The Way of the Way of the Way

It is always difficult to capture the full-bodied meaning of any word, phrase or sentence when it is translated from one language to another. Each civilization, culture and society experiences and views the universe through different lenses. (Of course, each individual within any given civilization, culture or society has their own unique lens too!) So, when a work like the Zhuangzi or Tao Te Ching is translated from Chinese to English, it loses a measure of its essential essence.

This even is more true of works from antiquity! Language, like all other things, evolves. The English of 14th century England, in many cases, barely resembles its modern day counterpart. I'm sure this is true of Chinese as well.

So, as the discussions unfold on this blog about the ancient Taoist texts, it should be remembered that the words shared with you are but mere approximations of what they meant to those who first penned them.

In English, the word Tao has been defined as [the] way. In one manner, this appears really clear cut until we consider that the word way has over one dozen specific meanings. Which of these various meanings fits the concept we wish to embrace? I believe the answer is twofold: all of them and none of them!!

Utilizing The Free Dictionary, let's take a look at the different ways we can understand the Way.

1. a. A road, path, or highway affording passage from one place to another
By becoming one with Tao, we can travel from the self to the selfless.

1. b. An opening affording passage
Tao provides an opening to behold all that is.

2. a. Space to proceed
As everything is of Tao, every step we take is in the space that Tao provides.

2. b. Opportunity to advance
When we travel with Tao in our hearts, we grow and evolve.

3. A course that is or may be used in going from one place to another
When walking in Tao, we effortlessly follow a course that flows with all things.

4. Progress or travel along a certain route or in a specific direction
Life is a journey of our own making taken one step at a time.

5. A course of conduct or action
When we are one with Tao, effortless action springs from within us.

6. A manner or method of doing
The Tao person breathes life with every breath and dies a death with every exhale.

7. A usual or habitual manner or mode of being, living, or acting
Consciousness of self is abated and Tao shines through as an act of being.

8. An individual or personal manner of behaving, acting, or doing
Each entity is true to its own internal nature.

9. also ways (used with a sing. verb) Informal Distance
When traveling with Tao, we know not where we go and yet we always arrive.

10. a. A specific direction
Tao is enlightenment.

10. A participant. Often used in combination
Since all things are Tao, how could we not participate?

11. a. An aspect, particular, or feature
The only true aspect of existence is existence itself...or is it?

11. b. Nature or category
Tao is the nature of all that exists.

12. Freedom to do as one wishes
In Tao, all things are possible and impossible.

13. An aptitude or facility
Tao allows us the ability to see things as they are, not how we wish them to be.

14. A state or condition
When we embrace Tao as our own, it changes the state of our being.

15. Vicinity
Wherever we go, Tao is there.

For me, all of these many definitions of way capture some of the essence of Tao and yet, none of them do the concept any justice. Tao cannot be confined by language. Tao cannot be bound like a slave. Tao is limitless and words, by their very nature, are limiting.