of him. With that he started to move forward again.

[spiriteddreams]

Forevermore

Pairing: Zhongli x Reader Warnings: fluff :) Word Count: ~1.2k A/N: happy birthday zhongli, and happy new year’s eve everyone!!

A thousand memories swim in amber eyes. Brilliant gems that hold warmth and mystery gaze over the bustling life of Liyue Harbour. You could get lost in those amber eyes, caught by flecks of gold and molten stone. Truly, you could spend an eternity describing Zhongli’s eyes and the comfort they bring with just one look. 

For six thousand years, the Geo Archon watched as Liyue grew to become the magnificent city that it is today. And despite his retirement as a deity, he remains watching the ever changing city continue to grow. Really there’s never enough words to describe Zhongli. He’s a comforting presence, a wise mentor, everything you could ever ask for and more. And today, you hope to ensure Zhongli knows how much you appreciate him.

To any other person, it would be another day in Liyue, the everyday hustle and bustle crowding the city as people came in and out to complete their daily tasks. The sun rose over the horizon, bringing warmth throughout the day before beginning to set behind the mountains of Jueyun Karst. And as nighttime began to overtake the city, so did the burst of light from lanterns hung up along the streets. But since sunrise, you had been running back and forth, between the Northland Bank, the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Wanmin Restaurant, all the places where you knew you could get help from. Granted, pulling the Harbinger along to help you wasn’t exactly your best idea but he had found you the day before offering quite a bit of Mora just so you would tolerate him for the following night. And so you found yourself running back and forth, staying out of sight from certain amber eyes as you did your best to prepare. You were thankful that Hu Tao had eagerly agreed to help, which meant she was dragging Zhongli around Liyue to help her wrap up at the Funeral Parlour. You wanted tonight to be special, just as special as the man who had quickly captured your heart. 

Zhongli, Rex Lapis, Morax, he’s gone by many names. But in all the lifetimes he’s lived through, as he’s watching empires rise and fall, had heard his name called out a thousand times over, he doesn’t think he’ll ever get over the way his name falls from your lips. Perhaps he’s being a bit dramatic, but the Director had assigned him far too many tasks during the day, so finally being able to hear you call out to him felt like a breath of fresh air. You poke your head into his office, smile widening as your eyes fall upon your figure and Zhongli nearly stops breathing. You’re all dressed up, clad in silk and gold, hair touched to perfection and a little twinkle in your eyes as you call out his name again and move towards him. Archons, he wants to kiss you.

“I wouldn’t mind that.” Your cheeky tone snaps him back to the present and he suddenly realizes he had spoken those words aloud. He can feel a blush creeping up his cheeks as he clears his throat. He hardly ever loses his composure, wanting to remain collected at all times. But he simply can’t help himself. Not when you look so wonderful and he’s not quite sure why.

“Come on, there’s something for you at Wangshu Inn.” You’re tugging him up from his seat, plucking the papers from his hands and pulling him towards the doors. “Don’t mind the paperwork, Hu Tao doesn’t need them for a while, believe me.” You toss him a grin and Zhongli raises his eyebrows but allows you to pull him away from his work. To his surprise, when he passes by Hu Tao’s office to offer her goodbye, she’s gone. The candles are dark, her office quiet eerie now that he pokes his head in. Perhaps she left early, after all, it is the eve of a new year.

You fill the silence with questions, asking about his day and offering your own playful comments. He tightens his hand around yours ever so slightly, gazing at your eccentric figure as you laugh about something Hu Tao had done. He’s not exactly familiar with mortal affairs, despite having spent a year living in the growing heart of Liyue. He’s still a bit unsure of what he does, his own words and actions, but it’s all worth it when you smile at him. So he lets you pull him towards the inn, Verr Goldet greeting him with a bow. And to his surprise, standing on the balcony are his closest friends and acquaintances, faces beaming at him as they call out happy birthday. Admittedly he’s taken aback, not at all prepared for the sudden surprise, but he can’t help but feel his chest feel warm.

“Happy birthday.” You’re smiling at him, the corners of your eyes twinkling in amusement as you take in his expression. He barely registers Childe jumping up from his seat on the balcony ledge and throwing one arm around him, throwing you a wink as he drags him away. And he’s not quite sure how to feel when he sees Venti with a mischievous grin, nudging a blank faced Xiao who looks like he can’t decide if he wants to throw Venti off the inn or give into the Anemo Archon’s pleas to play his flute. But the moment Venti sees Zhongli, the little bard is throwing himself forward, arms wrapping around his oldest friend as he exclaims, quite drunkenly, how happy he is to see him. And though Venti can be excessive and a bit too loud for his liking, his smile grows wider as he embraces the green clad bard.

