One Small Step From Life to Death - Gospel St. Matthew XI - XVIII

These last few chapters narrate basically Jesus' journey until the day of his death. All along, he has been the savor of many people's life, he has cured all those in need, he has taught those to follow the right path, and has been a leader in all senses. He makes miracles for the benefit of others and for their future, since once they understand who he really is, their lives will change forever. They will have faith in their leader, they will believe and follow the greatest example of all. This last part of the Gospel was the toughest one since it was based on Jesus being crucified. He had sacrificed himself over everyone, over everything. But why? If he could make miracles for others, why not for himself? If he could cure others, why not cure himself? If he could save others, why not save himself? I believe this question is asked constantly among Jesus' followers, and the truth is that Jesus didn't save himself for he knew that he would be safe afterwards. But he didn't care. He didn't mind about himself. Well, after making such sacrifice for the benefit of all others, we can see that he wasn't selfish at all. He only cared for others, he wanted to save everyone no matter what he had to go through.

The last words of Jesus are always the most important. Even though these weren't the last he said, but however close enough to his end, I believe that these words mean so much that they may be seen as his final words. And Jesus said, "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22: 38) Jesus, being the son of the Lord, loved his people so much that he gave his own life for them. Here, he clearly says that one should love God with passion and always have faith in him. This is something very true that one should do. Think about it. God has gave his people everything, he has helped them always and never let them down. The only way of thanking him for that, is by loving him. We tend to represent love with a heart, for we love with our hearts. Or so, thats what we've been told. But this time, Jesus is telling us to not only love with our hearts, but also with our minds and souls. I believe that this type of love reflects that one should think in God and admire him as well as one

should have faith in God and never doubt on him. The message given in this quote is really meaningful and inspiring.

Getting closer to the end, it was all on the crucification. We all know that Judas betrayed Jesus, but what may still remain unknown to many, is that he later regretted it. Judas felt bad, well why wouldn't he? "Then Judas, which had betrayeth him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself.." (Matthew 27: 3) He felt so bad and his repentance was so great that he killed himself. No, Iam not exaggerating. Judas then went on to hang himself, and somehow, pay for what he had done.

But Judas never came back, while Jesus did. Jesus was his name-o! Even though Jesus dies crucified and humiliated, he lives again. He had to continue guiding his people and leading them towards the correct path of life. He wanted to save and teach them. I believe that by resurrecting, he showed people that death wasn't the end and that one should always continue living. Makes sense right? You should never stop living the moment and death is not the end for you will continue forever. Nowadays, people all over the world believe in Jesus. And once you have faith in him, your soul will always live.

Three Tree Teachings - Gospel St. Matthew XI - XX

The story of Jesus as the son of God according to St. Matthew, continues by talking all about the miracles that Jesus made and how he taught the disciples certain teachings within parables. All along, Jesus helped everyone in need not only to cure them, but also to show them that he was there to support them. By doing this, he wanted to gain followers that would learn from him and therefore, go towards the correct path. By followers I don't mean fans but people that will continue the right way and someday be successful human beings. However, if you see fans in the same way as followers, one can say that Jesus wanted a lot of fans. He wanted crazy fans within his concerts. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and l

earn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11: 28-30)

It also talked about Peter and his attempt at walking on water such as Jesus did. Since Peter had lots of faith, Jesus allowed him to do this and guides him towards "success". However, when Peter gets down the ship and begins walking towards Jesus, he gets scared of the wind and begins to sink as he cries to the Lord to be saved. Yes, Jesus did save him. Well who doesn't he save in these stories? But when he reached his hand out to help him, he says, "o thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” This shows that when one doubts in Jesus, one fails. Thus, if you have faith in Jesus, you will accomplish all your goals successfully and won't "sink". Wow! What a metaphor!

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17: 20) This has been one of my favorite quotes so far. It is amazing how Jesus compares faith with a simple seed. But actually, it isn't that simple. A mustard seed is the smallest seed of all, but once it grows, it can become the biggest tree of all of them. This means that if you have faith such as a grain of mustard seed, nothing will ever be impossible to you. Your faith will grow, and it will get bigger and stronger with time. You just have to believe. Believe in Jesus.

