A 'Virtuoso' does not claim virtuosity.. and therefore, has it. An aspiring 'virtuoso' can think of nothing else!.. and therefore, is not there, quite yet. A true Virtuoso Does Nothing Much Personal.. for they have no egoic motives toward their skill. A true Humanitarian takes action.. but not for any egoic reasons. A truly 'Righteous' person takes action only for 'good causes.' A 'Civilized' person takes action, but if others do not respond accordingly, they roll up their sleeves and convince them! Therefore, when DEI is lost, afterwards comes 'Virtuosity' rediscovered; When Virtuosity has not yet been rediscovered, there comes 'Humanitarianism;' when Humanitarianism has been lost, afterwards comes 'Righteousness;' when Righteousness has been lost there comes 'Civilization' in it's place. Now, Civilization is the refined product of Trust.. the Karma of Trust is the chaos of trusting the untrustworthy. Foreknowledge is but the blossoming of DEI, and not it's final 'proof.' Therefore, a person like DEI resides in original Wholeness, not in 'refined products.' They reside in fruitful 'proof,' not it's first blossoming promise. They 'suspect' the one and adopt the other.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Here we are introduced to some of DEI's many facets; DEI is Original Wholeness, not any of it's 'refined products;' and yet again, DEI is WISE rather than blindly trusting; and yet again DEI is 'proof' rather than 'promise.' While this requires one to live more in the world of 'science' than of 'faith,' it remains SPIRITUAL in essence, for DEI is 'sacred' Wholeness.. out of which flows everything that we call admirable, productive and worthwhile. It is only when that original Wholeness has been lost that anything short of it seems to be valuable. The wise know that such 'refinements' are worthless.. and only original Wholeness can restore society (or the self) to true worthiness.
Originally, these attained Wholeness; Heaven attained Wholeness, and became 'pure.' Earth attained Wholeness, and became 'solid.' The Spirits attained Wholeness, and became 'divine.' The Cave Of Impressions attained Wholeness, and began to fill. The Hierarchy attained Wholeness, and all was put 'right.' Yet, Karma recoiling upon itself, it implies that; Once Heaven was 'pure' it would be torn asunder; once Earth was 'solid' it would begin to quake; once Spirits were 'divine' they would begin to bicker; once the Cave Of Impressions filled-up, it would run dry; once the Hierarchy was 'right' and exalted, it would 'fall.' Because of Karma, it is necessary to be Humbly-Noble; it is necessary to be Modestly-Exalted. For this reason, Hierarchs style themselves as 'orphaned and destitute and hapless.' Is this not because they have learned true humility? Therefore, since striving for great praise deprives one of it, consequently do not desire to tinkle like jade or to ring like the True Stone.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Have you heard of 'the war in Heaven' fought just after Creation, between the 'pure and divine Hierarchs' western traditions call 'the fallen angels?' THOU DEI JINN remembers it, and warns every aspiring Godself to be as humble and modest as possible, to avoid the natural Karma (or Balancing Law) which demands that every extreme must suffer it's opposite-effect. For this reason, the Hierarch called 'Kristos' was born in a cow's barn (or manger;) and, though he was indeed the True Stone from which pours-forth the waters of everlastingness, he called himself 'the son of MAN' to be no higher than his fellows on earth. This is the wisdom of DEI! If you wish to study further the balancing implied by words such as 'Modestly-Exalted' and 'Humbly-Noble,' you may enjoy reading the collected works of Charles Hoy Fort, America's early 20th Century 'Philosopher Of The Hyphen'.. who specialized in that idea. THOU DEI JINN advises us to Take Heed and prosper.. moderately!
When a 'superior' person hears of DEI, they are scarcely able to put it into practice. When a 'middling' person hears of DEI, they appear to now perservere, now lose it. When a 'common' person hears of DEI, they laugh out loud. If they did not laugh, it could not be DEI! There is a series of old sayings, that go; "The bright Path seems dim. The forward Path seems backwards. The level Path seems bumpy. Virtuosity seems like a depression. Great whiteness seems grimy. Ample skill seems insufficient. Full DEI seems apathetic. Plain truth seems sullied. The great square has no corners. The great vessel is never completed. The great note sounds muted. The great Image is formless. The Path is hidden, and nameless." Indeed, this Path alone is good at it's beginning and at it's end.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Some of the typical reactions to DEI as a lifepath are explained. Some laugh (for Divinity is the root of all joy and laughter;) some try the Path on-again and off-again (for that is the law of Reversals;) and some slowly find useful applications (for that is the workable solution in the long-run.) But in all cases it is 'something' arising out of 'nothing' just as 'reality' did.
Reversals are the way of this Path, and weakness is it's strength. All creatures are born of Being; Being is born from Nonbeing.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: How to cope with life's many 'reversals' is here suggested; recognize that every weakness or lack will be reversed in time. By not having, we make room for having; by not being, we become. This is a way of USING Karma to our advantage rather than being it's 'pawn.'
THOU gave birth to Unity; Unity gave birth to Duality; Duality gave birth to Trinity; Trinity gave birth to the myriad creatures. The myriad creatures bear IN on their backs, and embrace ANKH to their bosoms; they unify these subtleties, and thus achieve harmony. That which everyone in the world hates most is to be orphaned, destitute and hapless.. yet Hierarchs call themselves thus! Things may be diminished by being increased, or increased by being diminished. Therefore, that which people teach, after some reflection, I also teach people. They say, "A tyrant does not die a natural death." I take that as my Guide.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: There is no way to prevent people around us from making all sorts of extreme, faddish departures from what is really wise. However, if we will reflect a moment upon their fads we can see that the best way to restore Unity is to bear the fad upon our backs like a decoration while bearing it's opposite within us. By so doing we can remain in Unity ourselves and help others to see Unity themselves through our example. In this way, we do not gain the name of a 'tyrant' and do not suffer a tyrant's punishment. Such deliberate cultural-balancing recapitulates the Creation Epic which went thus: Unity, Duality then Trinity then the Masses. By remaining with THOU, we can display for others the Dualities from which they suffer, yet remain apart from those Dualities (and thus represent a Third or Trinity-part to it,) which restores Unity for the Masses. Such wisdom is DEI-ty at work.
The subtlest thing under Heaven gallops triumphantly over the most 'solid.' The 'dead' have gone to nowhere 'solid.' Thus I know the advantage of Doing Nothing Much Personal. The Discourse Beyond Personalities- The advantages of Doing Nothing Much Personal- few indeed can grasp these!
