Hua Hu Ching - Verse 27

Verse Twenty-Seven

Do not imagine that an integral being has the ambition of enlightening the unaware or raising worldly people to the divine realm. To her, there is no self and other, and hence no one to be raised; no heaven and hell, and hence no destination. Therefore her only concern is her own sincerity.

~ Translated by Brian Walker ~

This verse overtly underscores the difference between a belief system that posits a creator versus philosophical Taoism. While the Abrahamic religions -- I'm most familiar with these -- see a distinction between each human and everything else, including their deity, Taoists see connection.

Rather than being a specific entity, Tao is the essence that binds all things together. If we viewed the totality of existence as a body, Tao would be the blood that flows throughout. It does not possess feelings, emotions or intentions. It doesn't have the capability to form intimate relationships nor show concern for anyone or anything because it is part of everyone and everything and yet it has no sense of self.

This post is part of a "miniseries". For an introduction, go here.