Verse 50 of the Tao Te Ching:
Between birth and death, Three in ten are followers of life, Three in ten are followers of death, And men just passing from birth to death also number three in ten. Why is this so? Because they live their lives on the gross level.
He who knows how to live can walk abroad Without fear of rhinoceros or tiger. He will not be wounded in battle. For in him rhinoceroses can find no place to thrust their horn, Tigers no place to use their claws, And weapons no place to pierce. Why is this so? Because he has no place for death to enter.
Of course, from the standpoint of fantasy books that many of us are into, it's fun to think of this in literal terms, and imagine being impervious to any danger. "Ha! Do your worst! Death cannot enter me, for I know how to live!"
But, as are many parts of the TTC, this is a metaphor. "He who knows how to live" is one who knows how to live well! One whose thoughts are - whose very being is - of life, love, and joy. The rhinos, tigers, and weapons represent things that cause thoughts of death, fear, and sorrow. But these things don't cause such thoughts in those who know how to live. Their minds and hearts are always on the good; never seeing - not capable of seeing - the dark side of things. ____________ Highdrake's mastery of spells and sorcery was not much greater than his pupil's, but he had clear in his mind the idea of something very much greater, the wholeness of knowledge. And that made him a mage.<i>Edited by: danlo60 at: 12/11/06 1:19 pm </i>
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