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Here the Spirit World is introduced as a major consideration for the person of DEI. Most often explained as a description of Water as it flows over Stone, this Chapter actually depicts the Gossamer-like essential Spirit galloping triumphantly over the flesh, attaining it's own goals without ever seeming to be 'obvious.' As the person of DEI attains non-egoic Triune Unity, they begin to see and hear with a new clarity the Spirit World and it's Gossamer-threaded structure (to which water may indeed be compared) as FAR more 'real' than the body and apparently 'solid' importance. "Wu Wei" or 'Nondoing' is one of Taoism's central Teachings. Actually pronounced (exactly as it MEANS) "Rue Reign," this 'nondoing' is certainly NOT inactivity.. but Doing without egoic reasons, which we word as Doing Nothing Much Personal. To 'rue' something means to REGRET or REPENT of it; and Rue Reign thus means a personal repentance of the tendency to "rule" or reign- over Reality.. a perfect description of the non-egoic life of a Sage.
Name or Person; which is nearer?! Person or Flesh; which is dearer?! Gain or Loss; which is drearier?.. Many loves entail great costs; Many riches ential heavy losses. Know contentment and you will not be disgraced. Know satisfaction and you will not be endangered; then may you long endure.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Once one no longer identifies with one's finiteness.. expressed as a 'personal name' and egoic identity with all of it's conflicts and petty ambitions.. one may learn to be contented and well-satisfied even with small beginnings and little accomplishments. Such things as contentment and satisfaction are (in the opinion of the Spirit) far more important than the mere things and experiences that have 'made' us satisfied. Better to cultivate a state of Contentment than to run after 'things' hoping them to satisfy us!
Great perfection appears 'defective,' but it's usefulness is not diminished. Great fullness appears 'empty,' but it's usefulness is not impaired. Great straightness seems crooked. Great skill seems clumsy. Great attainment seems bashful. Bustling-about vanquishes cold; standing still vanquishes heat. Pure and still, one can straighten-out the Universe.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Because of the 'paradox' implied in every duality, DEI-ty and those who would live within it appear to be an admixture of opposite and self-negating traits.. when in fact they are WHOLE rather than merely 'one-sided.' Thus, to a 'beautiful person' (one who cannot abide the natural plain-ness and homeliness of life) the Sage is at best 'beaut- ifully-distorted;' but within that non-polarized Wholeness they have the ability to truly remain themselves. Likewise, since they know how to Do Nothing Much Personal, the Sage can vanquish the illusions in the minds of one-sided persons; in their apparent 'stillness' (which is not still but WHOLE, and therefore a 'bustling' stillness) the Sage of DEI-ty exerts a force of Wholeness which can straighten- out the tangle of dualistic distortions in the world around them.
When DEI-ty prevails under heaven, swift horses are prized for their fertilizing of fields; but when DEI-ty has been forgotten under heaven, war-horses are bred even in the suburbs! No guilt is greater than Egoic motivations; no disaster is greater than Egoic discontent; no crime is greater than the Egoic desire for gain. Therefore, Contentment that derives from knowing when to be Content is Eternal Contentment.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: When is it 'right' to be happy with one's lot in life? Is it when one has attained one's personal goals and gained what one has sought? DEI-ty and those who live within it answers, NO: it is 'right' to be content ALWAYS.. for suffering breeds MORE suffering, seeking gain breeds MORE lack, and discontent breeds MORE disasters. Attaining true Contentment does not prevent the plowing of fields nor the gaining of riches and other attainments; rather, it makes it more likely!, and further allows one to enjoy even the times when fields lie fallow and there is nothing to reap but CONTENTMENT. DEI-ty and it's protection of those who dwell within it is all one needs in order to outlive all lack and unrewarded labor.
Without going out of doors, one may know all under heaven. Without peering into windows, one may know the secrets of the Universe. The farther one goes, the less one knows! For this reason, the Sage knows without needing to journey; understands without needing to look; and accomplishes without needing to act.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Clairvoyance, Telepathy, Soul Travel and other psychic skills are automatic parts of DEI-ty and it's gifts to those who dwell within it. Sagehood may not be very 'tangible' or 'obvious' to the purely human observer, but there are no closed doors or secrets hidden from a Sage. Such skills are universal to mystics of all ages; as is the power of 'command' or 'pumping the bellows of Heaven' by which a Sage can accomplish whatever non-Ego-based (and therefore 'real') attainments are actually needed by the world. How does one attain this state? We remind us that it is all within THOU!
The pursuit of learning results in daily increase. Hearing DEI-ty results in daily decrease! Decrease and more Decrease, until you reach Doing Nothing Much Personal. Through this, no action is left undone. Should one aspire to attain the Cosmos, one should remain ever free of Ego-involvements; For, just as surely as one becomes Ego-involved, one becomes unfit to attain the Cosmos.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Ego-decrease, or the process of becoming super-personal, entails both an aspiration toward the Cosmic, and a refusal to become Egoically-motivated. Many people dream or fantasize of becoming like a 'god.' Few are willing to become as free of personality motivations as a 'god' must be! DEI and those who practice it express the GOD-Self.. which is the 'educated Libido' rather than the essentially blundering Ego; the Libido under the tutelage of Super-Ego or 'God' truly IS a divine entity.. and therefore still has motivations, pleasures, hopes and 'drives' of it's own. What makes it 'better' than Egotism is that this Super-Conscious Self acts only out of PRIMAL (and therefore, lastingly-true) urges. Fulfilling those brings 'happiness' even to the Ego!.. without any of the misfortunes egotism causes. And the ego?: let it be an intelligent OBSERVER of this process, only.. and it, too, will be what it was born to be!
Sages never have a mind of their own; they consider the minds of the common people to be their mind. Treat well those who are 'good.' Also treat well those who are 'not good.' This is Goodness ATTAINED. Be sincere to the sincere. Also be sincere to the insincere. This is Sincerity ATTAINED. Sages are self-effacing in their dealings with all under heaven, and bemuddle their own minds for the sake of others. The common people all rivet their eyes and ears upon them, and Sages make them giggle like children!
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: DEI-ty fills all people at their core. A person who dwells within DEI is thus a super-personal entity, a 'Gestalt' being rather than a 'personal' one; they willingly absorb the confusion and despair of the people around them, and thus 'bring the people home' to DEI.. at which point the people laugh with relief and resume the simple ways of children. Such is the power of those who have given-up the merely Egoic life; they attain the Cosmic Life and all of it's ways.
