Reversion is the action of Tao.
   Gentleness is the function of Tao.
The things of this world come from Being,
   And Being (comes) from Non-being. (Tao Te Ching chapter 40, Lin Yu Tang trans.)

I spoke last time about using the Tao to get what you need. I explained that what comes may not be what you want but is always what you need. I also said that when you ask the Tao, there is no way of knowing when the Tao will answer.

One of the reasons is the ebb and flow of the Tao. And that’s what I want to talk about today. Nature is an excellent example of how the Tao operates. It has high points and low points. It constantly changes daily, monthly, and yearly. Our lives work the same way. Why? We are all subject to Tao, and that’s how Tao works.  Just as there are storms and sunny weather, seasons of sunshine, warmth, and plenty,  there are dark and cold winter days. We go from happiness to sadness and many other experiences.

It is hard to tell by looking at someone whether their woes are caused by not being in harmony with the Tao or because that person is in a down cycle within the Tao at any given time. The big difference is that people in harmony with the Tao soon move past the down cycles and into a cycle of growth and happiness. People who are not in harmony with it may suffer for years.

Many people experience troubles in their lives. Some are serious, like fatal illnesses or being murdered. Today, thousands of children are being killed in wars. How is that part of the Tao? Because the Tao contains everything, good and evil (remember that good is the compliment of bad, not the opposite; you can’t have good if there is no bad).

As I explain in my book, the true selves that came to the physical plane in those bodies came here to experience death by disease or in war.

That may seem odd, but remember, the true selves are eternal. Dying is a physical thing involving our bodies and minds. But not our true selves. After that experience, they return in a different form for another life in the physical domain.

Those who do not follow the Tao and are caught up in ego and controlled by their minds often go through periods of success and suffering. Part of that is because they usually fight the direction their true self wants them to go.

It may take a while to gain knowledge of their true self. And some never do in a lifetime and will reincarnate to try again.

Even successful people, such as billionaires, may not realize their true selves. Jesus asked a very Taoist question when he said, “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Making money and having many things has nothing to do with knowing your true self.

I noted above that there is a difference between acting from ego and acting through the Tao. However, that difference is subtle and challenging when looking at a person. Going inside yourself can show you a little better picture. It all depends on how much your true self is working. An enlightened person with a fully active true self knows that their actions always come from the true self. That includes the good and evil. Those aware of the true self may try to see if their actions come from the true self or ego. Remember, the ego fights the flow of the Tao; the true self uses the Tao.

When you are in touch with the true self, you must still follow the ebb and flow of the Tao. That means there will be periods of quiet and little activity. Your mind may react by worrying about what you will do. Your mind may even tell you to take action in the wrong direction, which may result in more problems.

Eventually, the tide will turn, and things will improve once again. But remember that when things look bleak, the sunshine will return. And when things are sunny and plentiful, it won’t last forever.