So Far So Great - Gospel St. Matthew I - X

This new Gospel, the one according to St. Matthew, narrates the life of Jesus since his birth and very first teachings. It starts off completely different to the Gospel of St. John since this one actually talks about the beginning and birth of Jesus.The other Gospel begins with Jesus already grown and being baptized by John. However, it doesn't mention at all anything about his childhood, since it went directly from his birth to his miracles. Anyways, it states that Jesus was born in Nazareth being the son of Mary, (whose husband was Joseph) and God. "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him". (Matthew 3: 16) It clearly says how Jesus was worshipped since the very beginning, and was loved and honored by everyone. Oh wait! Not clearly everyone; the kings wanted to destroy Jesus, and later on he also encounters with Satan.

Satan, the most evil creature yet to exist, tries to challenge Jesus and somehow convince him on "changing sides" and begin to worship him instead of God. However, using his intelligence and comebacks, Jesus puts Satan in his place. He tells him that one should only worship and serve God and live by the words that he says. No material or other being is as powerful as the Lord, and therefore you can see how Satan's offer is completely ridiculous. Who would exchange faith for materials? "And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." (Matthew 4: 9) Satan's offer was not accepted for Jesus demonstrated how strong he could be and would not let anyone trick him.

Jesus began to make miracles and cure all those in need so he could show everyone that he was someone really special and unique. The miracles he makes are very similar to the ones in St. John, for he heals the sick, the possessed by evil, and the ones with incapacity. He soon became known all over, and his power became known by every being. “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” (Matthew 4: 24) It is amazing how Jesus achieved all that he wanted, and accomplished everything he proposed himself. He did good to everyone and always thought of the others before himself. However, I would like to add that to me, it seemed as if Jesus' fame was due mostly because of God and his powers, which obviously influenced him. Anyways, one should never forget that God gave Jesus these powers for a reason and thus, they are both incredible. "The incredibles they shall be called." (Michelle Katz)

I would also like to mention how Jesus reenforces the commandments that Moses had once created. He adds a few according to that times perception and situation. “But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.” (Matthew 5: 39) Is this understood?

I personally liked this Gospel much more than John since it delivered the message in an understandable way and I was able to read it more fluently. I also loved the fact that it doesn't mention anything against Judaism and it doesn't segregate anyone. I learned a lot in this Gospel and I believe its teachings made much more sense than the ones of the other one. So far, so great.

Execution - Gospel St. John XIV - XXI

So according to John, Jesus knew his death was to come soon and so he had everything planned. By planned, I don't exactly mean that he had a strategy of dying. And much less do I mean that he had a map or a diagram with all the steps to follow. What this really means, is that Jesus could have escaped death if he wanted to, but he didn't. But why did he do this? Why did he sacrifice his life if he had the option to continue living? After all, he is the son of God and could have avoided this if he really wanted to. So why didn't he? The reason for this is that since Jesus' goal on earth was to save humanity and spread the world of God, he only wanted to complete his mission no matter the humiliation and torture that he could be submitted to. In other words, Jesus predicted his death. He was able to do this since he suspected Judas betrayal. It turns out that Judas was "the devil", and the commander of Jesus' death. "Judas then, having received a band of menand officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons." (John 18: 3)

"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17: 1-3) At the beginning I found this to be so powerful and sacrificial, but then I come to learn that Jesus knew he was going to resurrect. So, if he was going to die in a humiliated way for viewers but proud of himself, why would one not care to die if you were anyways going to come back to life? Now, everything makes sense. Its not that noble of Jesus of letting himself be crucified. He knew it would be beneficial for everyone at the end, and that since he would have another chance on earth, unlike everyone else, it didn't matter to lose the first one. Makes sense right? Today, it is obviously shown how Jesus accomplished all his goals for now there is plenty of people that follow his religion.

Pilate's situation was completely different than that of others in this Gospel. And let me tell you, it was a tough one. He thought that Jesus had no fault at all, and tried to convince the Jews upon this. "And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoevermaketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar." (John 19: 12) He literally had no choice at all. It was either his life, or Jesus'. The trouble that he would have been in for "ignoring" the emperor Caesar would have been greater than anything and most possibly, he would have been sentenced to death. So why not escape all of those troubles? At least he tried, I mean, he was so brave and this should be taken into consideration. One point for Pilate!

