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Introduction

This verse uses some fun tactics to break us open to the idea that humility, openness, and a willingness to engage are how we discover integrity (德 dé) with the Way. 

It first names what it feels like to be on the path – resolving to walk it, no matter what! Then it names what most of us probably feel like most of the time – we want to, but it’s hard, and sometimes we forget that we can. 

My favorite part comes next when Lao Zi calls us out for all the times we instinctually reject wisdom because wisdom doesn’t seem to make any sense. 

The rest of the verse is a selection of Established Wisdom sayings that challenge our perspectives. I hope you enjoy discovering how true they are! 

Translation

The Weaver hears of the Way,
  and resolves to act from its Center.

The Aspirant hears of the Way,
  and sometimes gets it, sometimes forgets it.

The Fool just laughs
  when they hear of the Way.

Frankly, if the Fool doesn’t laugh
    the description of the Way is off the mark.

For example, here is some Established Wisdom:
  The Clear Way is confusing.
  The Smooth Way is flawed.
  The Progressing Way retreats.

  Superior Integrity seems like suppression.
  Great Purity seems like humiliation. 
  Having everything is never enough.

  To stay firm is to drift without purpose,
  the true essence is change.

  Naturalness has no borders.
  Great Talent slowly becomes.

  The best sound is silence.

Yang has no form, and
  Yin is nameless.
Only the Dao,
  is perfect at giving
    what is needed
      for completion. 

Commentary

The Weaver hears of the Way,
  and resolves to act from its Center.

The Aspirant hears of the Way,
  and sometimes gets it, sometimes forgets it.

The Fool just laughs
  when they hear of the Way.

There are three ways of relating to teachings on meditative living: The Weaver, The Aspirant, and The Fool. We are all three!

When we hear a paradoxical teaching, immediately grasp its truth, and decide to live according to it, we embody The Weaver. 

When we hear a teaching that seems to make sense but is hard to implement, but we’re doing our best, we’re The Aspirant. 

When we hear wisdom teachings from sacred texts or influential teachers and know that what they say is wrong and stupid and must be false, we’re being The Fool. 

This line seems to ask us to cast aside discernment and mindlessly follow, but I don’t believe that’s the real spirit. I think the spirit of the stanza is to call out arrogance in a particular way by asking us to challenge our established beliefs. As mentioned numerous times, humility is essential in Weaving the Way, partly because it keeps us open to learning new things. 

To hear something new and immediately laugh it off as foolish is intellectual laziness and a simple-headed approach to life. 

Frankly, if the Fool doesn’t laugh
    the description of the Way is off the mark. 

The number one thing teachers must avoid is simplifying the Way into something intelligible that fits neatly into existing belief structures. Not only because selling out is yucky but also because it’s a great disservice to anyone coming for teachings. Half the time, a wisdom teacher’s job is to say crazy things just to break loose established patterns and conventional perspectives! 

As students, being forced to reconcile seemingly contradictory statements or counter-intuitive ways of being makes us grow. In many ways, handling complexity is the defining characteristic of developmental stages in modern psychological models. Finding teachings that make us laugh means seeing something that can make us grow. 

If we’re willing to, that is. 

When we feel the conviction to understand a teaching, whether we ultimately incorporate it or not, we stop being The Fool and start being the Weaver. 

Below are several profound axioms of ancient wisdom. I have debated with myself at length about commenting on them for the above reasons. Ultimately, I’ve decided to let this part of the verse stand on its own and invite you to uncover the truth of each statement in your lived experience. (You can always drop me a comment/email to discuss!)

For example, here is some Established Wisdom:
  The Clear Way is confusing.
  The Smooth Way is flawed.
  The Progressing Way retreats.

  Superior Integrity seems like suppression.
  Great Purity seems like humiliation. 
  Having everything is never enough.

  To stay firm is to drift without purpose,
  the true essence is change.

  Naturalness has no borders.
  Great Talent slowly becomes.

  The best sound is silence. 

Except this one, “the best sound is silence.” It’s too easy to think that this points to a life of luxury, a retreat or resort experience, or quiet moments sipping a hot drink with the sunrise. I’m pretty sure this text doesn’t consider taking time for these things profound wisdom. Instead, I believe this points to the deep silence within you that exists beyond all thought, emotion, or sensory experience. Strive to hear it. It’s quite thunderous. 

Back to you. 

Yang has no form, and
  Yin is nameless. 

Only the Dao,
  is perfect at giving
    what is needed
      for completion.  

And remember the Phenomenal Cycle: “Weaving the Way shapes the Dao.” The thoughts, words, and deeds of one in Alignment and Integrity with the harmonious way enable the Dao to act in our world. You are the necessary ingredient for harmony and completeness through your practice as a Weaver of the Way.