Lao Tzu - The Way

lao Tzu wrote only one book, the famous Tao Te Ching. The book on which Taoism was based. The title of the book literally means "The Way of Virtue in Scripture. " The first part of the book refers to whatever existed before time and space - a nameless creator of everything (the wuji). Tao is the source of qi - the essential energy that keeps creation in motion. Tao is the word - as described in the gospel by John, which was the creator of everything.

In the second part of the book the values are described in yin (receptive female qualities) and yang with properties of male, action and energy. Its duality exists in everything in the Universe.

The Tao is considered a quiet power and man should attune to its harmony. The Tao Te Ching teaches man to live free of violence, to be nonresistant, develop good eating habits and breathing exercises to quiet the mind for peace to exist.

These principles are the foundation of feng shui and taught in my feng shui school. When we are in tune with nature peace exists. Bringing the elements of nature, the ebb and flow, sounds, smells, textures into the living environment will automatically shift the energy level of the occupants. They will move towards higher living standards to heal the mind - body and spirit.

Today, make time to be a part of nature and bring that part back into your environment and see the difference.

Namaste,
Mary Jane - Feng Shui master & Yogi

Quote From Aristotle

"If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is nature's way." Aristotle

There is no resistance in nature. If we abide by nature's ways then we too shall be rid of resistance ~ Namaste - Mary Jane.

Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ An American Philosopher

One of America's greatest philosophers who managed to introduce European and Eastern thought to the New World, and greatly contributed in forming a unique American quality that came from an original and distinguished mind, which was open to all kinds of influence. He was one of the major figures of the Transcendentalism movement, a period which was also called the American Renaissance, that took place between 1835-1865.

Emerson managed to combine religion with philosophy, as well as ancient classical ideas with super-naturalism and mysticism. He supported the infinite potential of an over-soul, which he accepted as an inseparable part of the human existence, and termed it as the "infinitude of every man."

Emerson's writings showed strong belief that wisdom came to men by divine influx, that nature was the means to unlock all secrets of wisdom, and make men enlightened. One of the most important works of his early period is his book "Nature," which he wrote in 1836.

Why not gain a bit of wisdom today and spend some time outdoors in nature. See what "She" has to offer.

Enjoy your day!
Mary Jane

Wisdom of the Ancient Sages ` Plato

What better way to start a week with the wisdom form one of the world's greatest sages...Plato. Enjoy his words of wisdom...

"All the gold which is under or upon the earth is not enough to give in exchange for virtue."

"Any man may easily do harm, but not every man can do good to another."

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

May your day be productive and pleasant...
Namaste,
Mary Jane

What is the Meaning of Life?

What is the meaning of life and why are we here? Here are answers and opions of some of the greatest minds.

"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens."~ Carl Gustav Jung

"The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity by contributing to the establishment of the kingdom of God, which can only be done by the recognition and profession of the truth by every man." ~Leo Tolstoy

"Vain are the beliefs and teachings that make man miserable, and false is the goodness that leads him into sorrow and despair, for it is man's purpose to be happy on this earth and lead the way to felicity and preach its gospel wherever he goes.
He who does not see the kingdom of heaven in this life will never see it in the coming life."~Khailil Gilbran

"You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it.
That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing and dance,
and write poems, and suffer, and understand, for all that is life."~Jiddu Krishnamurti

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well used brings happy death."~ Leonardo da Vinci

"Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it."~Buddha

May you discover what life is and cherish it.

Namaste,

Mary Jane

The Romantic Prophet - Leo Tolstoy

Widely known as one of the greatest authors of all times, and with his novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina to be on top of world fiction literature, Leo Tolstoy's personality remains highly controversial because of its dual nature and the way it evolved during his middle and late years.

Tolstoy was not only a writer. He was a great moral philosopher, a truth seeker, and deep religious thinker. After being excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox church, he formed his own Christianity that was based on five simple tenets: live a life without anger, live a life without lust, avoid taking oaths and promises, love your enemies, and do no combat evil with evil.