A person comes forth into Life and passes into Death. Three out of ten are partners of Life; Three out of ten are partners of Death; And those whose every act leads them to Death because they cling desperately to Life are also three in ten. Now, what is the Reason for this?! It is because all of these CLING. Indeed, I have heard it said that those who can save life do not avoid tigers or rhinoceroses when out walking in the hills; nor do they put on armor and take up weapons when they approach a battlefield. The rhinoceros has no place to jab it's horn, the tiger has no place to fasten it's claws, and weapons have no place to put their blades. Now, what is the Reason for this?! Because in them there is no remaining Mortality.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: DEI-ty and those who dwell within it are not 'mortal' but ETERNAL in nature. That does not mean that their bodies cannot 'die;' only that they have no IN-DWELLING death.. which is Mortality itself. ALL BODIES DIE, but Sages are no longer merely 'personal bodies' filled with personal Ego. Being already with DEI-ty, they have no journey to make at all in order to reach the Eternal; this Partnership with DEI-ty causes them to neither seek nor fear Death, but walk in serenity through Life and on into Death unchanged. They are the one in ten NOT mentioned in this Chapter!
THOU gives birth to them, and DEI nurtures them. Matter forms them and functionality completes them. Because of this, the myriad creatures respect THOU and esteem DEI-ty. Respect for THOU and esteem for DEI-ty are by no means 'conferred' on them, but always occurs naturally. THOU gives birth to them; nurtures them rears them shelters them toughens them up sustains them protects them. It gives birth but does not 'claim' them; acts but does not 'intend;' rears but does not 'control.' This is "Mysterious DEI-ty."
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: The nature and behavior of DEI-ty toward all creatures is here described as The Great Mystery which rears us but allows us our own way in Life. Having 'created' us with in-born traits of mind and body, skill and Libidinal Identity to lead us each into a perfect life as it has made possible, DEI-ty does nothing to us beyond nurturing and allowing our growth. If we can attain that degree of motherliness ourselves toward the world, we may ourselves seem 'Mysterious;' though DEI-ty will then recognize us as 'grown' into ourselves at last. What does a bird to it's young, but this?.. and yet, after it has fledged, do they not fly together as companions of free choice? Mysterious indeed!
Everything under heaven has a beginning which may be thought of as the mother of everything. Having realized the mother, you thereby know her children. Knowing her children, go back and abide with the mother: To the end of your days, you will not be imperiled! Quiet the orifices of your heart; stop beckoning at that door: and for the rest of your days you will not suffer. Arouse your passions; meddle with affairs: and your life will be beyond helping. Seeing what is small is called 'insight.' Abiding in serenity is 'strength.' Use ANKH your light to return to 'insight.' Be not an inheritor of personal calamity! This is "remaining constant."
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: We are now reminded that DEI requires THOU: we cannot attain that constant serenity and strength without remembering that, of the several 'things' or ways we MIGHT chose to be, it is only THOU the great Spirit-Source which is able to bring us real PEACE, lastingly. There is no 'calamity' except personalism; a person like THOU is deliberately quiet of passions, and does not stir themself up to emotional intensities which can lead to calamity. Rather, they practice the serene darkness of the Cave with-IN and allow children of the Light to play around their feet, free of concern. DEI-ty caretakes it's children! In this is peace.. constant and sure.
If Ego had even the slightest knowledge of traveling the Path, it's only 'fear' would be of going 'astray.' The Path is quite level, but Egos LOVE mountain trails! The court may be thoroughly deserted, the fields all choked with weeds, the granaries, totally empty; YET there may still be some who wear bright, fancy clothing, sharp swords hanging at their sides; they walk around gorged with food and overflowing with possessions and wealth: This is BRAZEN BANDITRY. This is surely NOT the Path!
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: The vast majority of humanity are spiritually-inclined. It is only a small minority who are so materially-oriented as to gobble-up the resources of the world. They do this out of FEAR. The fear of war makes them ever-sharpening their swords, and the fear of poverty is what makes them pile up wealth as if it were in short supply. Truth to tell, it is their fearful GREED that indeed DOES make things scarce for us all. In times of 'Brazen Banditry' what can one do? REMEMBER THAT FEARFUL PEOPLE WALK THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL. Their apparent ease and prosperity will be short-lived, for only those on the level Path of wisdom can grow the food and fill the granaries and people the court with upright officials. In time, the bandits slay each other, and an end comes to their squandering of the resources of the people. Sages know this, and calmly walk the level Path without concern. As for the Brazen Bandits, THOU DEI JINN will have more to say, later!
What is firmly established cannot be uprooted; what is tightly embraced cannot slip away. Thus, the prayers of sons and grandsons will never end! Cultivated in the person, DEI is true. Cultivated in the family, DEI is ample. Cultivated in the village, DEI lasts long. Cultivated in the state, DEI is abundant. Cultivated everywhere under heaven, DEI is vast. Observe other people through your own person. Observe other families through your own family. Observe other villages through your own village. Observe other states through your own state. Observe all under heaven through all of these. How do I know the nature of all under heaven? By LOOKING!
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Here the DEI Jinn presents Universal Holism as a concise premise; that being; that THE WHOLE lends it's nature to every PART, and by observing any one part, one may see the whole. The citizen and the Universe are one and the same. This is both terrifying and wonderful news!.. for it means that by changing oneself one can indeed alter the Universe; however, it also means that everyone ELSE can do that too! It is for this reason that Sages are bound by such firm Will; knowing that they must remain constantly in the Path of DEI-ty in order to prevent worldwide abandonment of all virtue, Sages hold the center for all under heaven. Such is the Path of THOU and all of it's well-grown children.
One who fully embodies DEI is like a ruddy infant. Wasps, spiders, scorpions and snakes do not sting or bite them; Rapacious birds and fierce beasts do not seize them. Their bones are weak and their sinews, soft yet their grip is tight. They have not known the joining of male and female, yet they are sexually aroused! Their Libido is at it's peak. They can scream all day long without becoming hoarse; Their harmony has reached it's perfection. Striving to increase one's life is ominous; to control one's vital breath with the mind entails force. Something that grows old in it's prime is said to not be in accord with the Path. Not being in accord with the Path leads to an early demise.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: The essential difference between the Path of DEI-ty and other Paths of applied self-improvement is that DEI is as natural as childhood, while many other Paths of self-improvement rely upon forced practices. We are enjoined to study the behavior of a truly happy infant, for they are an example of DEI in practice. But what typifies such an infant? Neither their screaming nor their arousal nor their strong grasp!.. but their PLAYFULNESS and JOY IN LIFE. Those are the true talents of DEI-ty. Apply those to oneself and see the child return in you! THAT IS THE LEVEL PATH OF WHICH WE SPEAK.
