Thoughts on Becoming a Sage [antikvár]

Preface i: Y This book represents a personal commitment to gaining a hirther understanding as to how Lao Tzu and his Tao Te Ching fits into the modem sense of what it means to be seen or considered as a sage. The traditional meaning of the sage has had a special meaning and connotation reserved for one of great insight and leaming throughout Chinese history. Usually attributed to the great Taoists teachers Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu and Confucius, the term generally refers to one of great leaming and insight who becomes a teacher of valuable lessons as to the way people should conduct their lives. Thoughts on becoming a Sage represents the author's interpretation of the Tao Te Ching in a personalized style that illustrates the way of virtue and steps one would take in seeking out those attributes most resembling a "sage like" lifestyle and ways to live in the secular world. The paradox being that one cannot see oneself as a sage in the here and now This would be seen as presumptuous. One simply aspires to see beyond himself and whatever his shortcomings may be and in doing so he can catch glimpses of his highest endeavor and destiny. Just as there is an underlying or unity of philosophical religious teachings throughout the world, as shown by the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, Mohammed of Medina, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Mencius, Confucius, and others, one who emulates or strives to live a life of virtue sees past self imposed religious differences and