In 1893, Tolstoy wrote , The Kingdom of God Is within You, based on Luke's Gospel. This work deeply moved Gandhi when he read it. Gandhi wrote to Tolstoy about his Passive Resistance Movement and their correspondence led to a warm friendship and Tolstoy's work A Letter to a Hindu in 1908.

Tolstoy was a proponent of the freedom of expression through which humanity could be served and assisted in establishing the kingdom of God, the kingdom of love, peace, equality, truth and justice.

May you have a Peaceful day!
Mary Jane

Great People - Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was a great soul, who cultivated the ideal of pacifism, reconciliation and nonviolent action through his life. He set an example by leading a life of simplicity and respect for the sacredness of all living creatures.

Gandhi's philosophy was based on two words "Satya" or truth and "Ahimsa" or nonviolence. Truth is the basis for major religions and by applying truth to all actions society would improve exponentially.

Following the principle of Ahimsa - nonviolence shows deep respect for all others. Any violent action against another simply becomes a violent action against self.

Let's all try to add a little Satya and Ahimsa to our day.

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoga.com

Zen Stories ~ Real Prosperity

Zen Stories - Ancient Words of Wisdom

A rich man asked Sengai to write something for the continued prosperity of his family so that it might be treasured from generation to generation.

Sengai obtained a large sheet of paper and wrote: "Father dies, son dies, grandson dies."

The rich man became angry. "I asked you to write something for the happiness of my family! Why do you make such a joke of this?"

"No joke is intended," explained Sengai. "If before you yourself die your son should die, this would grieve you greatly. If your grandson should pass away before your son, both of you would be broken-hearted. If your family, generation after generation, passes away in the order I have named, it will be the natural course of life. I call this real prosperity."

Enjoy the prosperity of life itself!
Mary Jane

Words of Wisdom~Tao Te Ching ~ Ambition

Those who wish to change the world
According with their desire
Cannot succeed.

Ambition:

The world is shaped by the Way;
It cannot be shaped by the self.
Trying to change it, you damage it;
Trying to possess it, you lose it.

So some will lead, while others follow.
Some will be warm, others cold
Some will be strong, others weak.
Some will get where they are going
While others fall by the side of the road.

So the sage will be neither extravagant nor violent.

Namaste,

Mary Jane

Carl Jung ~ Founder of Analytical Psychology

Carl Jung managed to combine authenticity of science with a religious attitude to life, in search of undiscovered paths of the unconscious self that lead man towards realizing his real nature and attaining his real goal.

Jung provided humanity with clues on how the psyche functions, providing support for all those who feel within themselves a strong urge to fulfill their ultimate purpose in life. The theory of Individuation or personal unconscious and the collective unconscious leads to a more mature and harmonious understanding of man and the universe. When everything is integrated (yin and yang concept), then we feel a sense of Unity with everything in existence, and then our Self is born.

In harmony,
Mary Jane

Jesus of Nazareth ~ 5BC 30 CE

Jesus born between 4 & 6 BC, knew that people of his time expected him to reform existing religious, social and political systems and increase the prestige of their existing country, but Jesus stated that his mission was not to abolish any kind of law, destroy old creeds, or challenge the prophets. His mission was to fulfill prophecies, add to the law and interpret it in such a way as to be beneficial for the people and not for the system itself. He taught non resistance, overcoming evil with good, and love for one's enemies.

Jesus wanted people to reach perfection through prayer and pious living and to ask God always for help. The essential aspect behind his teachings was Love. Love awakens the human heart and the absolute prerequisite for the transformation of man into divine being.

Namaste,
Mary Jane

Buddha - The Enlightened One

Buddha was a divine personality, full of great wisdom and deep compassion for all suffering human beings. He was determined to complete his mission to help man become free from the bonds of misery, by a means of self realization and spiritual ascension.

