Tao Te Ching

Interpretation by Jade Adkins
(c) 2014 Jade Adkins

1
The Tao is beyond our concepts
It is beyond our understanding
Words may be used to speak of it
But they do not address the intelligence beyond them

The flow of Tao existed before we analyzed it with words
It is connected to divine source
It is this flow of Tao that has purpose
Beyond our individual expectations

We can find the Tao when we allow ourselves to be present
To be present with ourselves, others, and the environment around us

The Tao is the cause and the Te is the effect
The cause can not be understood or analyzed
But the effect can be observed

The Te is the result of the Tao.
When the Te results in our lives, it manifests as;
Joy, Peace, Harmony, Flexibility, Wisdom, Kindness, and Courage
These are the ingredients necessary for community, also known as Lao Tzu

2
The Tao recognizes that all parts of existence are valuable
When we are disconnected from the Tao,
We can not value correctly

Some things will appear less valuable than they are
Some things will appear more valuable than they are

We will sometimes feel less valuable
We will sometimes feel more valuable

Without the awareness of our connection to ourselves, each other, and our environment,
Which is our connection the Tao,

We will feel lost and incomplete

This is the source of all pain and suffering

When we are with the Tao
We know we belong and we know our value
We feel at home wherever we are

3
When we are not aware of our connection to the Tao
We will not be aware of who we really are
And we will begin to search for our identity

Some of us will turn to others to tell us who we are
Some of us will choose to create a new identity

But our true identity will remain unknown

The identities we create will be lacking
And this lack will cause us pain

Since we will think our created identity is real,
We will not know our true self

If we do not know our true self,
We will not know reality

Only when we are tired of our perceptions of reality
And no longer have the energy to maintain them
Will be we be ready for the Tao