One who knows does not label with words; one who labels with words does not really know. ONE WHO quiets the portals of their heart, stops beckoning from that door; diffuses their light; mingles with dust; files away their sharp edges and unravels their tangles HAS "MYSTICAL SELF-IDENTITY." Because of it, neither can one be fully 'intimate' with them nor can one remain distant from them; neither can one profit from them nor can one be harmed by them; neither can one achieve honor though them nor can one be dishonored through them. Because of this, they are esteemed by all under heaven.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: This Path of DEI which THOU produces is a Mystic Path: it is walked only by those who are willing to take-on the new identity of Mystic rather than 'ordinary person.' This produces an effect that can be seen and felt! People treat mystics differently than ordinary men or women, and yet the difference is entirely beneficial. Lacking any personal greeds or rapacious hungers, Sages are recognized as persons of Merit, and are esteemed by everyone. The great Jinn reminds us that it all BEGINS with refusing to LABEL others with words. By that unlabeled simplicity-of-notice, all people feel properly noticed, and this does not go un-noticed by them!
Rule your state with uprightness, deploy your troops with craft; gain all under heaven through noninterference. How do I actually KNOW this is right? WELL; the more 'taboos' or prohibitions under heaven the poorer the people are. The more clever the devices the people have the more confused the state and the ruling house. The more scientific knowledge there is the stranger the anomalies that spring up. The more laws there are in the land the more bandits and thieves. Therefore, Sages say: "I Do Nothing Much Personally yet the people transform themselves. I am fond of stillness yet the people correct their own ways. I do not interfere in affairs yet the people enrich themselves. I desire not to 'desire' it yet the people of their own accord are become as simple as un-hewn logs."
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: The famous Principle of 'Non-Doing' (Rue Reign, in Chinese) is here fleshed-out into the working Policies of a successful rulership over one's own affairs. How rare it is to find a 'politician' or world- leader who understands Self Rule! In the western world, perhaps the most recent such leader was Thomas Paine, author of 'Common Sense,' 'The Rights Of Man' and 'The Age Of Reason;' he attempted to prevent the American Revolution from being 'captured' by bandit-politicians and turned into just one more top-heavy authoritarian regime. For his efforts and claims that the ordinary citizen has enough of Common Sense to be trusted with his own Self Government, mister Paine was labeled 'an anarchist' by the politicians of his day.. and there was soon a huge and corrupt bureaucracy in place in the Revolution. Man must someday learn that Self Government truly DOES work, and allow a more natural society to emerge among us. But for now, 'laws' rule, and where there are many laws there are many, many law-breakers (a few of which are actually NOT members of the government!) THOU DEI JINN was written twenty-five centuries before this commentary was; yet it has STILL never been properly heeded! It is the task of the Sage (YOU included, presumably!,) to help EVENTUALLY bring-about a truly wise and holistic society through example and patient teaching.
When a society is composed of free, self-governing individuals, the people are honest; when there is a 'legalistic' government 'ruling' the people, a true society is lacking. Disaster brings-forth the best in people, and new innovations; having more than one's own share is that wherein Disaster lurks! Who knows where this will end?! When there is no uprightness, correctness reverts to craftiness; goodness reverts to the gruesome. The delusion of mankind; how LONG has been it's Reign! For this reason, be: Solid but not abrasive; Pointed but not agressive; Right-On but not arrogant; Bright but not dazzling.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: How to get by in a world filled with deluded, meddling persons and institutions which do not trust or allow genuine Self Rule to become widespread is here explained. One is enjoined to remain true to THOU but not stir-up resentment or the wrath of those who 'rule' society with their laws and weapons; sage advice indeed! Perhaps I may give an example of this policy right now? WELL; I will try!
GOVERNMENT as an idea arises not from any natural need among people for an Authority Figure to 'rule' them.. but from a quite natural SKILL AT MANIPULATING OTHERS born in some of our neighbors. Whether called 'charissma' or 'charm' or other words less flattering, this skill allows some smooth-talkers to convince their more agreeable neighbors that they are endangered.. and (naturally) that only They can protect them. This 'Protection Racket' Scheme plays upon fears of everything from Strangers to Bad Breath, Strong Drink or wearing one's hair in a new fashion!.. but it is ALL simply an attempt to gain DOMINANCE over one's neighbors. It is the DUTY of the wise to hold up before such politicians the words of Master Lao and those who followed after him in the Path, and remind the people that THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR IN FREEDOM. It is only the enslavers of minds whom we must take precautions against.. and even then, only a pre- caution against the arising of Authoritarianism. Left to themselves humanity follows the Humane Way. Twisted around by smooth-talking Protection-Racketeers, humanity can be reduced to the level of Nazi war-criminals; but it all begins with ONE PERSON telling others that They Alone can save the world from 'chaos.'
To organize mankind and serve heaven, there is nothing like 'thrift!' Now, only through thriftiness can one be prepared; being prepared means having a large store of DEI. With a large store of DEI one can overcome anything. Being able to overcome anything, no one knows your limits! If no one knows what you are capable of, you may have your Kingdom. Being the Mother of a Kingdom, one can long endure. This is called "planting your roots firm and deep, the Path of long life and lasting vision."
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Retaining one's store of DEI means not squandering your energy on pointless concerns. We are enjoined to expend our forces of Spirit- energy only on spiritual concerns; for this will give us a Kingdom of our own upon the earth, though known only to other 'Mothers of a Kingdom' (those who nurture without 'ruling.') Mystics are often considered 'otherworldly.' This works to one's advantage; for if nobody knowns what in the world you are up to, they can hardly do anything to prevent it! And, even if they do discover that you are 'a ruling Hierarch' over your own private, DEI-ty bestowed Kingdom; so what? It is but a spiritual matter after all, and of no concern to anyone but you.. and your Maker!
