DDJ 1: Presence or Absence of Desire
Feb 1
/
Bernard Shannon
故恒无欲, 以衬其眇.
恒有欲, 以衬其徼.
Thus, remaining free of desire, the mystery reveals itself.
Full of desire, you see the manifestations.
These two lines are from Chapter 1 of the Dao De Jing. These lines illustrate the duality and interplay between the presence or absence of desire, the dual nature of perception and existence, and the ways they reveal different aspects of reality.
故恒无欲, 以衬其眇. Thus, constant non-desire reveals its subtlety.
故恒无欲, Thus, remaining free of desire…
以衬其眇 …the mystery reveals itself.
• 故 (gù): therefore, thus, or for this reason
• 恒 (héng): constant, perpetual, or continuous.
• 无 (wú): no, not, without.
• 欲 (yù): desire or craving.
以衬其眇 …the mystery reveals itself.
• 以 (yǐ): to use, in order to, or to.
• 衬 (chèn): to support, to complement, to set off or to highlight. It suggests the idea of providing a foundation or lens that allows something to be better seen or understood.
• 其 (qí): its or his/her, a possessive referring to the subject of the sentence.
• 眇 (miǎo): something subtle, small, delicate, or mysterious. It represents the profound, hidden aspects of reality that can only be grasped through quiet contemplation and detachment.
In translating this line, it suggests that when one maintains a state of non-desire, they can perceive the subtle, profound, and imperceptible aspects of existence (眇 miǎo). When free from the distractions of longing, one aligns with the Dao, gaining insight into its unmanifested, infinite nature. This state fosters clarity and understanding of the universe’s essence.
It indicates the ineffable, elusive, or profound aspect of the Dao that cannot be easily grasped by the senses or ordinary understanding. It often refers to the unseen, unmanifested nature of reality.
恒有欲, 以衬其徼. Constant desire reveals its boundaries.
恒有欲, Full of desire,
• 恒 (héng): constant, perpetual, or continuous.
• 有 (yǒu): to have
• 欲 (yù): desire or craving.
以衬其徼. you see the manifestations.
• 以 (yǐ): to use, in order to, or to.
以衬其徼. you see the manifestations.
• 以 (yǐ): to use, in order to, or to.
• 衬 (chèn): to support, to complement, to set off or to highlight. It suggests the idea of providing a foundation or lens that allows something to be better seen or understood.
• 其 (qí): its or his/her, a possessive referring to the subject of the sentence.
• 徼 (jiào): boundaries, limits, or manifestations. It represents the tangible, observable aspects of reality, the finite or limited forms that arise from the Dao’s infinite potential.
This translation of the line suggests that through the presence of desire, one perceives the tangible, defined, and manifest aspects of the world.
Desire anchors perception to the material and finite aspects of existence, highlighting distinctions and limits (徼 jiào).
If we seek to see, hear, understand intellectually this mysterious, nameless cosmic process Dao, we will only see and understand the material world. While this focus is necessary for engaging with the physical world, it obscures the Dao’s infinite subtleties. Desire (欲 yù) inhibits peace and serenity, and in fact, it may ultimately prevent full awakening.
In sum, these phrases reflect the Daoist emphasis on balance and perspective. By understanding both the subtlety revealed in desirelessness and the boundaries exposed through desire, one can approach life with greater harmony.
Daoism does not reject desire outright but encourages a mindful awareness of its effects on perception and connection to the Dao.
2025 Yin-Wood Snake
January 29, 2025 to February 16, 2026
The 2025 Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29th, marking the beginning of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar with the new moon. This year, we celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolizing renewal, transformation, and growth.
The Snake: Wisdom and Transformation
The Snake: Wisdom and Transformation
The Snake zodiac sign is the 6th animal in the Chinese zodiac. Intrinsically, the element of the Snake is Yin-Fire and it imbues it power 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the 2-hour time before the sun reaches its zenith. The Snake Month is May, the first month of summer in Chinese astrology. All times related to its nature to come out and soak in the sun.
With its flicking forked tongue, sinuous movement, and tendency to remain hidden in grass or burrows, the Snake often evokes mixed feelings and has been associated with potential trouble such as libel, dispute, or slander in predictive astrology.
Yet, the Snake’s ability to swallow prey larger than itself reflects ambition and determination. Despite lacking limbs, they are remarkably fast and agile, symbolizing adaptability, efficiency, and adventure.