And so, the Gospel comes to an end. Yes, I know, it has a horrible ending but that was just the way it had to be. Anyways, you can look at it in the positive way. Jesus accomplished his mission and after all, he resurrected. He made the world that we have today and created the most followed religion on earth. Congratulations Jesus!

It seems as if Jews are bad. All along my reading I've felt attacked and completely ashamed. But why ashamed? I shouldn't be. The only things said in the Gospel about Jews is bad. There is nothing good. Nothing at all. I hope someday you can understand how I feel and read the story from the other side; from the Jewish point of view. I knew I would hate to read Gospels. It's a complete offense against others. Measures were taken from both sides, and the only ones to end up as the bad are those Jews. Screw you all.

I wish there could be a Gospel clearing out the Jewish point of view. Maybe, but just maybe, you'll then understand how it feels. How about we create a Gospel according to Moses? Actually, one according to Michelle, (who is still alive) would be much better.

Miracles Happen - Gospel St. John VII - XIII

After many miracles, such as the ones explained in my previous post, Jesus continues with his quest and mission of spreading the word of God. He surprised many people, but as well, he created enemies; the Jews. The Jews grew angry with him after he tried to cure a man at the pool of Bethesda. But why did they feel so much hatred for him if he was only trying to help someone? The problem was that Jesus committed a sin by breaking Sabbath. For us Jews, Sabbath is something sacred and knowing that one broke it, would be taken as an offense. It is a total misdeed for one to do this, and it is unexpected for one known as so sacred and right to break it. It is upsetting and totally disappointing that Jesus did this. But after all, I am Jewish and this is only what I think.

Surprised that Jesus had done this, the Jews began to persecute him. "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him." (John 7: 1) How could Jesus be the son of God if he is sinning every now and then? This is a question that was spread by the Jews in those times, or at least that's what they were really wondering. The breaking of Sabbath did not only happen once, but it continued for other various times. Jesus kept on curing people but he did it by ignoring the concept of Sabbath completely, and as this continued, the Jews got more and more furious. The madness accumulated and it came to a point in which the beneficial side of the curing was no longer even considered. Jesus gave back the sight to a man that was born with blindness. With no doubts, this is seen as a miracle but taking into consideration the fact that it was done during Sabbath, it no longer is. I would like to recall that I am not trying to offend Jesus and much less discriminate Christianity. I am just sharing my point of view of the story as the person that I truly am. Maybe when reading my post, you will think I am a racist, but that is completely wrong. Put yourself in my position and now try to interpret the story. Hard right? For me, my religion goes first and the importance of Sabbath may not be understood by all of you since you don't follow it. So lets try to analyze both points, since I can also understand the Christian perspective of the story. I would say that Jews were terrible by persecuting Jesus in such manner, since what he was only tying to do was help those in need. He was trying to impress others in order to make them believe that he was the son of God and for them to follow his word.

"This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath. "But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." (John 9: 16-17) I had previously said how many might have made conclusions that Jesus wasn't the son of God, since he didn't keep the Sabbath. In this quote, this is actually confirmed and you can see how it completely makes sense. Others were also wondering that how could a man that sinned so much, do such miracles. Jesus had created a whole topic of controversy that could have remained unclear forever. Many thought of him in one particular way that sounded absolutely ridiculous to others. But those that were cured saw him as a prophet. Sad that no Jew could have been cured in Sabbath in order to have changed things up a little. A little? Actually a lot. Think of it in this way: If Jesus didn't cure during Sabbath, there had never been such a problem, and if Jews could have been cured during Sabbath, they would have thought of it differently. So why did things happen in such complicated manners?

There are two ways of interpreting this story. Those two sides would be that of the Christians and the one of the Jews. I can see how both make sense and how they can each be discussed. The Christians obviously thought of him as the son of God and they couldn't see why the others didn't believe in him as what he was. They couldn't understand how they denied Jesus after all the miracles that he had performed in the Lord's name. Why did the Pharisees think that an evil person could perform actions of such good?

Then, comes the side of those Jews. They were all wondering and found it ridiculous that the son of God, the most powerful and correct being in the world, committed sins. Why did someone that knew everything as it should be and what was good to do and what wasn't, do such bad acts? This is why they didn't believe that Jesus was God's son and they kept on denying him.