Properly ruling a big kingdom is like cooking a small fish. If one oversees all under heaven in partnership with THOU, 'monsters' do not exist. Not only that, but their 'existance' could not harm anyone! Not only could they not harm anyone, but the ruling Sage does them no harm either. Now, when neither scorches the other, merit in nourished in both: (and the fish is DONE!)
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Living one's DEI-ty life without scorching anyone is not only easy (if you follow the teachings of this JINN) but also a 'feast' fit for a king; for what greater joy could there be than ruling over the whole neighborhood of Earth by quietly cooking one's own food in partnership with THOU? Nobody else needs know that it is their own 'goose' you are cooking!!.. and they will not scorch you in return.
A large state is like a great river valley; the Mother of all under heaven. In the union of all under heaven she conquers her ravisher by stillness. Because she is still, it is fitting for her to lie low. By lying beneath a small state, a large state can take over the smaller. By lying beneath a large state, a smaller one can take over the larger state. Therefore, one may either take over or be taken over, by lying low. Thus, a large state wishes only to annex and nurture others; a small state wishes only to join-with and serve others. Now, since both get what they seek, it is fitting for the larger state to lie low.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Did this confuse you? Don't be confused by it! All it means is that, since every person like THOU is indeed a large state within the world (even if but a small part of heaven!,) it is fitting for you to 'lie low' or simply RECEIVE others, however powerful they may be (in worldly matters.) Quiet and gentle, one may receive the other as if their bride; allow them to penetrate one and get joy from it; and thus conquer their power through Mothering them spiritually. It is EASY as well as fitting to do! It is also FUN!
The Path is the Alembic of the myriad creatures; it is the treasure of the good person, and that which is treasured BY the 'bad.' Beautiful words can be traded; Noble deeds can be used as gifts of honor. Why should we reject even the 'bad' others offer us?! Therefore, when a Child Of Heaven is enthroned, or a Triune Ministry installed, although they may have large and valuable ornaments and be preceded by teams of four horses, it would be better for them to sit down and make progress in THIS! Why did the ancients value THIS so highly? Did they not say; "Seek and ye shall find; Repent and thou shalt be forgiven"? Therefore THIS is valued by all under heaven.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Are you surprised to hear the words of 'the King of the Jews' from the pen of some Old Boy from China, some five centuries before Christ? THOU is eternal and all-encompassing; and THIS spoken of is simply the truth of 'Salvation.' Every person like THOU administers DEI-ty in their own little world-corner; and you will be called-upon to 'forgive' and 'save' others by allowing them to trade what they may have for what you have. If what they have is 'bad' words or deeds, and you give them in return a way of 'repenting' of that or a way of saving themselves from such karma, then you have practiced both 'good Taoism' and 'good Christianity;' and helped in someone's real 'Salvation.' THIS is the treasury of every person like THOU.. no matter what their cultural background or period of history may be.
And did you think the JINN is speaking only of antique Asian culture, in referring to a 'Child Of Heaven' and their 'Triune Ministry?' We remind us that THOU DEI JINN is ENTIRELY about THOU! Every diligent practitioner of THOU eventually is enthroned by Spirit, to 'rule' a personal 'kingdom' as it's partner; and every new-enthroned Hierarch has as counselors both IN and ANKH, thus forming a Trinity of self- rule. These principles become far more than academic as the JINN works it's way upon us!.. but only time and experience can explain.
Act by Doing Nothing Much Personal; handle affairs through noninterference. Taste what has no flavor; regard the small as great, the few as many. Repay resentment with DEI-ty's virtues. Undertake difficult tasks by appreciating what is easy about them. Do great deeds by focusing on their little details. All difficulties under heaven arise from what is simple; all great things under heaven depend upon little details. Thus, Sages never strive to do what is great; therefore they can achieve greatness. One who lightly agrees is seldom believed; One who thinks everything is going to be easy encounters many problems! Consequently, even Sages consider things difficult; and thus, find them easier than they thought, in the end.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Many people have thought this Chapter paradoxical and difficult to comprehend, for they think it means that there are no 'great' laws or principles that we can employ. Certainly there ARE; but THOU DEI JINN reminds us that the great principles handle themselves with perfection. We need not (indeed CAN not) alter those great principles of life. All we need pay attention to correcting is the minute and seemingly insignificant DETAILS of how those principles are applied in our own circumstances. By carefully unraveling the tangle of our little details, we fix everything that COULD be out of sorts.. thus revealing the perfect pattern of life, functioning smoothly as ever, once our little details are no longer interfering with things. Sages know how hard it is to make even the smallest of changes in reality; knowing the complexity, they attempt only the tiniest of alterations and this 'simple work' rewards them with apparently 'great' results.
What is secure is easily grasped; what has no omens is easily forestalled; what is brittle is easily split; what is diffuse is easily dispersed. Act before need arises; Bring order before disorder begins. A tree you could barely wrap your arms around began as a downy shoot; A terrace nine layers tall began with a single basketful of earth; An ascent of a hundred steps begins beneath one's foot. Who 'acts' fails. Who grasps-on loses. Sages do not 'act' therefore they do not fail; they do not grasp-on and therefore they do not lose. In pursuing their affairs, people often fail when close to success. Therefore, if one is cautious at both end and beginning, there will be no failures. Thus Sages desire to be free of avarice, and do not prize goods that are hard to come by. They learn not to be 'learned' and return to what others leave behind. Thus they can help the myriad creatures to be natural, for they dare not 'act!'
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Far from being an injunction to do NOTHING, this Chapter on 'Rue Reign' or Doing Nothing Much Personal actually tells us how to succeed at the things we actually DO need to succeed at. The 'secret' is in doing everything we do ONLY BECAUSE IT IS OUR NATURE TO DO THEM. 'Acting' means going out of one's way to do something not typical of our own usual way of Being. We are enjoined to 'do' what is natural for one of our own 'kind' (remember your 'Straw Dog' identity?,) and never step out of 'character' by doing what is foreign to ourselves. Thus we may succeed in our own affairs, set a good example for others to be natural alongside-of, and NEVER HAVE TO 'ACT' AT ALL. That is how 'easy' and simple it is to be THOU.
The ancients who walked the Path did not seek to enlighten people with it; they used it, rather, to relax them. The people are hard to 'rule' if they are too 'sophisticated.' Therefore, ruling a state through 'information' actually weakens the state; ruling a state through natural simplicity brings DEI-ty into the state. One who is always mindful of these two types grasps a great paradigm; mindfulness of this paradigm is "mystical virtue." Deep and far runs this Mystical Virtue! It runs counter to worldly things.. until they reach the great Sea!