According to his teachings, man needs to let go of the mundane in order to reach enlightenment and experience bliss. The best way to begin to peel back the outer layers of self (koshas) is to engage in meditation practices. Begin with simple breath meditation, qigong or yoga and you will find a sense of peace take hold in your life.

Quote: "He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye."

Enjoy your Day!
Mary Jane

The Beauty of Nature...

Enjoy this mix of beautiful landscapes from around the world. Allow it to relax and inspire you.

Highlight your cursor over the link below:

http://www.deepspirits.com/natural-world/mindscapes/


Namaste,
Mary Jane

Imhotep - Architect- Healer - Astronomer - High Priest

Imhotep is a multi-dimensional individual that rose through Egyptian ranks to become a high priest. A mathematical genius, Imhotep is best known for building The Step Pyramid. This pyramid was mainly noted for sun worship and passage to higher planes after death.

Imhotep was also a medical healer incorporating a blend of new methods including astronomy, religion, philosophy and protective amulets. Here is a man who knew that true healing and healthy body is a culmination of many components and not just one. A concept modern man should practice. Healing suggests there is an imbalance or dis-ease. The imbalance occurs by outer environment. When we begin to align the outer-scape the inner will naturally follow.

The Key To Happiness

Realize that everything is just the way it is suppose to be, realize the perfection of "What is" realize there is nothing lacking. Trust life, go with the flow, stop trying to control things.

Lao Tzu offers the following to ponder in finding happiness in life:

• Fame or integrity: Which is more important?
• Money or happiness: Which is more valuable?
• Success or failure: Which is more destructive?
• If you look to other for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled.
• If your happiness depends on money you will never be happy with yourself.
• Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Enjoy the weekend!

Namaste,
Mary Jane

Aristotle ~ From the Earth to the Divine

Having studied for 20 years in Plato's academy, Aristotle was greatly influenced by the immortality of the soul. Aristotle was a man of logic, which he considered a preliminary tool for the study of every branch of knowledge. His studies were broad based including: systems of government, physics, geology, geography, the elements of the human body, astronomy, natural sciences, theology, and metaphysics to name a few. Obviously we can learn a great deal from this sage. Today's quote:

Aristotle: "I count him braver who overcomes his desires them him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self."

Enjoy your day...
Mary Jane

Plato - Philosopher & Sage

Born in Athens, Plato's works have an unparalleled influence on the way politics, morality, psychology, religion, and cosmology are viewed. Plato attempted to prove the relationship between the cosmos, the soul and the state. He also managed to give humanity the three ultimate qualities each human being should attempt to acquire: Moderation, Emotional Balance, and self - acquaintance.

Quote: "Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Namaste,
Mary Jane

Lord Mahavira ~ Indian Sage & Great Hero

Mahavira literally means "Great Hero." Proponent of "eternalism" a theory that supports the superiority of the soul and its natural movement to seek liberation. He defines that a liberated soul acquires the divine attributes of power, bliss, and unlimited knowledge.

Mahavira's exemplary life showed people a way of attaining liberation by conquering passions like greed, lust and anger and adopting a harmless way of living.

How can you apply Mahavira's teachings to your own life? A question worth pondering.

Enjoy your day!
Mary Jane

Lao Tzu - The Old Master

Lao Tzu and Confucius over two and a half millennia ago in ancient China attempted to reform and improve the way people lived. Lao Tzu presented his philosophy in the Tao Te Ching, which next to the Bible, is the most translated book in the world. This is a sage that is discussed at great length when studying the history of feng shui.

Today's quote from Lao Tzu is about knowing who you are and what you want. He states:

"At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want."

Now the trick is to quiet the mind so you can hear what you know.

Enjoy your day!
Mary Jane

Pythagoras

A master philosopher of Greek culture, mathematician, and mystic, Pythagoras was one of the greatest sages of all times. The quote I chose for us today:

"A thought is an idea in transit."

What thoughts are you having right now?

Om Shanti,
Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com