However, they never came to agreements and the different "groups" weren't able to convince one another. They tried to stone Jesus various times, but he kept on resisting and never gave up. Why did he do this if he knew that there was nothing he could do and he wasn't going to be able to convince them? After all, what he really wanted was to continue with his mission no matter the obstacles he had to confront. He had been prepared for everything to come. "Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." (John 13: 1)

Holy Stuff - Gospel St. John I - VI

At the beginning of the course, when I was told that we were going to read the Bible, I didn't really love the idea since I understood that we had to read all about the Christian believes. Then, I realized that what we were actually reading was the Old Testament which I was satisfied with since I'm Jewish and it actually relates completely to my religion and beliefs. Its not that I don't like to read about other roots, its just that I feel as if I was following their religion; as if I was committing a sin against my own. It was all fluent and I was able to understand perfectly the whole context of the Old Testament, but now I find myself trying to understand all the Christian beliefs without judging or offending. Yes, I have to read some Gospels from the New Testament which are getting me really confused.

It turns out that the Gospels are crucial in Christianity, for they narrate the life of Jesus as the son of the Lord. In the Old Testament, God was presented as the almighty, powerful being that could take control over everything and knew all the differences between right and wrong. He was the leader of people and the voice of good. He was the creator of earth and the savor of its creations. So who is his son? Is he as powerful as God? Jesus was a fragile, merciful being whose mission was to spread the word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1: 1) I'm not completely sure of what "the Word" means in the quote, however in my point of view, it seems as if the Word is everything. If you actually take this word and replace it for "Word", you will see how it makes sense. I believe that "the Word" is what one should follow, how one should act and believe. It is that that shall be passed from generation to generation since it is the most essential to live.

But now the question may be that who is St. John. Who is he? What is his relationship with Jesus? At the beginning of the reading, it is told how the one that should spread "the Word" of God is Jesus. However, it is also shown that the one that should be doing this, and acting upon as a messenger is actually John. Anyways, you then learn that John is more than a messenger sent by God, for he is also a witness. "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." (John 1: 7) But a witness of what? A witness of how great and powerful Jesus would be. John was also someone who baptized people along the river. He got the news that Jesus was also doing this and he decided to join him for them to be together in this. John knew Jesus very well, all about his miracles and powers and he even got to baptize him. "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." (John 3: 22)

Something that I found very interesting was the miracles that Jesus makes. He can make water into wine which shows how divine he is. Wine is seen as a celestial "drink" compared to any other. It is expensive nowadays, but during those times I would see it as a symbol of superiority and power. It is can be used to show honor, and to convert a simple liquid such as water into wine, shows extreme superiority. "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4: 13-15) This excerpt shows that even though it is not turned into wine here, it is showing that any type of connection that Jesus has with you will be sacred. If you drink from normal water, you will be thirsty again but if you receive that same water by him, you will never be thirsty again for it will be in one "a well of water springing up into everlasting life". Wow. I want that water!

The Ugly And Final Truth - Tao Te Ching XLVII - LXXXI

The Tao reached its end and I am more than happy to say that it has been my favorite reading so far. I really enjoyed analyzing all of its teachings and adding my own point of view to the actual context. I believe this text is really deep and meaningful. As I read it, I found myself completely relaxed and almost as if I was in another world. Each axiom seemed extremely short, but what was written in those few verses, was able to say so much; each axiom was worth a page of meaning and thought. Its poetic sense comes to contradict itself in some parts in order to show reality. It talks about the world as it is or how it should be, by being ruled by someone that shares and treats everybody equal. Values, good examples, and "tips" are given through the lecture of the Tao Te Ching.

On the last teachings, governing issues were mentioned constantly. It said how one should govern and how one shouldn't. It talked all about the consequences and reactions of the people if these governing methods weren't applied. Again, the balancing of opposites was of great importance for it was used in order to represent the differences among ways. The first governing topic that comes up for me to discuss is the fact that non action leads to success.

