NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community's topics - tribe.net

burner new to NC looking for community

mountain_spirit — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:56:43 GMT

i just moved here from LA...(not AVL but a neighboring mtn town west on 40)

this will be my 2nd Burn... looking to hook up with some other folks from WNC to ride bikes and trade smiles and hugs on the Playa.

thanks!

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

GAIAN MIND SUMMER FESTIVAL at Four Quarters Farm, PA - June 18th - June 22nd

melanie — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:00:39 GMT

::GAIAN MIND SUMMER FESTIVAL 2008:::FULL DETAILS::

Presenting the 7th Annual
GAIAN MIND SUMMER FESTIVAL
Summer Solstice / Full Moon
Wednesday, June 18th to Sunday, June 22nd, 2008
Four Quarters, Central Pennsylvania, USA
*Extended dates - gates open Wednesday!

~ Stone Circle Stage: Psytrance & Progressive Trance ~

RASTALIENS (Phar Psyde Records – Switzerland) Live!
BRAINCELL (Glowing Flame Records – Switzerland) Live!
E.V.P (Wildthings Records – UK) Live!
REALITYGRID (Wildthings Records – UK) Live!
DIGITALIST (Dropout Productions / Zaikadelic Records – Switzerland) Live & DJ!
TREAVOR MOONTRIBE (Iboga Records / Desert Dwellers – Los Angeles)
ONNOMON (Gaian Mind / Soular Records - Philadelphia) Live!
EKOPLEX (Ektoplazm Records – Toronto) Live!
LAURYN (Peak Records / 28th Day – Philadelphia)
KAISER SOZE (Chilluminati / TOUCH Samadhi - Milwaukee, WI)
DRAGON (Dharma Harmony Records / TOUCH Samadhi – Jackson, MS)
CORAL (TOUCH Samadhi – Seattle)
FREEDOM (Esoteric Gen – Fayetteville, AK)
PSYOPS (Free Radical Records / Bom Shanka Music - Philadelphia)
TONY UNORTHODOX (28th Day – NYC)
FRACTAL PHONO (Gaian Mind / Goa Home – Philadelphia)
DEET (Gaian Mind – Philadelphia)

~ North Crook Stage: Downtempo & Ambient ~

Presenting an exclusive Ultimae Records showcase with:

AES DANA (Ultimae – France) Live!
SOLAR FIELDS (Ultimae – Sweden) Live! Trance and Chillout sets!
H.U.V.A. NETWORK (Ultimae – France / Sweden) Live! First North American performance!
MAHIANE (Ultimae – France)
LAUGE (Divine Balance Records – Denmark) Live!
KILOWATTS (Native State Records – Philadelphia) Live!
GRAINS OF SOUND (AlterCulture Records – Baltimore) Live!
GIFT CULTURE (Psymbolic Sounds – Dalles/Ft. Worth, TX) Live!
PSYLAB (Sonic Beating / Circle Collective / Abstract Trax – Boston) Live!
ALIGNING MINDS (88 / Native State Records / Aleph Zero – DC) Live!
SILIC8 (Star Active Records / Space Dub – Crestone, CO) Live!
AMOEBA FUNK (Metameme / Seedsound – Denver) Live!
NYXYSS (Church – NYC) Live!
SUPER GALACTIC EXPANSIVE (Supersensible Science – Philadelphia) Live!
PEDRO (COSM – Brazil)
GAVIN (Spectra – NYC)
HAJ (Sub Swara / Freek Factory / COSM – NYC)
MANNY (Green Sector – Los Angeles)
NOD (TOUCH Samadhi / Those People – Asheville)
ALIEN AMBASSADOR (COSM – NYC)
EG~BOT (Gaian Maoz – Philadelphia)
KARMAKANIK (Gaian Mind / PSI – Philadelphia)
SOLOMOON (Metameme / Esoteric Gen / OneTribe – Denver)
S.O.T (TOUCH Samadhi – Chicago)
DEDOS (Gaian Mind / GoaBabies – Worldwide)
DAN COVAN (ELF’s – NYC)
TRITTON (Gaian Mind – Philadelphia)
ORBICLES (Gaian Mind – Philadelphia)
KT (TOUCH Samadhi – Chicago)
ANGULAR BLISS (EDM Spectrum / Bliss Studios – Frederick, MD)
SUNDRAGON (Denver)
DAMON (Chilluminati / Divine Balance Records – Poland)
BOTTOM DWELLERS (Four Quarters – Baltimore)

Visual Artists:

