II. Tao and Me

The significance of Tao is in its immensity and ubiquity. Its mightiness guides the universe to carry on with changing seasons and natural phenomena seem so capricious and yet really in order and in cycles. This almighty being also resides in each of us. It is the divine self, the natural quality of a person. It enables us to see, to feel, to taste, to hear, and to move without learning.

While we research the ultimate truth in the universe, we should turn in upon and see into ourselves to discover that divine self. We will find the rules that govern the universe also comply with the way we are. Tao is not something too far to reach, nor too mysterious to comprehend. It is nothing particular, but has to do with our daily lives. We cannot do without it. Every movement we make, in order to see, to touch, to feel and to think, is associated with Tao. Consider how many wonders are hidden in our body, how delicately our physical functions are carried out. For example, when we shake hands, the components involved would include the coordination of joints and muscles, the chemical reactions of energy, the transmission of information through nerve systems, and the actions occurring in our brain such as issuing orders, making judgements and analyzing situations. Even with the most advanced technology and the highest level of knowledge we have developed today, we cannot completely reconstruct such a function. Yet the ability to perform such a simple movement is there for all individuals, regardless of the level of a person's knowledge and his/her being a grown-up or a baby, a scholar or an illiterate. These are the kind of abilities we come equipped with naturally, without learning and being taught. It sits within us and is in charge of all. It is "Tao", never diminishes nor inflates.

Worldly knowledge acquired through learning can be forgotten. A gymnast can abandon his/her techniques and a musician can lose his/her skills without practicing. The essence of Tao and its extension are always in charge of the macro-universe -- the nature, and the micro-universe -- the human being's self. We are associated with it unconsciously since the first day. Because it encompasses the whole nature within us, we also call it "native self". Tao is within and surrounding us. It needs not be worshiped nor debated over. Because its extension is unconditional, regardless of race, color, nationality, religion or status. It is impartial and stays constant.

In receiving Tao, we not only find the origin of the universe, but also the divine self. We get to know the highest power in the universe as well as the genuine nature in charge of self. We discover the ultimate truth of the cosmos as well as the integrity of ourselves. Recognizing that the laws which govern the universe also govern us makes us be able to return to our true nature.
 

To probe further:

The most essential concept in Tao is that we all possess it intrinsically. It is the wisdom and ability we were born with without learning or practicing. It is one's conscience, which is like the spirit of God -- the divine and immortal nature. It is invisible and intangible. For this reason, we call it "genuine emptiness", which means that to be really empty, it goes beyond emptiness and can therefore have marvelous existence in it. "Marvelous existence" is the foundation for the sky, the earth, humane beings, all the creatures, and all existences. With omnipotence, Tao is called "Great Lord of All Beings". This almighty being is not only in charge of the entire universe, but also in charge of oneself. So the proverb is," Tao is within self which is the drive of all one's abilities; A physical body without Tao is useless." This is the treasure that we should all realize and fully explore.