On my last post, it had been stated how one should not try to change the universe because you would ruin it and you should not try to hold it because you would lose it. In other words, what was told was that one should not interfere with the universe because it is sacred and you cannot improve it. This idea is repeated again in axiom fourty-eight when it says that "the world is ruled by letting things take their course and it cannot be ruled by interfering." So, this means that if you do nothing and just stay put and let things go their own way, ruling will be achieved. But how can this happen? Wasn't a good governor that that could take control of things in a moderate and perfect way? One that could cause change for a better place? For this reason, I find this excerpt inaccurate and contradicting on what the world is really today. People always try to make things better in order to be happier, but what the Tao is saying is that this is impossible. How so? If I was the ruler, this method wouldn't convince me at all.

"There is no greater catastrophe than underestimating your enemy." (Tao 69) I, as a sports player, have heard this quote more than a few times in the past years. It means that you should never be overconfident of oneself as a player or as a whole team while playing a match. You should never misjudge the opposite squad that will compete against you. But the Tao isn't about sports, and much less about volleyball. It is all about governing and being who you should be according to Lao Tzu, the great leader. So why is this quote being brought in the text if it is completely against violence and is always favoring harmony? Is it because of war? Well, all along the reading I believed that the Tao was absolutely against war since it opposes violence, but now I know that for peace to exist, there has to be war as well. It also said previously that when war is the case and you can't turn back, one should succeed in it without enjoying the victory. This mean that it is indeed against war because it is against the glory of deaths. Therefore, this excerpt means that in war issues, one should never underestimate the enemy of the battle field.

I would like to end with my favorite quote of the book which was the most meaningful to me. "Truthful words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not truthful." (Tao 81) This is so true and realistic that it makes me realize how things really are. Those words that sound beautiful to you when they are told, are the ones that are deceitful. And those truthful words that can be told, may not be beautiful at all. The truth is something that hurts hearing, and this is usually told with truthful words which aren't beautiful to you. Why is this the ugly truth? Why can't truthful words be beautiful always?

There is this song that is stuck in my head that actually reminds me of the Tao. Some of its lyrics correspond to the teachings it tries to deliver.

As It Taught, I Learned - Tao Te Ching XXIX - XLVII

Throughout the reading, I have noticed how the Tao refers to the world such as it is. It clearly says how there is no way of taking over the universe and improving it. It is completely impossible to modify society in a way that one would think is helpful.There are many of us that try to change the world and make it a better place to live in, but what is a better place? Furthermore, what is helpful? What is good? We have been thought the differences between good and evil, but even though we recognize them, we don't know these as well to apply them and change the world into a "good" place to live in. It is hard for some people to do simple things, such as not wasting water and recycling. We are told to help our universe, but even though we know how to, we just don't do it. Some say that helping is the right thing to do, while others say it is wrong. But the Tao itself says that there is nothing that can be done. "The universe is sacred. You cannot improve it. If your try to change it, you will ruin it. If you try to hold it, you will lose it." (Tao 29)

I previously discovered how the Tao is a divine way of living, but now I realize that it is something that can't be completely understood. "The Tao is forever undefined. Small though it is in the unformed state, it cannot be grasped." (Tao 32) If someone is able to control the Tao, he would have the power of the "ten thousand things"; everything. It can't be hold and as it was said about the universe above, if you try to hold it you will lose it. It says that the universe is sacred, and so is the Tao for they have very similar attributes. If I were to say that the Tao is nature since I believe it is, it would perfectly make sense with the above descriptions. Yes, nature is forever undefined. When it is found small, it means that it is in the unformed state for it is only beginning to evolve (grow). Nature cannot be controlled, and if so is the case, that being will have power over everything. Everything such as every living creature will work that person's way and obey him. So now I question myself if the Tao is something that can really not be understood.

As the Tao taught, I learned that it is completely against war for it opposes violence. I concluded that the Tao is with peace and thinking it twice, peace does somehow relate to having a balance. It obviously doesn't recommend to use any sort of weapons, but what it does say is that when there is no choice and war is in the way, one must succeed in it without enjoying the victory. You must not find glory and happiness in it because it means that you had pleasure while killing. All deaths should be mourned in the same way. I would personally say that this is something very good and respectful to do, but I don't have a word in this. Well, I am beginning to believe that the Tao is right and I don't truly know what good is.