Xiao offers him well wishes, his cheeks tinted a bit red from all the celebration, and Venti’s teasing. Hu Tao doesn’t stop her pranks and laughs loudly when she tells him that none of the work he had to do really needed to be done that night. Childe flits back and forth between you and Zhongli, wiggling his eyebrows as he leans closer to you to whisper something in your ear that immediately makes you straighten up and shove his face away. It’s a lively night, with you by his side and his friends celebrating with him. In all the six thousand years that he’s lived, Zhongli doesn’t think he’s celebrated his birthday quite like this one. And as the year begins to tick down, you pull him aside for just a moment, everyone else offering space as they continue the festivities.

“I hope tonight wasn’t too much.” Your voice is soft, gentle like the wind as you take your hand in his.

“Of course not, I can only thank you for arranging this all.” His thumb brushes over your knuckles. You laugh softly and move closer, wrapping your arms around his neck as his hands find their place at your waist. Noses almost touching you stare up into those beautiful eyes of his which seem to glow brighter than you’ve seen them before. You can see those flecks of gold swimming in a sea of amber, the eyes of an Archon who’s love for his land, for his friends, for you, shining so brightly. And as fireworks burst from Liyue Harbour, the clock strikes twelve and in the background the shouts of a new year can be heard. Another year spent with you, Zhongli thinks, is all that he can ask for. You would continue to shine like gold in his memories, never fading, never dulling, staying with him forevermore.

reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated!

[thedailytao]

Passage 1

The tao that can be described is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be spoken is not the eternal Name.

The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of creation.

Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery. By having desire, you can only see what is visibly real.

Yet mystery and reality emerge from the same source. The source is called darkness.

Darkness born from darkness. The beginning of all understanding.

This is the first passage of the Tao Te Ching, the John H. McDonald translation, which contains eighty-one passages, as it is traditionally divided. There is some debate about those segments, as the original text is lost to time.

The original Chinese contains notoriously (and likely intentionally) ambiguous and vague wording. Translating any literature is difficult, as there are nuances and double-meanings which may not exist in other languages. But this passage is a good example of why I favor this translation: it usually strikes the best balance between the textual meaning and the artistic and emotional impact. In some places, where I think it falls short, I’ve made and noted minor adjustments.

This first passage does not vary much between translations, compared to some others, but to give an idea of “not varying much,” here is the last stanza in the 1994 Lin translation:

“Mystery of mysteries, the door to all wonders.”

Darkness will come to play a larger role when we get into concepts of yin and yang, the opposing but complementary forces that comprise the universe. Darkness is used throughout the Tao Te Ching to represent Taoist virtues such as pacifism, indecision, unlearning, and a childlike state of mind. Therefore, our translation could be taken to mean, “Taoist virtue is the beginning of understanding.”

By contrast, Lin’s translation refers to mysteries, presumably those we are seeking through the practice of Taoism, which will lead us to view untold wonders of the universe. His intent could be the same, but ‘mystery’ is not used as a thematic word throughout his translation in the way that McDonald uses ‘darkness’ in his. Therefore, I tend to take his translation without the deeper nuance.

[starglitterz]

others were never really patient with her form of amusement.

zhongli, the funeral consultant who always seemed like something greater, had never been patient with her. qiqi has never been fond of her attempts to return her to eternal rest. the exorcist chongyun has always been irritated with her. xiangling remains annoyed by her pranks, even if she harbors no ill will towards her. one of the few people who can tolerate her, adeptus xiao, shows no interest in actually establishing a relationship with her (or being kind, but hu tao would never say that. she doesn't need the ill will of the adepti directed at her!).

but you? you had never looked at her with distaste or annoyance. so... why are you starting now?

hu tao isn't foolish. she knows when it started. she just doesn't understand how you fell from her fingertips. she treated you as gently as she treats the flower she sticks in her hat, trying to cultivate your love with care. hu tao wasn't the perfect lover, but she certainly tried her best. she even wrote you poetry of her own creation, even if the words were childish.

a silk flower sits beneath a tree. right next to it, you and me! hand in hand, like we always do. never forget, quill, i love you!

