After contemplating Chapter 5 of the Tao te Ching, this is the resulting mandala. As I worked, different thoughts would come to me, even as my mind stilled:

Compassion and Balance Mandala

As I contemplated Chapter 5, I wondered at the idea of how no one person – or thing – is no more special than another.

I thought about the book of Genesis in which humans had “dominion over the earth” suggesting that humans were more precious than all other life. I believe it is that notion that has contributed to the problems we currently face as a planet: it was in the name of “Christianity” and dominion that early European explorers brought their guns, germs and steel that wiped out so many native populations, and allowed them to think slavery was okay. Or that other beings are somehow “lesser.” Bird populations thrived before European arrival on the North American continent. They would kill them for sport to the point where, even now, the forests can be unnaturally silent when they used to be filled with birdsong.

Comparing Successes

Lao Tzu’s words also made me think about what we consider “success.” Being a citizen of US society, I will sometimes compare myself to those who have more, or seem more successful. It’s a tough cycle to break when consumerism is all around me, especially when the emphasis is on the so-called “individual.” The reality is that we all return to dust and none of us escapes that, no matter how privileged or not.

Quiet. Too Many Words.

I was also struck by the mention of “quiet” and “too many words” in the translation I read. While Lao Tzu may have been referring to too many rules, I think about the fear of silence so many have. So often, when people are in their homes, they have to have some kind of noise: the television, music playing, a podcast, a recording or something. Rare is the person who is willing to go about their day with no noise, no music, or other means of filling the silence.

The Noise Out There

Folding laundry, making dinner, chatting – we’re always needing to “put on some music” or otherwise be doing something other than working and focusing – in silence. If noise is not inside the home, it’s outside: trucks, brakes, skidding tires, backhoes, backup beeps, car engines, traffic, and other artificial sounds carry throughout the air in modern society. These have all replaced the natural sounds of nature, silence, and natural sounds of the yester-century. I am reminded to bring more silence into my life. 

Until we figure out how to be comfortable with earthly infinity – silence – we will remain separate from our truest selves. Only when we do the inner work can we begin to understand the depth of infinity that we actually are. 

Compassion and Balance

Even with that the things that we’re doing – or not – as a species, it’s all too easy to focus on the negative. In contemplation of this chapter, I am reminded that humans are pretty remarkable in how they overcome, face their fears, and have the capacity to be so caring. It is in that vein that I’m reminded to not only be compassionate and patient with myself, but also to be compassionate and patient with other humans. For we are all human.