GUI”AUM”ETRIX (NYC)
SPOT (Electric Sheep / Spotworks – NYC)
PETER PARKER (Parkerism / Gaian Mind – Philadelphia)
VJ BLIZZART (Omnitribe – NYC / SF)
VOSTEK (Overmind Works – Tucson)
VJ EXERIS (DMT / Trancemotion / Alladin Project – NYC / Baltimore)

Deco Artists:

JULIEN SEYER (Pixie Dust – Montreal)
SONIC BEATING DECO (Boston)
STEVE-O (GoaBabies / Spectra / Gaian Mind) – Rincon, PR)
DEVOTEE (TOUCH Samadhi – Winston-Salem, NC)
GAIAN MIND

(Artists subject to change. Please check our website for additional information & updates.)

www.Gaian-Mind.com / www.GMSF.us / www.4QF.org

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 1 reply

Lovable Carrboro

psytrancedancer — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:14:13 GMT

Hi All -

I've made a new tribe called 'Lovable Carrboro' - for all things sustainable, conscious, artsy, healthy and lovely in Carrboro.

http://tribes.tribe.net/lovablecarrboro

I'd love for you to join!

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Sunday Circle! -- April 6th, 2008 -- Carroboro Yoga Company

psytrancedancer — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:16:13 GMT

Hello friends,

You are warmly invited to join us this weekend for a very special Sunday Circle, as we continue to build conscious community and explore the new paradigm in spirituality for a new generation.

Sunday night - April 6th - 7pm in Carrboro NC, @ the Carrboro Yoga Company.

You are invited to bring musical instruments.

For more information click here: http://www.thebigglow.com/Sundaycircle.html

Please feel free to bring friends
And forward this message to others!

Look forward to seeing you there for a wonderful evening.

Blessings!

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

WACK Radio Needs Your Help!

Toyia — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:31:25 GMT

We are three tickets short of being able to bring our special brand of ass shakingly good times to Transformus 2008.

As tickets become available please keep us in mind..........we will play your favorite song for you & owe you a favor!

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

drummers dancers fire spinners and such please contact me

change — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:37:01 GMT

Interesting event collaborations are possible.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 5 replies

Mess@ge ƒr0m the Moder8r

change — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 01:53:45 GMT

Blessings & im glad NC3 is growing. North Carolina can be green, lush, and fun if you know how to work it. There are many more people interested in upgrading their current activities to something more progressive. My challenge toy ou is go out and find each other then travel edges of everything looking for good experiences. More so take what you find out to the public and end the shopping malls as gathering points paradigm. i suggest studying these tribes for an interesting look @ what can be manifested:

http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5Bd4b9cb85-db26-42af-95c5-3f89414994f4%5D\

http://bm.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B2a015c8a-8c2f-4657-8716-9395874aa780%5D

http://abundancemanifest.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5Bf887c336-d90a-4a3d-8eab-47729d7173c7%5D

http://tribes.tribe.net/d1488294-ec8c-48cb-9221-d9685213a7c5?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5Bd1488294-ec8c-48cb-9221-d9685213a7c5%5D

http://unearthly-souls.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B7aac12ef-7cba-4885-a1b1-edb936442133%5D

http://soakersbible.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B22470215-134a-41cc-bf73-ef09984343b1%5D

http://burningwoman.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B64c35e9b-373f-4861-9728-5247d0079879%5D

http://therainbowfamilytribe.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B6869e424-bb37-4435-a8f3-996ac93b9c1c%5D

http://sustainability.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B8d8baf7c-fa98-461a-a760-78e79d18acc8%5D

http://alt-money.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B4354f356-567e-4688-9447-00397e48914f%5D

http://nolabellove.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B1fba324c-39ba-4ced-b7b0-712deede9011%5D

http://tribes.tribe.net/evokecommunity?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B02950991-6040-41ed-8142-989af373a4a8%5D

http://backyardgardening.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5Be927f186-e731-425f-8dd5-e8455e261d9d%5D

http://djgigexchange.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B0eeda49d-957d-479d-9326-4c5166ffc680%5D

peace

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

San Francisco Burner

dmenace — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 04:18:08 GMT

Will be in Raleigh/Durham for the New Year. Looking for an event that would be Burner friendly.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Hands-On Herbal Gifts Workshop w/ Toyia Hatten

Toyia — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:48:07 GMT

Saturday, Dec 1
12:30-3pm

Break free from the 'normal' gift buying routine! Come experience & be inspired by all the easy ways you can make and give useful herbal gifts. We will be making a few different projects during class and there will be hand made gifts to take home. Projects covered include herbal oils & vinegars, bath salts, easy tea gifts, and more!

Sliding scale $30-$40, includes supplies
Call the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism at (828) 350-1221 to register.
(Space is limited. Pre-registration is a must...)