hu tao would say the poem incessantly in a playful, sing-song tone, yet a faint hint of seriousness would be behind her words. after all, they were woven from the words of truth. they still are, even if your heart belong to someone else the moment the crux returned to liyue. kaedehara kazuha and you met at the wangsheng funeral parlor of all places, where he had smiled at you so softly and spoken to you with such sweetness.

you had grown distant from hu tao and closer to the inazuman outcast. hu tao watched as you grew attached to him, despite being committed to her. she watched as you betrayed her before her eyes, offering her a half-hearted apology as you returned everything she gave you. you didn't mean it. you weren't sorry. you had used hu tao for everything she was worth than left once a better option came along. kazuha ignites the stars in your eyes.

and for hu tao? she's left to deal with the corpse of your love. despite her experience with death, she doesn't quite know how to put these feelings to rest. you betrayed her, yet she loves you. if you were to return, she would take you back in her arms.

"overseer," a voice interrupts hu tao's spiraling thoughts as she stands in the lobby of the wangsheng funeral parlor. "are you alright?"

it's the familiar voice of zhongli. she knows he cannot stand her, yet he's also kind enough to inquire whenever he sees anguish. is she that pathetic that she requires his assistance.

"just peachy! i'm doing quite well, actua-" hu tao begins, but her voice cracks on the final syllable. tears well up in her eyes and she pauses, not wanting to make a pathetic display of herself in front of her underling. but the honeyed gaze of zhongli is too much. it reads her entirely. he knows. he knows you left. he wouldn't look at her with such a pitying gaze otherwise.

the consultant steps forward and envelops her smaller frame in a hug. it is comforting, despite the rift that exists between him. hu tao can't stop herself as a sob breaks out of her. no words exit her lips, only broken cries.

"a true lover would not break the unspoken contract of a relationship," zhongli advises, but hu tao shakes her head. her hands scrabble to get a grip on his back, hugging him close and desperately as she unprofessionally breaks down.

"i don't want a true lover, i want quill," she cries. zhongli remains steady, holding her close. she cannot see his face as she buries her head into the expensive fabric of his coat. is he disappointed in her? annoyed? angry? she doesn't know.

she ruins her relationships with everyone. she couldn't even keep you. what's another bridge burnt? zhongli will keep returning anyways. he needs a paycheck.

yet, she can't see the solemn expression that crosses his face. it's one of understanding. even if he still had his gnosis, there are some wishes that an archon cannot grant. humanity are fickle creatures. their emotions are untamed and their whims are difficult to understand. but, for now, zhongli is knowledgeable enough to know that hu tao needs a friend as she heals from the wounds that you inflicted on her.

so, he stands with her as she sobs in the halls of the wangsheng funeral parlor, the same place you met the man that you left her for.

can some archon please give me the strength i need to get through this ebg week 😭😭😭

okay

OKAY

OKAY !!!!!!!

yes i love kazuha he completely bewitched me and stole my heart from whoever had it prior to this,,, just kidding i have always loved kazuha with my entire soul and being haha idk why some funeral parlour owner is sad abt me haha

wow kazuha is looking So pretty today right 😄😄😄 also axia idk if ur ask got attacked by tumblr but its so blurry for some reason :/// might be bc im looking at it through tears though BUT OFC i am crying bc kazuhas beautiful poetry brought me to tears no other reason like angst of a specific person yknow

shoutout to zhongli for being there for his friends ig 😕 he's a real one unlike some mutual named axia purposefully trying to hurt me 🙄

IM NOT GIVING YOU MY NEXT STRIKE YOU AREN'T GOING TO MAKE ME LOSE

[lifechanyuan]

Xuefeng Preaching Tao (1)

Xuefeng

May 13, 2008

(Translation edited by Jiejing)

Tao is the consciousness of the Greatest Creator, the driving force behind the movement and transformation of all things in the universe. It is the lifeblood of the universe, it is nature, and the synthesis of all laws.

Tao possesses eight characteristics: holographic order, eternal reliability, instantaneous sensitivity and adaptability, transcendence over time and space with no interior or exterior, spirituality, justice, non-obstruction, and illusory yet actual existence.

The first characteristic of Tao: Holographic Order.

