68 of 81, Poems from the Tao

Greet competition ... Like all relations ... With a spirit of play

For the growing playlist of 81, Poems from the Tao and perhaps some guided meditation …https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq7iGUqmER5BklNlpChBG8nA_m-ZFolHg

81, Poems from the Tao is published through amazon.com and available at the link below.

http://goo.gl/3wCtZE

Author's Note

In the 6th century BCE Lao Tzu scribed the Tao Te Ching, the Book on the Virtues of the Way, a collection of 81 verses on good governance. All good governance begins with self, a willingness to let go of ideals and an understanding of one's connection to all, the Tao. Nature and the Universe off the subtlest and most enduring of lessons, the gentlest way through life. Here are 81 poems from the Tao as interpreted and explored by the poetry of Pryde Foltz. The wonder and healing of the universe lie just beyond your thoughts and ideals.

Below is an excerpt from Stephen Mitchell's translation of Tao the Ching

The best athlete
wants his opponent at his best.
The best general
enters the mind of his enemy.
The best businessman
serves the communal good.
The best leader
follows the will of the people.

All of the embody
the virtue of non-competition.
Not that they don't love to compete,
but they do it in the spirit of play.
In this they are like children
and in harmony with the Tao.

Reviews

[Ruth]

I enjoy the wisdom shared here Pryde, not just something I comment on and go away mindless from...many thoughts and emotions stem from listening to these :)

[Pryde Foltz]

Thanks very much, Poppy:):):)

[Einstein Noodle]

could have listened to this over and over and over ...especially while at work ;} .. passive/aggressive gamers always win ..after all they are the ones that make the rules .. nothing more freeing than to help them succeed .. love this Pryde .. as all your poems on the Tao are a blessing that foster peaceful minds ..retired and away from most people i now practice helping the trees become ;)))))))))))))))) love and peace
E.
ps "wah wah" :)

[Pryde Foltz]

The trees may be helping you grow ... hard to tell with these things. It is the Olympics and so a piece on competition is a must. Go Canada Go:):):)

[Einstein Noodle]

USA USA USA ;))))))))))))

[Sami Khalil]

Amazing truth and presentation. Your talent and voice bring to life the lifeless. I always enjoy them although I do not comment on each one...:).....................

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Sami. I do appreciate that:)

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. ....:)))))

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Pryde for sharing your amazing verbal poetry. Always a pleasure to hear your voice.
Coyote

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Coyote:)

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.

[Vatsal Rohilla (account..]

"Understand his wish to see you small
Come from his fear he is not big enough."
Whenever we Indians are impressed by some lines, then we say "wah-wah". This is what I said some three-four times spontaneously when I read- and listened- these lines.
Competition must be greeted like all relations, truly said there. We must learn to bee serene in all situations of life, if we can remain the same irrespective of the circumstances then we can lead a good life. Really lovely piece of poetry. Keep writing.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Vatsal. I love that wah-wah. I think I might start using more when I read your poetry:):):)

[Vatsal Rohilla (account shifted)]

I hope I produce such poetry which deserves your praise.

[wordman]

sounds like a bullie,and the opponent is kind ,understanding his problem is fear from with in

[Pryde Foltz]

Thanks Ron. No it more about getting the ego out of competition and replacing it with a desire for fun and improvement. And always putting love first:):):)

[andrew mitchell]

an interesting poem Pryde, I do think China follows these beliefs in this write but not necessarily on tao's side, in their stubbornness or unwillingness to conform to change . But China has that invincible quality.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thanks Andrew. Where China is concerned I would first and foremost be leery of the media representing it ... it is not un-biased. It likes to pick our foes for us. That said Chinese culture is different and emphasizes different values. The key to diplomacy is try to understand those values and find workable and mutually-benefical solutions without labelling a wrong-doer. Face is very important in Asia. China is a huge country and given its size, it is open to some pretty rapid change. Time as a way of solving all problems:):):)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A most targeted and beguiling piece that gathers pace and grips the reader as you always do, well done, good read.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Thomas:)