After contemplating Chapter 2 of the Tao te Ching, this is the resulting mandala. As I worked, different thoughts would come to me, even as my mind stilled:
Good and Evil are Opposites
As I read and meditated on this chapter, I was at once struck by the juxtaposition of opposites. Everything has its opposite. I talked about that in my peace rally speech. The following Sunday, I visted Heartwood, and the Venerable Pannadipa talked about that a bit in his dharma talk. But we can’t have opposites until you compare to something else.
The concept of race
One poignant example is the concept of race in the US. White people have traditionally been the oppressors to black people. I read recently in a book called, “White Fragility” by Robin Diangelo that white people – and their status – could not exist without black people. The plight of discrimination against black people couldn’t have happened without white people. Therefore, these dichotomies need each other to exist. It’s telling.
The Worst and the Best
When my aunt was killed in the El Paso shooting, I saw the worst of humanity. But the opposite happened in the aftermath: I saw the best of humanity.
Up and Down
And when we’re experiencing good times, the opposite will happen: bad times. Up and down. Happy and sad. It’s how life works. When tough times plague my life – teaching me lessons – the opposite will be true, in time. I’ll be happier and able to rest.
In strife there is peace. In peace there can be strife.
In life, there is death. In death, there is life.