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Try to be kind's avatar

A great article - I really enjoyed reading. I like the different versions you posted of the last 2 lines. Interesting to see the subtle interpretations. I have 4 versions myself and do not pretend to really understand any! But I love the deepness of the Tao and how it speaks to each one of us where we are.

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Patrick B. Stewart's avatar

Oh thank you so much! Yes, I made the mistake early on of reading one version and feeling like I knew it, only to read another version and be like...wtf?! I told a friend recently that when I took my first Taoism 'class/training' I felt like I was dumb because everyone had a different interpretation than I did. Only to find out years later that my teacher, who I was now taking private tutoring from, actually really enjoyed my views! Man that was like the greatest compliment I've ever had.

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Try to be kind's avatar

Yes - I feel very humble when I try to interpret the Tao. But then I think it is meant as a message for anyone who bothers to read it. I will never forget the first time I read the first chapter - it blew my mind and made complete sense at the same time!! I would be forever hooked on the Tao after that… and I’m still trying to understand it!

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Patrick B. Stewart's avatar

Same! I seem to reinterpret it every other year or so. You know, I could have sworn I wrote about chapter 1, but I just skimmed dozens of my old articles and can't find a deep dive into it. That is crazy! I'm sure I have before, though. If I can find it, I'll send it your way; if not...Then I guess I know what I'm writing about next week!

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Try to be kind's avatar

Sounds good! :D

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