"There is nothing under the canopy of heaven greater than the tip of a bird's down in autumn, while the T'ai Mountain is small. Neither is there any longer life than that of a child cut off in infancy, while P'eng Tsu himself died young. The universe and I came into being together; I and everything therein are One."

This passage is from On Leveling All Things -- Zhuangzi in top form. "The universe and I came into being together." I love that. Moment by moment, the universe and I coming into being together; and moment by moment, together dissolving. Which is really great news because it means, for one, that suffering -- moment by moment -- is already gone.

Another thing I find interesting about On Leveling All Things is how at certain points Read More...

Next in our series of acupressure treasures is the highly-esteemed Zu San Li ("Leg Three Li") -- so named because of its reputed power to rejuvenate a weary traveler, allowing him/her to carry on for at least another three li (the equivalent of about a mile).

Weary traveler or no, it's a great point to apply acupressure to, throughout the day, as a way of supporting the function of the Spleen and Stomach, energizing the entire body, and fortifying the immune system.

Enjoy!

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"A flute, like a bellows, sends forth much sound when it is in motion, and keeps silent when it is in stillness. This is the same with the space between Heaven and Earth: all seems to come to a complete stop when in stillness, but when in motion, it gives birth to endless things. Such is the unlimited function of emptiness."

So writes Hu Xuezhi, in his commentary on verse 5 of the Tao Te Ching -- which I felt would be fun and appropriate to enter into conversation with, in honor of the birth of a new year (and death of the previous) .... Enjoy.

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January 23, 2012 marks the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Dragon.

In Chinese culture, the dragon is a legendary creature considered to be sublimely auspicious: a symbol of power, health and happiness. The dragon is often shown clutching a pearl -- a symbol of supernatural powers -- and accompanied by swirling thunder, lightning and rain. Balanced dragon-energy is free-spirited, creative, confident, passionate and courageous. Dragon-energy out of balance can be conceited and quick-tempered. May we all embody, in the coming year, the most sublime and harmonious aspects of this energy!

Xin Nian Kuai Le! ~ Happy New Year!

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