The Activist's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for a Modern Revolution

Description

Change and anger are in the air. Looking for answers to today’s wrenching challenges, William Martin turns to the Tao Te Ching and finds that while Taoism is known for its quiet, enigmatic wisdom, the Tao can also have the cleansing force of a rushing river. Through his interpretation of this ancient Chinese text, Martin elucidates revolutionary messages condemning power-seeking and greed. He emphasizes that humans have a “natural virtue” that can help them heal the planet; shows how Taoism’s simplicity can be subversive and its flexibility a potent force; and reassures that “when injustice is the rule, justice always lies in wait.” Provocative and stirring, Martin’s Tao flows within and through those who ride the waves of anger and frustration and gently guides them to true freedom. “We have learned the secret of transformation: Injustice feeds our determination. Hate increases our love. Wounds bring forth our healing, and fear uncovers our courage and serenity.” — from The Activist’s Tao Te Ching Title Copyright Dedication Contents Introduction [ 1 ] Spontaneous Action [ 2 ] A Quiet Revolution [ 3 ] We Are Not Fooled [ 4 ] Without Agenda [ 5 ] No Preferences [ 6 ] Sure Hope [ 7 ] Success [ 8 ] True Power [ 9 ] No Praise, No Blame [ 10 ] Qualities [ 11 ] I Don’t Know [ 12 ] Information or Wisdom? [ 13 ] Hope and Fear [ 14 ] Formless Flow [ 15 ] Unlikely Rebels [ 16 ] Return to Source [ 17 ] All by Ourselves [ 18 ] Structures [ 19 ] Decrease [ 20 ] Bread and Circuses [ 21 ] A Light Within [ 22 ] The Acceptance Paradox [ 23 ] Perspective [ 24 ] Be Completely Who We Are [ 25 ] The Womb of Tao [ 26 ] Distraction [ 27 ] The Secret [ 28 ] Embracing Everything [ 29 ] No Objectives [ 30 ] Subversion [ 31 ] Weapons [ 32 ] One Thing [ 33 ] Within Ourselves [ 34 ] Hidden Power [ 35 ] Engrossed but Exhausted [ 36 ] New Foundations [ 37 ] Silence [ 38 ] No Rules [ 39 ] Leaders [ 40 ] No Us [ 41 ] Paradox Abounds [ 42 ] Balance [ 43 ] Stillness [ 44 ] Siren Songs [ 45 ] The Common Man [ 46 ] Contentment [ 47 ] The World Inside [ 48 ] Laid Aside [ 49 ] Ideals [ 50 ] Life and Death [ 51 ] Not Alone [ 52 ] Shut the Gates [ 53 ] Mind Training [ 54 ] Wellspring [ 55 ] The Nature of Things [ 56 ] Those Who Talk Don’t Know [ 57 ] Anarchy [ 58 ] A Certain Courage [ 59 ] Connected [ 60 ] No Force Necessary [ 61 ] No Argument [ 62 ] Disagreement [ 63 ] Without Ado [ 64 ] A Small Step [ 65 ] Is That True? [ 66 ] Lead with Humility [ 67 ] Our Weapons [ 68 ] Anger [ 69 ] No Enemy [ 70 ] Understanding Origins [ 71 ] Healing [ 72 ] Trust Ourselves [ 73 ] A Hidden Path [ 74 ] The Price [ 75 ] Controlled by Wanting [ 76 ] Like Bamboo [ 77 ] Balance [ 78 ] Fluid Power [ 79 ] No Blame [ 80 ] After the Revolution [ 81 ] Truth? Afterword Acknowledgments About the Author