As I've noted before, I frequently utilize a variety of search engines to find blogs that reference Taoism. This morning I ran across one that quotes a post, How Not to Hurry, by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits. The post uses the following quote as its springboard:
Now, I will be the first to admit that I haven't pored through hundreds of translations. I did look through five of the most popular ones and I didn't find a passage that even closely resembles this supposed quote.
This certainly isn't the first time I've run across a statement or passage attributed to Lao Tzu that I have been unable to find in the various texts. Because Taoism does not enjoy the same level of popularity and familiarity of say, Christianity, I fear that people tend to accept a supposedly authoritative source as gospel. One would think that a person who writes on Zen themes would have a good idea of what someone like Lao Tzu wrote. Yet, unless one of my intrepid readers can point to what this supposedly references, I'm left to think it's a misquote.
The prime reason this supposed statement of Lao Tzu got me to wonder where it is derived from is that nature sometimes IS in a hurry. A raging river or gale force winds rush forward. Both will dissipate, in time, but at the moment of their supreme force one could easily say they are hurrying toward their destination.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ~ Lao TzuHere's my dilemma -- I can't find this quote either in the Tao Te Ching or the Hua Hu Ching. As the Wen Tzu is very long, it could be from this book, but few people quote from it. In addition, when I look up the quote on various sites that specialize in quotes, the reference always goes back to the TTC.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I haven't pored through hundreds of translations. I did look through five of the most popular ones and I didn't find a passage that even closely resembles this supposed quote.
This certainly isn't the first time I've run across a statement or passage attributed to Lao Tzu that I have been unable to find in the various texts. Because Taoism does not enjoy the same level of popularity and familiarity of say, Christianity, I fear that people tend to accept a supposedly authoritative source as gospel. One would think that a person who writes on Zen themes would have a good idea of what someone like Lao Tzu wrote. Yet, unless one of my intrepid readers can point to what this supposedly references, I'm left to think it's a misquote.
The prime reason this supposed statement of Lao Tzu got me to wonder where it is derived from is that nature sometimes IS in a hurry. A raging river or gale force winds rush forward. Both will dissipate, in time, but at the moment of their supreme force one could easily say they are hurrying toward their destination.
As nature is the embodiment of yin and yang, it is sometimes yin and sometimes yang.
Got me, but then I'm even less an authority than everyone else.
ReplyDeleteNature does not hurry - she moves at the pace called for in the moment - she goes with the flow... and everything gets done in it's own due time.
So it would seem to me.
It rang a bell with me: From Alister Crowley's work.
ReplyDelete"All things arise without diffidence; they grow, and none interferes; they change according to their natural order, without lust of result. The work is accomplished; yet continueth in its orbit, without goal. This work is done unconsciously; this is why its energy is indefatigable."
Still, the one you quote is a serious paraphrase.
Thurman,
ReplyDeleteI'd say that, in terms of nature's own nature, it does not hurry. As you aptly point out, it goes with its own flow.
That said, from the standpoint of humankind and the way we understand and describe the world, it certainly can be said that nature sometimes hurries along its way.
Ta-Wan,
Which verse is that?
Could be a translation corresponding to "The Tao does nothing, and yet everything gets done".
ReplyDeleteIn the Gia Fu-Feng/Jane English verse 37:
"Tao abides in non-action, Yet nothing is left undone."
Donna,
ReplyDeleteYes, that could provide a possible reference. However, as Ta-Wan points out, I wouldn't consider that a very good paraphrase.
RT that Crowley quote is part of chapter 2
ReplyDelete