Daily Inspiration

This clip is from an episode that is a personal favourite of mine, "The Hoots". In this scene Caine (David Carradine) is questioning Master Po (Keye Luke) on discipline. Master Po gives the seemingly contradictory advice, "The purpose of discipline is to live more fully, not less." This may seem like an odd response since we usually think of discipline as denial rather than abundance.

Following the Tao is to discover one's true nature. In the Taoist philosophy this is called "p'u". This translates into English as "the uncarved block", such as a block of stone before it has been shaped. This is the process of returning to one's original self, before learnt behaviours and negative social influences. As you may suspect, it is very difficult to abandon long established paradigms. It requires courage and determination to live instinctively and resist the urge to second guess all your actions.

Regrettably we live in a world that widely believes everything should be highly structured and generally sees all chance events as undesirable. Most of us would control the weather if it was within our means. Yet doing so would be forgoing that unexpected change that brings so much pleasure.

It is commonly believed that trusting chance is too risky and success can only be achieved by rigid control. We like to believe despair is simply the result of bad planning and happiness is easily contrived. Yet haven't our greatest pleasures always been a surprise; and our deepest sorrows beyond our control?

Therefore, life is best lived like a forest bird who sings whenever so inclined. This is the serenity that can only be known by living an uncalculated life. A condition where tears and laughter occur spontaneously; and regrets and anxiety have no presence.