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Going around trying to 'enlighten' others is counter-productive, for it engenders 'sophisticated thinking,' which is far from being enlightened! Better to simply teach people how to relax and be as simple and natural as possible, for in that is happiness for one and all.. and THAT is a truly enlightened way of life. 'Sound Bites' and other propaganda tools HARM the state.. for they breed sophist- icated thinking. Better to let natural simplicity guide each person in life. Knowing of this polarity is the paradigm of ENLIGHTENMENT itself; which is Mystical Virtue at work. This virtue (DEI) will of it's very nature lead us all to the same good goal, only by ways ideal for EACH rather than one enforced 'path' as the propagandists would like to impose.
The River and the Sea can be Kings over a hundred valley-streams because they are good at lying below them. If Sages want to be be over the people, in teachings, they must put themselves beneath them. If one wishes to lead the people, one must stand behind them. Thus, one may lead the people without offending them; one may oversee the people with one's teachings without burdening them; everyone will happily push one forward without tiring of one's example; and is this not because one is free of competition? Because one does not compete with the people, none can oppose you.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Competition is the hallmark of the Ego. All who practice it are doomed to meet it everywhere. Sages, learning from the example of the primordial Sea, can be kings over many river-valleys; by the deliberate stance of SUPPORTING OTHERS rather than competing with them. This is a great Wisdom, but no ordinary human beings grasp it!
Let there be a small state with few people in it, where military weapons get no use; let the people view solemnly the idea of death and they will banish the thought of ever moving away: They may have carts and boats but there will be no NEED to ride in them; they may have armor and weapons but they will never NEED to display them. Let the people go back to tying knots for record-keeping; let their food be savory; their clothing beautiful; their customs pleasurable; their homes secure. Though they may gaze across at a neighbor's holdings and hear the sounds of it's dogs and chickens, they will not bother them, coming and going. They will die of happy old age.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: And now, for those who have wondered if this JINN intends for people a poor life with little comfort (for the JINN certainly discourages greed and competition for gain;) here that is clearly answered. NO, the Path of Spirituality does NOT lead to poverty or lack but rather to CONTENTMENT, which leads to the enjoyment rather than ceaseless craving of the good things of life. Good food, beautiful clothing, pleasure as a custom of life and secure, happy homes are NATURAL to mankind. It is only the greed and violence of egotism that leads to poor people and wretched conditions.. and even then, only when such egotism has been allowed to become a 'government' ran by Protection- Racketeers.
In this very insightful Chapter we see postulated the great Principle of Taoist society; LEAVING THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF THEIR OWN LIVES AND PROPERTIES. This wisdom flies in the face of such Protection- Racket practices as 'property taxes.' It is common in many countries for the State to act as if IT 'owns' all property.. even if a person has bought and paid for it in full, he or she is still expected to pay the State every year for the 'priviledge' of continuing to live in their own homes! This is outright BANDITRY. The idea of "secure homes" expressed in this Chapter means not only safety from intrusion by others, but the right to OWN what one OWNS. Secure homes are bought and KEPT: States have no right to claim the land or houses of people nor to interfere in their inheritances. Property taxes are simply the modern version of the Feudal State, in which every ordinary citizen was but a serf, working in virtual slavery to a 'master' whose demands for their labor was LIFELONG. How long mankind will allow their States to hold them in this Tax Slavery, working all their lives long just to keep what they long-ago paid for, is a question answerable, perhaps, only by the common people; when they have had enough of slavery, they will doubtlessly throw it off, and turn their former 'masters' into nothing more awesome than a neighbor, whose secure homes THEY will not bother in turn. Until then, sadly, the war between the States and the People goes ON: Banditry and Racketeering versus Vandalism.
Sincere words are not 'elegant.' Elegance of speech is insincere. One who knows is not 'learned;' Learnedness is not knowledge. One who is 'good' does not have much; Possessions are not virtue. Sages do not hoard. The more they do for others, the more they have, themselves; the more they give to others, the more their own bounty is increased. Thus the Path of DEI-ty benefits without harming; the way of ego 'acts' but without effect.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Having been told that DEI-ty blesses persons like THOU with all of the good things of life, we are here reminded that these are not to be HOARDED but rather shared out with everyone around us, out of natural goodness-of-heart. It is that goodness-of-heart (DEI) which is our REAL treasure in life; the things DEI-ty brings us are but trivia compared with it itself.
Everybody say I am great; great but 'quirky.' Now, precisely because I am 'quirky' I can BE great; were I 'conventional' I would long ago have been declared 'common.' I have always had three treasures that I guard and cherish. The first is compassion; the second is simplicity; and the third is daring to not out-do everyone in the world. Now, because I am compassionate, I find I can be brave; because I am simple, I can be generous; because I dare to not out-do everyone in the world, I find I can lead in the finishing of tasks. If I, today, were to be courageous while forsaking compassion; be generous while forsaking simplicity; get ahead while forsaking the hindmost; that would be my end!.. for compassion in war brings true victory; in defense brings invulnerability. Whomsoever heaven would defend it surrounds with a bulwark of compassion.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Here I will add nothing, for it may well be that these are indeed the private musings of Lao Tzu, and every king has the right to their private words of wisdom. While much else in this JINN Lao gathered from older sources in the library he caretook, surely in the tone of this Chapter we hear Lao the man, expressing his own very wise heart, fully. I read this OFTEN, as if visiting a friend.
A good warrior is not belligerent. A good fighter does not anger. A good conqueror does not dislike his enemy. One who is good at employing others puts themself below them. This is called "the virtue of non competitiveness." This is called "utilizing others." This is called "parity with heaven," -the pinnacle of the Ancient Masters.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: The complete transition from egotistical ways of acting to spiritual wisdom is here further exemplified. It is nothing 'new!' Throughout history there have been some who attained it, and they are remembered for their attainments.. the greatest of which is the attainment of this 'parity with heaven.'
