In harmony with the Tao
The sky is clear and spacious
The Earth is solid and full
All creatures flourish together
Content with the way they are
Endlessly repeating themselves
Endless renewed.
When man interferes with the Tao,
The sky becomes filthy
The earth becomes depleted
The equilibrium crumbles
Creatures become extinct.
The Master views the parts with compassion
Because he understands the whole.
His constant practice is humility
He doesn’t glitter like a jewel
But lets himself be shaped by the Tao
As rugged and common as a stone.
– Lao Tzu
This was sent by the Brazilian flutist and saxophonist who played last Friday evening in Hudson, WI. He is the first of the artists to respond to the Call to create artists “Before the Planetary Requiem” in the face of scientific evidence for Climate Departure. “Before the Planetary Requiem” was posted here on Views from the Edge yesterday. Interesting that his response is from one of the ancient figures of holy and practical wisdom.
Views from the Edge 
There are many introductory books about Buddhism. My fvartioe is It’s Easier Than You Think by Sylvia Boorstein. It’s warm, witty, and wise qualities cultivated by Buddhist practice. It’s written by a genuine teacher and so it reflects the wisdom and compassion of the Buddhist path. Best of all, it’s short, easy to read, and non-technical.There are many Web sites on Buddhism, but most are sectarian (reflecting the views of a particular teacher or school) while others are dry and boring. I do recommend Buddhanet for a good overview.
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