The Way Towards Principles - Tao Te Ching XIII - XXVIII

Opposites have been mentioned constantly in these texts since the very beginning, and now I think I understand why they are given such importance. So far, the Tao is the central element of the whole piece, and the concept of the opposites seems to rely upon it. Or maybe its the other way around, but after all, they do connect. I am beginning to apprehend the idea of the Tao; its as a divine way of living. The way of achieving the Tao is by understanding opposites and by living in their balance. This means that in order to be divine, you can't incline towards one of the ends where in this case, one of the opposites would be found. Once your in the central point of the opposites, you'll "be divine, and you will be at one with the Tao." (Tao 16) After being "at one with the Tao", you will always be engaged with it. No, not engaged in the married way. It just means that the Tao will always prevail no matter what. Its as a soul; its body might have disappeared (died) but it will always exist (live).

"What is a good man? A teacher of a bad man." (Tao 27) Then again, opposites are being mentioned. I believe that this means that without good, there is no bad. But wait! I should be analyzing this in a deeper sense. So, a good man can not be defined without the use of bad. This indicates that even though they contrast each other, and denote exactly the opposite, they also complete each other and without one, the other is nothing at all. This quote is saying that a good person is that that can teach a bad person and moreover, make him good. A teacher is someone to follow and to admire, and since a "good man" is a teacher, that "bad man" should learn from his teacher.

My favorite saying so far in this reading is a three word quote. I think that its meaning is so powerful and influential that three words are enough to emit the message. "Accept being unimportant." (Tao 13) For some it might sound extremely dumb, but for me, it's extremely helpful and reasonable. Many of us try to be more than what we really are. This might be to gain recognition and importance, which is something that actually shouldn't be happening. We should be who we are in a balanced way; never acting upon and never acting less than our reality. So when you accept being just yourself, no matter your "importance", you will gain your balance and thus, the Tao (Or so I believe).

For me, the Tao is like a healthy diet; you can never eat too much, but you can't just completely stop eating. Balance your diet = a balanced Tao!

You might be wondering why the pictures are very relaxing and this is because the Tao makes me relaxed. It takes me into another world.

Balancing Inequalities - Tao Te Ching I - XII

“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal tao." (Tao 1) I had only read the first line and already I found myself questioning. What is the Tao? The first sentence wasn't enough and neither was the first chapter to help me decipher what the Tao is. I think I deserve some more background information in order to understand the whole context. But this time, I will remain still. I will try to analyze the text and give it my own interpretation without any influence from an investigation. Yes, I'm cool. Anyways, with only reading the first chapter I also noticed how deep and meaningful this text was. It carries this poetic sense that makes the reading fluid and exciting.

The teachings of the Tao are very similar to those from previous texts. In class, we have discussed the existence of evil and agreed that evil exists because good exists so if there is good, there must be something to balance it. Others might see evil as the absence of good, but the idea remains the same. "All can know good as good only because there is evil." (Tao 2) This quote is really accurate for it says that we realize good only because there is an opposite to it. What would it be of good without evil? Adding more to this quote, I would respond that good wouldn't be good since there is nothing to contrast it and therefore, it wouldn't exist.

Chapter two starts out with another comparison of opposites. "Under heaven, all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness." (Tao 2) Again, it is pointing out that the only reason for us to see things with standards is for their differences. Without ugly, pretty wouldn't exist and thus everything would be seen as the same.

"In action, be aware of the time and the season." (Tao 8) A teaching of acts is given by saying that you should always keep in mind the time and place of what you do and how pertinent it is with the situation in which you are found in. I believe this teaching is helpful for everybody because there are many occasions in which you act in the wrong way towards the circumstances in which you are in. There is always a time and place to do things and not all are adequate and appropriate.

"The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao." (Tao 8) The first thing that captured my attention in this quote was the metaphor of water. Without water, live would not exist and since its being related to the Tao, I conclude that the Tao is an essential part of ones life. The importance given to the Tao is similar to that of Goodness in the Analects. The Tao is like "the highest good", what everyone would like to achieve. And so is Goodness.

