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The Comparisons That Shape our Lives


That which a person knows he has
is known to him by that which he does not have,
and that which he considers difficult
seems so because of that which he can do with ease.


One thing seems long by comparison with that
which is, comparatively, short.
One thing is high because another thing is low;
only when sound ceases is quietness known,
and that which leads
is seen to lead only by being followed.


In comparison, the sage,
in harmony with the Tao,
needs no comparisons,
and when he makes them, knows
that comparisons are judgments,
and just as relative to he who makes them,
and to the situation,
as they are to that on which
the judgment has been made.


The purpose of this section is to help you see the world differently. The Tao Te Ching's second chapter is called "Letting go of Comparisons." Have you ever felt unhappy because someone did something better than you? Because someone's possession was better than yours? Because the rain overcame the sunny day? Because the orange was sour instead of sweet? When we think about it, isn't it the comparisons that we form in our heads that really make us unhappy? If there was no "sour", there would be no "sweet", if there were no "tall", there would be no "short".

Read the passage on the left carefully. A happy person is aware that judgments are relative to the person who makes them, and cannot be discouraged. To make distinctions, comparisons, and definitions go against the very essence of the Tao. Everything is a part of one whole that exists together. Now can you see how no one is better, and nothing can be worse?
Going back to the sour orange - the only reason we find disgust in the sour taste is because we have known the pleasure of sweetness. The only reason we see someone's actions as "bad" is because we have a standard of "good." If we took a tiny ant and eliminated the entire universe from around it, it could be neither big nor small, fast nor slow, ugly nor beautiful.

Activity

Think of something big. Write it here:___________________________
Why is it big?________________________________________________________________
Can you think of any way that this thing could be considered small?_______________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Think of something ugly. Write it here:___________________________
Why is it ugly?_______________________________________________________________
Can you think of any way that this thing could be considered beautiful?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Think of something bad. Write it here:___________________________
Why is it bad?________________________________________________________________
Can you think of any situation or point of view in which this thing could be considered good?
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

  • Hopefully, this activity has helped you see things in a different light.



    • The Utility of Non-Existence

    Though thirty spokes may form the wheel,
    it is the hole within the hub
    which gives the wheel utility.

    It is not the clay the potter throws,
    which gives the pot its usefulness,
    but the space within the shape,
    from which the pot is made.

    Without a door, the room cannot be entered,
    and without windows it is dark.

    Such is the utility of non-existence.


    In the same way that the emptiness inside is makes a clay pot useful, a heart that isn't filled with preconceptions, prejudices, and worry makes an individual capable of learning wisdom. We also must know what is important to know, and what knowledge is worth leaving behind. If you read your history book and know all the facts, events, and dates, you may be knowledgeable in history, but far from wise about the past. The wisdom comes from knowing the reasons, the motivations, and most importantly, learning valuable lessons from the events in the past. Ah, but having wisdom of the world cannot be possible without first having wisdom of yourself. Is it more important to remember when Pearl Harbour was bombed, or when you learned to ride a bike? Which has more meaning to you: the first time man landed on the moon, or your first kiss?

    You cannot fill a pitcher with water if it is already filled with dirt. In the same way, you cannot use your mind for what it was intended if it is full of unnecessary thoughts and worthless knowledge. This is called T'ai Hsu, or the "Great Nothing" - Having nothing is the greatest gift to a creature.

    "If you want to become full, let yourself become empty. If you want to be reborn, Let yourself die. If you want to be given everything, give everything up."
    Try This! Meditation to clear your mind
    • Right before you go to bed, get in a comfy position somewhere in your room. It can be in a big chair, on the floor wrapped up in your favourite blanket, or laying on your bed (not under the covers - so you don't fall asleep!).
      Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Relax all of your muscles and concentrate on your breath. What does it feel like to breathe? Concentrate on the way your chest feels as your lungs fill up with air, and then release. Try breathing from different parts of your lungs (this is possible). Be sure to regulate your breath so it comes out as far as you can push it, and then inhale as much as you can (slowly!). Think of nothing but your breath! After a while you may feel detached from your body and the world around you. Do this every night before bed for at least a week. Note any differences in concentration, stress, attitude, and physical health.
    For more advice or how to relieve stress and relax more, go to the Body Section
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