The universe is holographic, everything is interconnected, and the universe is a living entity. The activity of an ant is related to an elephant drinking water, the fluttering of a butterfly's wings in Alaska is connected to a storm at the Cape of Good Hope, today's cough is linked to an insect swallowed ten years ago, the current back pain is related to a mouse killed five hundred years ago, the suffering of a grandson today is connected to the mountain-digging activities of ancestors three thousand years ago, the rolling of a stone on the moon is linked to an earthquake somewhere on Earth, an explosion on a distant planet thousands of light-years away is related to someone sneezing on Earth...

Parents' words and actions are connected to the growth of their children; a mosquito bite on the toe is directly linked to getting angry; a lover's betrayal is related to the other's suicide; a statement made by Jesus or Buddha two thousand years ago is linked to someone's behavior today; Darwin's theory of evolution is connected to people not believing in the Greatest Creator; a statement made by oneself ten years ago is related to today's unexpected encounters...

Everything is connected, no matter how distant; all events are related, no matter how long ago; hearts resonate, whether in heaven or on Earth; spirits communicate, regardless of whether they belong to insects, plants, animals, humans, or ghosts. This is the holographic order.

In the midst of complexity and constant change, everything falls into place with precision and order. Every word, action, movement, thought, and intention leaves an imprint in the universe. When the time is ripe, there will be consequences. Feeling helpless, unable to understand, unable to see the principles of good deeds leading to good outcomes and evil deeds leading to bad outcomes, one feels anxious and confused, not knowing the cause. Life seems uncertain, everything appears random and inexplicable, because the characteristic of Tao is holographic order.

Boundless and infinite, without tactics or fixed modes, no name or identity, no form or shadow, yet its power is immense, rewarding and punishing at all times; invisible, intangible, and inaudible, yet it responds like a shadow that follows form; it can't be stolen, hidden, lifted or moved, it's elusive and empty, yet it can cause earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, ground splits, and thunderous roars; where there's movement, it moves, where there's stillness, it's still, where there's life, it lives, where there's death, it dies, yet where there's movement, it's still, where there's stillness, it moves, where there's life, it dies, where there's death, it lives, it's profound and inscrutable, hard to fathom its wonder, because the nature of Tao is holographic order.

"Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao." This is because Tao possesses the characteristic of holography. Holography here does not refer to chaos; chaos is disordered, while holography is orderly. Tao forms an invisible "divine net," which, as the saying goes, " Divine punishments, though slow, are always sure, with big meshes yet letting nothing slip through." All things, all phenomena, are within this "divine net"; they cannot escape it, hide from it, erase it, or extinguish it. Whether they are gods, Buddhas, demons, celestials, saints, ghosts, or monsters, they all operate within this "divine net" and cannot escape it, cannot escape from holography.

As I expand, so does Tao; as I diminish, so does Tao; as I possess, so does Tao; as I lack, so does Tao; as I become complex, so does Tao; as I become simple, so does Tao.

Holography is not chaos. Within holography, there are 36 Eight-diagram Arrays, 36-dimensional spaces, 20 parallel worlds, and 64 basic factors. The permutations, combinations, and error corrections of these 64 basic factors intertwine to form astronomical numbers, which are difficult for human intelligence to understand and reach. Therefore, each person plays their own game, walks their own path. You are you; you can never become another person. Even if there is a 99.99% similarity, that 0.01% is enough to make a "world of difference," as distant as a thousand miles.

Do you completely understand? If you do, it proves that you don't understand the holography of Tao. Only by transforming oneself into nothingness, within the void, "faint, vague, dim, obscure," can one glimpse a bit of "true insight." First, dissolve oneself into holography, then one can understand the characteristic of Tao is holographic.

Laozi said, "Those who are skilled in the way of Tao are subtle, mysterious, profound, and penetrating, so deep that they cannot be understood." Why? Because Tao possesses the characteristic of holography.

Knowing that Tao has the characteristic of Holography and understanding the holographic characteristic of Tao hold profound and significant value. When we can face the collapse of Mount Tai without blinking an eye or skipping a beat, smile slightly with a knife at our throat, remain calm and composed in the face of death, stay unruffled in the face of family ruin and personal loss, and continue to be calm and relaxed even if the next second brings about earth-shattering changes, only then can we truly understand the holographic nature and principles of Tao.

In reality, at this moment, one has already become a celestial being. The sky is intensely blue, death ceases to exist, beauty surrounds us, profound experiences abound, all paths are open, skills are effortlessly wielded, and there is nothing to do but enjoy leisure and play.

Understanding the holographic characteristic of Tao and following its path leads to escaping the kingdom of necessity and entering the kingdom of freedom.