Inherit the Wind

The situation of a teacher who is judged and arrested for his supposed failure at teaching students ethical principles is found. Yes, I understand. It is hard to believe that any law would prohibit some sort of teaching, but during those times this actually happened. We are talking about the 1920's, when this novel takes place. Inherit the Wind narrates the story of a science professor, Bertram Cates, who is accused for teaching his students the theory of evolution. It comes to be that creationists were against Darwin's theory for it challenged existing ideas such as creation from Genesis and it opposed the teachings from the Bible itself.

Henry Drummond, Cates lawyer, represents the case in the trial and supports the theory of evolution of man by arguing on freedom of thought. He doubts on the Bible's accuracy and justifies evolution for it has been scientifically proven. He believes religion should not interfere and not permit these types of lessons since religion is a topic that one can freely chose to believe in or not. "The only way to get onto a hilltop and observe back to know where we came from is to abandon faith by using our unique ability to reason." If you yet haven't noticed, I am definitely on the side of evolutionists.

One of the principle things that Drummond states is that God did not create men, but that men created God. I think that this is true since for there to exist God, you must have faith in him and for one to believe in God, you must create a conceptual image of him. Every human being believes in that individual God that makes up your relgion, and since religions and believes vary, there is no justification of why God created men if they not all believe in him. After saying this, there might be many questions on who Satan is. But Drummond answers to this as well. Since men created God, and bless him as the good, they might have as well created another being to which they would blame for evil. This lawyer says that "the devil comes from men's own hell".

I come to believe that there are various parts in the Bible in which it contradict itself. It has some absurd events and facts that are just so unbelievable that they end up supporting Drummond's doubt on the realistic accuracy of the Bible. To say that people lived for around eight hundred years is indeed unconvincing and much less after taking into account that it was during those times. "And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died." (Genesis 5: 8) Nowadays, a maximum lifespan is of a hundred and twenty years old and there is much more technology and advanced medicine and even with that, people now live less than in the old times. How is that possible? How can someone live for more than eight hundred years? Those survival techniques must have been extremely fancy and influential but not even that convinces me of such incredibly expanded life spans.

"And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch". (Genesis 4: 17) Up until that point of Genesis, the only beings alive were Adam and Eve which bared only two sons, Cain and Abel. So how is it possible that Cain knew his wife? Where does his wife come from anyways? Did a cloud give birth to her? Again, this is another example that puts in test the real accuracy of the Bible, but this single story with these characters isn't over yet. “And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.” (Genesis 4: 18) It had been clearly stated in the trial by Harrison Brady, the Bible's defendant, that having sex was considered a sin. So why did all these faithful beings sin? If this i supposedly a sin, then how are we suppose to multiply?

Science and religion should not be kept apart and the teaching of both should be held, for "science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind." (-Albert Einstein) I found Drummonds position much more realistic than that of supporting the Bible due to my believe in the theory of evolution. I think it is ridiculous to forbid the teaching of science and if it really was a sin, they wouldn't teach science as a school subject nowadays. Overall, I don't think that one should replace the other for they both play a very influential role in life.

"Science can purify religion from error and superstition;
religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.
Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish....
We need each other to be what we must be, what we are called to be." (-Pope John Paul II)

The Wannabe Six Commandments - The Analects Books XV, XVII, XVIII

When reading Book Fifteen, I got a feeling as if I was talking to the school counselor. I'm beginning to think that the teachings in The Analects are very helpful in all societies no matter ones culture. Confucianism is indeed a religion, but the teachings it shares are valuable and influential for all. I should publish a book called The Analects Teachings for the Confused Not Followers of Confucianism. The following quote is a perfect example of what I mean and should definitely be included in the book that I will make in a few years:

"When the multitude hates a person, you must examine them and judge for yourself. The same holds true for someone who the multitude loves." (Book 15: 28) This is something that happens constantly in our society. Those who are hated will always be and those who are loved will remain loved. But no, this shouldn’t work this way. You should never base your opinion on that of others for you should first examine that hated person and judge for yourself. The same goes for that loved by most of the population, your opinion is unique and that of others shall not influence it.

