Wanted to let people know about Brian Walker's books. I saw an exerpt printed in Yoga International in the June 03 issue and have been meaning to buy Hua Hu Ching: The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu ever since. Finally got around to it the other day--along with his I Ching and Tao Te Ching. They're all little paperbacks and fairly inexpensive and worth checking out.
Here's an excerpt from Hua Hu Ching:
Twenty Four
Suble awareness of the truth of the universe should not be regarded as an achievement.
To think in terms of achieving it is to place it outside your own nature.
This is erroneous and misleading.
Your nature and the integral nature of the universe are one and the same: indescribable, but eternally present.
Simply open yourself to this.
And from the Tao Te Ching:
33
Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing the self is enlightenment.
Conquering others is power;
conquering the self is strength.
Know what is enough, and you'll be rich.
Persevere, and you'll develop a will.
Remain in the center, and you'll always
be at home.
Die without dying, and you'll endure forever.
The Hua Hu Ching refers to the I Ching several times--here's one passage that's interesting in light of having been written pre-Internet:
(from 64):
Today, people lead hysterical, impulsive lives.
Ignoring the subtle alterations of yin and yang which influence all things, they become confused, exhausted, and frustrated.
However, even today one can restore wholeness and clarity to one's mind.
The way to do that is through study of the I Ching.
And, you knew this was coming, right? An excerpt from the I Ching, #8, Pi, Holding Together, (Union):
"Holding Together" denotes a time for creating union with others in order to complement and assist one another, just as the rain complements and asists the earth....The first requirement for holding together with others is that we hold together with our own inner truth. This means that we adhere to proper principles as a matter of habit, striving always to remain innocent, balanced, and correct. ...The desire for community is deeply felt by all humans, and it is the shared responsibility of all those on the higher path to make some sort of "family" available to those in need. In doing this, we pay homage to the Sage.
The end. That's my book review for this Saturday morning! These books will probably keep me busy for the next 50 years so, probably my last book review! Enjoy!