Strategists have a saying: "I dare not be the host, but would rather be a guest! I advance not an inch, but retreat a foot." This is called Marching out of file; Bearing nonexistent arms; Flourishing nonexistent weapons; and Driving back nonexistent enemies. There is no greater a misfortune than not having a worthy foe; once I believe there are no worthy foes about, I have well-nigh forfeited all my treasures. Therefore, when opposing forces are evenly matched, The one who is saddened by that WINS.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: In the contest of wills (military, political or interpersonal) there is often a 'stand-off.' According to the JINN, this invariably goes in favor of the one who refuses to pound the drum proudly for having reached a stalemate. If one cannot win by sheer superiority, better to 'stoop and conquer' as did the great bear of Russia in the late twentieth century. At that time America and Russia were so exactly matched in strength that the Russian leader (perhaps taking this page from Master Lao) realized that the best thing he could attain would be to make America his 'host:' and let his 'enemy' pay for his own 'rehabillitation.' Russia won the cold war, in the long run, when it's leader (Mikhail Gorbachev) told America 'we are going to do the worst possible thing on earth to you; we are going to deprive you of an enemy.' Such wisdom is rare in all of human history; but the principle is as old as THOU.
My words are easy to understand and very easy to apply. But no Ego is able to understand them or apply them. Words have authority. Affairs have a history! It is simply because of their ignorance that Egos do not understand me. Those who understand me are few, and thus I am ennobled. For this reason, Sages may wear homespun cloth over their shoulders, but they carry a jewel beyond price in their heart.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Every person like THOU, nurtured by DEI-ty, is 'nobody' indeed; having transformed their egoic drives into spiritual parity with heaven, a Sage is superpersonal rather than personal in identity, and it is only such a person who can comprehend the teachings of this JINN. Such people are few, for it takes much experience and time to so 'ripen' a spirit. But, having attained that state of 'nobodyhood' which is the Greater Self, Sages carry within them truly a jewel beyond price.. ETERNAL SELF-IDENTITY.
To realize that you do not understand is a virtue; NOT to realize it is something of a defect. The reason Sages have no such defects (LEFT!,) is because they treat defects AS defects.. and thus they have none left.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Thinking that you understand everything already (the classic human 'know it all!,') is egotism expressed. Sages, having realized that egotism is something to out-grow, have consciously chosen to grow beyond such 'defects.' DEI is that simple! Truly KNOWING that it is beyond the scope of any mind to understand everything at once is WISDOM, which begets both humility of heart and the ability to 'allow' oneself to learn more every day. Wisdom is a jewel beyond price compared with 'understanding things fully,' for it will far outlast the illusion that one knows everything at last!
When the people do not fear what is majestic, Great Majesty will soon visit them. Do not limit their dwellings nor suppress their livelihoods. Simply because you do not oppress them, they will not grow tired of you. For this reason, Sages are self-aware, but do not flaunt themselves; they are self-focused, but do not glorify themselves. They out-grow the one and adopt the other.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Here three forms of DEI are described: the DEI-ty-like state ruled by principles of noninterference and trust of the people; the DEI-ty that a Sage embodies by outgrowing egotism in favor of spirituality; and the DEI-ty which (according to the JINN) will certainly draw nigh and visit every person who outgrows the fear of Heaven. Absorb the spirit of THOU DEI JINN, and a Great Majesty will indeed draw nigh; DEI-ty will itself enter your very home and inner regions. One of his lesser Ministers am I.. for I am one of the many who indeed truly know who and what they are to THOU.. but I too have recife the King in my own home and inner regions. So, too (SOON!,) may THOU.
One who is brave in daring will be killed. One who is brave but not in daring will survive. One of these two courses is beneficial, the other harmful. Who knows the reason for Heaven's preferences? The way of Heaven is to not make war, yet it is good at conquering; does not expound, yet is good at answering; will not be ordered-about, yet comes of it's own free will; is unconcerned, yet good at making plans. Heaven's net is vast; though it's mesh is wide, NOTHING ESCAPES.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: What is 'sin' and 'wrong' and 'bad behavior?' Again THOU DEI JINN reminds us that it is simply reckless foolishness.. like playing roulette with a loaded gun. THAT is 'daring' indeed!, but deadly. Much else in life is also deadly; and it is the way of DEI-ty to point-out those to the world, so the world may grow wise. All that one need learn in life is how to be WISE rather than reckless and self-defeating. With that skill, one cannot go "wang" or 'wrong.'
If there is someone who doesn't fear death, why threaten to kill them? If people did fear death and one were to capture and kill the devious few, who would dare to be devious?: if the people are always at risk of execution, there will never lack an executioner. Now, to kill like an executioner is like- hacking at wood, instead of masterful carpentry; few are there who can escape cutting their own hands!
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: Capital Punishment is an old tale, retold here for all future ages to study in their day. The fear of death does not deter people from deviousness; rather, it makes them the MORE devious, to out-wit the gallows. Rather than hacking at humanity with an ax, the JINN says wisdom would accept the existance of the devious few, and encourage them to find a fitting place for their skills. Perhaps that is the origin of 'politics?'
Human hunger is the result of governmental profiteering. Because of THAT, there is hunger. The common people are not 'governable' because of their 'superiors' own behavior. Because of THAT, they are not governable. The people are 'entertained' by death because of too much emphasis on preserving their lives. Because of THAT, death is their 'entertainment.' Now, only Great Benevolence who acts not for the sake of outer life is wiser than those who value their own skin very highly.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: More of the common 'ills' of human society even in our times are here described. From the Roman slaughter-spectacles to Hollywood movies, death as 'entertainment' always parallels the decline and collapse of a society's vitality; knowing within themselves that their days as a culture are numbered, they slay others to pretend that death comes only to OTHERS. Likewise, states tax the people 'for their betterment' and thus impoverish them beyond hope of any betterment. Further, states even today have not yet learned that you cannot 'rule' the human spirit.. only guide it by example; so law after law is enacted, and with every new regulation the people draw further away from fondness for their 'rulers.' Alas, Wisdom grows but slowly!
Poverty and human hunger may 'seem' to be quite natural to mankind.. for it occurs in even the most primitive societies; but a closer look reveals that those societies which over-populate themselves, and are thus chronically poor, do so because their GOVERNMENT (even if it is only a tribal 'custom') PROFITS from their 'cheap' labor and easy death on the battlefield. Thus it is seen that even primitive man- kind experiences great poverty only when government has learned to PROFIT from keeping him in sad conditions and a wretched state. If left to himself.. which means especially his MIND left free of such propaganda as the custom or 'duty' of breeding in large numbers for the 'glory' of one's State.. mankind is neither poor nor wretched. We must someday learn that EVERY institution which seeks to harness mankind to it's service.. whether called 'state' or 'church'.. is in fact PROFITING from the poverty they have left us in after their 'improvement' of us.