“Is it not understanding? Do not oppose on others what you yourself do not desire." (Book 15: 24) And again, I find myself facing a quote that I can apply in my future. In one of the previous Books that I’ve read, I found another quote with the same meaning. “What I do not wish others to undo unto me, I also wish not to do unto others." (Book 5: 12) I believe that the message being transmitted is repeated various times for it is of great importance. No, it is not a mistake to find it more than once in the context, since it is being repeated for you to not commit a mistake. Talking about mistakes, they are indeed mentioned in this Book as well. It had been previously stated that in the Way, some make mistakes and don’t achieve Goodness. But what is making a mistake? What is called to truly make a mistake is to make a mistake and yet not learn from it.

In Book Seventeen, the Master gives away six important key terms and states that without the love of learning, these virtues will make you love vices. These six virtues were the following: Goodness, Wisdom, Trustworthiness, Uprightness, Courage, and Resoluteness. Goodness: Loving Goodness without the love of learning will make you love foolishness. Wisdom: Loving Wisdom without the love of learning will make you love deviance. Trustworthiness: Loving Trustworthiness without the love of learning will make you love harmful rigidity. Uprightness: Loving Uprightness without the love of learning will make you love intolerance. Courage: Loving Courage without the love of learning will make you love unruliness. Resoluteness: Loving Resoluteness without the love of learning will make you love willfulness.

Afterwards, Confucius is mentioned for the first time. But wait, isn’t he the Master? Why is he introduced in the Analects and under that context? Anyways, he appears to be this rural and innocent guy with not that high of a charge. Well, after all he is found holding the horse’s reins, or is that of much importance? I noticed that it was the first time in which the writing style was in chronological order, or at least that’s what it seemed to me. "The fellow holding the reins there- who is he?" "That is Confucius." (Book 18: 6) I’m beginning to think that the following Books might be in chronological order as well, since they might be based on Confucius’ story of how he got to be into a complete gentleman. After all, that’s what he is. Or isn't he?

I Desire - The Analects Books VII, VIII, XI

"Set your heart upon the Way, rely upon Virtue, lean upon Goodness, and explore widely in your cultivation of the arts." (Book 7: 6) These key terms were previously commented and somehow explained, but now the Master talks about something that has never been mentioned: the arts. I personally describe arts as human creative skills applied in a visual form such as dancing, singing, or painting, but I would say that the meaning of this quote goes much deeper than the literal sense. In this case, the arts would be the fruit of the cultivation, which is also known as the Way. The Master might mean that you have to explore in the making of these arts, but what do the arts have to do with this anyways? However, the meaning of this quote is just so thoughtful for me to comprehend. The only thing I do understand is that Confucius thinks that the arts are important and he supports them as long as they are appropriate for Goodness.

We are all here to learn. We learn from others and we learn from our mistakes and even sometimes, we learn from the mistakes made by others. “When walking with two people, I will always find a teacher among them. I focus on those who are good and seek to emulate them and focus on those who are bad in order to be reminded in what needs to be changed in myself." (Book 7: 22) I think that this is something we should all do. We should look for virtues in those exemplary others in order to learn and follow them as well as we should focus on those who aren't as great in order to know and be reminded of what needs to be changed in ourselves. This isn't something very easy to do, and this is why you should do it because those hard things to achieve are the ones that are actually worth it.

"Is Goodness really so far away? If I simply desire Goodness, I will find that it is already here." (Book 7: 30) Throughout what I've read, I realized that what everybody should be aiming for is Goodness. However, they make it seem as unreachable for some and as a very difficult state to get to for others. But why? Is it because of the great effort that it needs? This might be the reason for why we give up so quickly and giving up shows that we don't really want it. The only thing you need to do in order to achieve Goodness is to desire it.

"If you are respectful but lack ritual you will become exasperating; if you are careful but lack ritual you will become timid; if you are courageous but lack ritual you will become unruly; and if you are upright but lack ritual you will become inflexible." (Book 8: 2) I am not sure of the meaning of ritual in this, but I think that I understand what the Master wants to say by it. Everything in excess is bad and if you are not able to control your actions and their level, they will be seen negatively. I believe that ritual is used as a key word for it somehow reflects the culture and refers to its standards.

"May I inquire about death? You do not yet understand life- how could you possibly understand death?” (Book 11: 12) I agree with this completely and I find it extremely logical. In order for one to understand death, you must first understand life. If we are still working on giving life a meaning, why do we question about death? For there to be death, there must be life so in order for us to question death, we must understand life first.

I am actually learning. This is better than school.