The shedding of its skin represents renewal, transformation, and continuous growth, making zodiac Snakes practical visionaries, good leaders, and great thinkers.
The Yin-Fire of the Snake is associated with sun’s the steady warmth, giving the Zodiac Snake characteristics such as wisdom, intuition, and insight. Contrary to common misgivings, those born under the Snake zodiac are often aboveboard, selfless, cordial, ambitious, and righteous. They possess a far-sighted vision and excel as practical visionaries, effective leaders, and profound thinkers.
In Chinese culture, the Snake is seen as a guardian of hidden knowledge and a seeker of deeper truths encouraging people to trust their instincts and look beneath the surface when making decisions. When we look at their ability to shed and become something new we can see their wise and transformative nature.
The Wood Element: Growth and Flexibility
The Wood element, one of the five elements in Chinese cosmology, represents growth, flexibility, and strength. Wood years—which are all years that end in a 4 or a 5—mark periods of accelerated growth. Wood energy is creative and dynamic, much like the growing branches of a tree that adapt to their environment.
Spring is the season associated with Wood, which makes 2025 (much like 2024’s Wood year) a time for renewal, change and rebirth. Particularly in 2025, this element encourages flexibility in the face of change and the cultivation of long-term goals.
The Yin-Wood Snake
The 2025 Yin-Wood Snake Year highlights themes of personal growth, harmonious relationships, and achieving success through careful planning and creative approaches.
Yin-Wood, symbolized by grass, flowers, weeds, or vines, represents qualities such as growth, endurance, imagination, and innovation. Just as vines thrive under sunlight and withstand strong winds, Yin-Wood embodies resilience and the ability to flourish under challenging circumstances.
Success in 2025 will come like a vine winding its way up a trellis, gaining strength with every twist – moving strategically, rather than rushing to the top.
2025 also marks the beginning of the Fire Cycle, linked to civilization and technological progress. The imagery of grass catching fire captures the rapid and transformative energy of the year, reflecting the accelerated integration of innovations like artificial intelligence into daily life.
When paired with the Snake, the Wood element amplifies adaptability and transformation. This combination fosters a unique balance of calm determination and the drive for renewal. The year is ideal for embracing change, refining long-term plans, and fostering meaningful connections. While challenges may arise, such as overthinking or emotional sensitivity, maintaining balance and flexibility will help overcome obstacles.
Globally, 2025 is expected to emphasize sustainability, innovation, and diplomacy, echoing the thoughtful yet dynamic nature of the Wood Snake. These themes create opportunities for personal and collective transformation, encouraging growth while maintaining a strong sense of purpose and vision.
The Year of the Wood Snake serves as a reminder that growth often requires patience, adaptability, and inner strength. By aligning with these themes, you can turn 2025 into a year of profound personal and professional transformation.
Let go of what no longer serves you, embrace the wisdom of the Snake, and prepare to thrive in this transformative year!
Yin-Wood, symbolized by grass, flowers, weeds, or vines, represents qualities such as growth, endurance, imagination, and innovation. Just as vines thrive under sunlight and withstand strong winds, Yin-Wood embodies resilience and the ability to flourish under challenging circumstances.
Success in 2025 will come like a vine winding its way up a trellis, gaining strength with every twist – moving strategically, rather than rushing to the top.
2025 also marks the beginning of the Fire Cycle, linked to civilization and technological progress. The imagery of grass catching fire captures the rapid and transformative energy of the year, reflecting the accelerated integration of innovations like artificial intelligence into daily life.
When paired with the Snake, the Wood element amplifies adaptability and transformation. This combination fosters a unique balance of calm determination and the drive for renewal. The year is ideal for embracing change, refining long-term plans, and fostering meaningful connections. While challenges may arise, such as overthinking or emotional sensitivity, maintaining balance and flexibility will help overcome obstacles.
Globally, 2025 is expected to emphasize sustainability, innovation, and diplomacy, echoing the thoughtful yet dynamic nature of the Wood Snake. These themes create opportunities for personal and collective transformation, encouraging growth while maintaining a strong sense of purpose and vision.
The Year of the Wood Snake serves as a reminder that growth often requires patience, adaptability, and inner strength. By aligning with these themes, you can turn 2025 into a year of profound personal and professional transformation.
Let go of what no longer serves you, embrace the wisdom of the Snake, and prepare to thrive in this transformative year!
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