Government did not create the people, their homes and belongings or their daily activities and labors; these things government has no right to regulate or tax. Government actually invented only MONEY, and only THAT do they have any real right to tax. Since the poor do not earn much money (but trade goods and labor with others for their food) they should never be taxed AT ALL; thus they would not go hungry, trying to 'buy' taxes instead of homes, food and clothing. Those who do earn money should pay some fair part of their earnings to the inventors of money (the government) so a stable monetary system may be maintained; but THAT IS THE ONLY REAL "RIGHT" ANY GOVERNMENT TRULY HAS. It has no right to tell the people how to feel, think, live and behave; those are the rights of the Individual only. When any government attempts to rule the individual Spirits of it's people, the people begin to hate and eventually overthrow it.
Alas, Wisdom grows but SLOWLY!!
Human beings are soft and supple when alive, stiff and straight when dead. The myriad creatures, grasses and trees are soft and supple when alive, dry and withered when dead. Therefore it is said: the rigid person is a disciple of death; the soft, supple and delicate are lovers of life. The army that is inflexible will not conquer; the tree that cannot bend will snap! The unyielding and mighty will be brought low; the soft, supple and delicate will rise above them.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: This famous and insightful Chapter is the basis of many of China's life-enhancing practices such as Tai Chi and Taoist Yoga; using the art of suppleness to banish the stiffness and brittleness of age and wear and tear on the human body. Dance is used around the world to attain much the same ends. To live our lives as if in a dance of delicate movements, swaying with each breeze that blows upon us through time, is to add years and grace to our lives. In the ageless skin and smooth faces of Asia one can see the result of this 'Way Of The Willow Tree;' apparently endless youth,. such as we see in many trees and other creatures in nature.
The Path of Heaven is like bending a bow- the upper part is pressed down, the lower part is raised up; the part which has much is reduced, the part that has little is increased. Therefore, the Path of Heaven reduced surplus to make up for scarcity; the way of mankind's Ego reduces scarcity and pays tribute to surplus! Who is there who can have a surplus and take from it to pay tribute to Heaven? Surely, only one who is on the Path. For this reason, Sages transact, but do not hoard, complete their work but do not dwell upon it. In this way, they have no desire to display their 'worth.'
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: As for the Economic Laws Of Reality and Fairness, the JINN admonishes AGAIN the idea of taxing the poor citizen in the interests of building up a surplus for the state, and other top-heavy behaviors.. as being counter-productive and 'wang' or FOOLISH. For example, it is common for national government to demand the greater portion of all taxes to be paid directly to IT; while (logically) having the largest base number of people to tax, it SHOULD receive the least percent of tax.. and the village or town, having the least number of people to tax, by right should receive the greatest percentage of all taxes. Thus, in a truly wise and just society, the lowest level of government (village or town level) should actually collect the taxes upon all monetary transactions (ONLY!,) and retain the vast majority of it for their local Public Services, and then (at exactly the same rate levied upon the people's income) the Village should pay tax upon their revenues to the State or Province 'above' them. The State should then retain of that money the vast majority for their own level of Public Service, paying only (at the exact same rate levied upon personal income) a tax to the level of government 'above' them (the Federal level.) The Federal or National government would then receive a still vast amount of money with which to pay for IT'S level of Public Service. Wisdom would also note that a world government or United Nations should be paid a tax by every Federal or National Government on earth, also.. out of which it might provide an international level of social ser- vices and worldwide security.
This is FAIRNESS and 'good government' as well as good economics. I am not a 'politician' but a Taoist. I 'belong' to no "party" and do not involve myself in any meddling in other people's affairs at all; but in the matter of good government, I repeat this ancient yet still fresh Truth at every opportunity.. for, if Sages do not speak in the defense of Right, governments will SEIZE what they have no Right to. Speaking Truth is the Right and DUTY of every self-governing person, and the only guarantee of social justice.
Nothing under heaven is gentler or weaker than water, and yet nothing is better at cutting-through what is hard and strong, because it is relentless. This defeat of the hard by the soft, the strong by the weak- this is known to everyone in the world, yet nobody actually practices it. Therefore Sages say: "One who bears abuse directed against the state is called 'Lord of the altars of the gods of soil and grain;' One who bears the misfortunes of the state is called the 'King of all under Heaven.' True words SEEM contradictory!
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: As this wing of the great JINN approaches the end of it's beating, it beats once more the point into us, that TRUE 'GOVERNMENT' IS NO MORE THAN SOCIAL SERVICE; accepting as TRUE every complaint leveled against the state and actively making amends; bearing the burden of every disaster so the people are individually not hurt by it. But, how can such things be done in a world where 'wealth' is needed for every act of state? It is really quite easy.. like everything in THOU DEI JINN.. once you see the point that is being made here.
GOVERNMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO TAX MONEY ONLY, AND THAT ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING A FORUM FOR THE PEOPLE TO REDRESS GRIEVANCES. All else it has, it has STOLEN from the common people through banditry.
Let 'government' be made nothing more than a forum for COMPLAINTS and the reporting of Misfortunes, and people who HAVE a surplus will of their own innate goodness-of-spirit give the needy what is needed for their recovery from any disaster. Does this sound too 'optimistic' to 'believe?' If so, you do not know humanity at ALL; for CHARITY SPRINGS FROM THE COMMON PEOPLE LIKE WATER FROM THE SKY. Yes, Government is INTENDED by the nature of humanity to be CHARITY and SOCIAL SERVICE. Listen, or pass-away like the greedy Empires of Avarice in every dark chapter of our history.
Compromise with great resentment will surely yield resentment that lingers. How can that be called 'good?' Thus, Sages hold the debtor's side of contracts and do not make claims upon others. Thus the person of DEI attends to their debts; the person without DEI-ty attends to their interest-ledgers. The way of Heaven IS impartial, yet is ALWAYS on the side of the well-meaning.
ESSENE THOU COMMENTARY: And now this venerable and wise JINN folds it's wings; having flown us from Earth to Heaven and back again, changed by the journey. If you are 'Sage material' you will have learned from the experience that SPIRITUAL CHARITY and PROVIDING FOR OTHERS is a hallmark of the Path you are here to walk. Attend to THAT and all else will be given you; fail of THAT and you will never be able to make ends meet. Wisdom is a very simple thing after all; a mere matter of Divinity Of Intent. May it never be forgotten!, lest it forget you, in turn.. for a while!