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Satsang - Carrboro Yoga Co. - Sunday, Dec. 2nd, 7PM

psytrancedancer — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 02:47:19 GMT

Hi --

I just wanted to pass this along. I hope to meet some of you there... -- Daiva

Satsang: Spiritual Awakening

The Peace And The Passion:
Discovering Your Authentic Self
with Brian Piergrossi

Satsang is a sanskrit word which means to be in the company of good people. Join us for an evening of truth, consciousness and community.

Sliding scale: $5-15 Donation

Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 -- 7:00 PM

Carrboro Yoga Company,
200 N. Greensboro St.
Carr Mill Mall, Suite D1
Carrboro NC

More info: www.TheBigGlow.com

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Keep Salvia Divinorum legal in NC

RusticRambler — Fri, 04 May 2007 10:15:01 GMT

Salvia Divinorum has hit the NC media radar this morning, with WXII's story on the web:

http://www.wxii12.com/health/13234513/detail.html

These kinds of stories have been appearing all over the country in the regional press and media, and it is unclear whether this is the result of local concern or DEA propaganda. The WXII is relatively unbiased as most of these articles go, but it is this kind of media campaign orchestrated by Harry Anslinger that caused Marijuana to become illegal in the 1930's.

A type of sage, also known as Diviner's Sage, Salvia Divinorum is a powerful plant ally and should be used in the proper set and setting, as with any psychoactive substance. I agree that sales should be prohibited to minors, but making the plant or its dried leaves illegal makes no sense. This would only create new criminals out of our own citizens.

Several states have already made Salvia Divinorum illegal, including Tennessee. Don’t let it happen in North Carolina; speak to your state and local representatives. For those in Guilford country, contact Sen. Kay Hagan, who is interviewed in this article.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 1 reply

Building a community in Costa Rica-magical land for sale in Malpais

mary — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 20:28:04 GMT

We are 6-year burners and moved to Malpais, Costa Rica 2 years ago to live away from the restraints that the US has put upon our daily lives. We searched and bought a 70-acre coastal farm that we are now developing and making into a community for people like us.

The community development consists of 9 lots ranging in sizes from 0.8 acre to 2 acres per lot. Although it is only 1.5 miles from the beach, the area is still remote and offers the freedom to anyone interested in green living, such as solar, rain catchments, wind power and gardening.

The land is located in Malpais (http://www.malpaisbeach.com/, http://www.malpais.net/). This area is unbelievably gorgeous and unlike any other place on earth. There are many growing international communities around and has the neighboring town of Santa Teresa, which is a booming surf town with pristine beaches.

Last December, the Manifesto gathering was held here. www.puresolv.com/manifesto. As a result, many burners and tribes are migrating down here, creating an even more unique vibe and lifestyle. The feeling of freedom is unlike anything else in the world. The ability to be in dense jungle then to jump on a quad and surf the beast break within minutes is incredible. The ocean is warm, the trees are green, and nature is abundant. You have the ability to create what you want and not be guided by others telling you rules and restrictions.

The land is situated in the valley of Malpais. The views are endless sweeping views of ancient trees, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve and landscape that is similar to Lord of the Rings. Monkeys and parrots are everywhere and the feeling is breathtaking. The large river that runs through the property reminds us of the Amazon.

Costa Rica has no military, welcomes foreign investors and has incredibly low property taxes. It is a two hour flight to Florida and four hours to LA .

Our prices are all below 90k, some as low as 30k for smaller sizes and profits will go back into the land to build better roads, infrastructure and eco projects. This is land owned by mother earth but trusted to us. If interested, email us at martin_folb@puresolv.com for questions.
For more information: http://picasaweb.google.com/notoriousFOLB/OtraVistaEstates02?authkey=IZnnrYTMXfU

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 1 reply

how do we get this group into meatspace?

change — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 01:23:40 GMT

whats a gathering point? what are our issues as open minds in the everchanging NC?

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 2 replies

DiY Internet Radio?

bradleyalbus — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 17:05:40 GMT

Anyone here interested in starting an internet radio station?

Let's brainstorm

http://tribes.tribe.net/diybroadcast

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Top dollar for 2 SPEARHEAD TIX!

zenafire — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:59:52 GMT

PLEASE, PLEASE! I am a single mom who is a huge Franti fan and finally I have the chance to see this show, but no tickets! Please help! Would make my year! Jennifer 380-9541

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

yoga girl needs a room

dallas — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:54:28 GMT

Hello I am looking for temporary living in asheville from feb 8 to march 6 while I am doing an intensive.

Happy New year,

Dallas

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

NEW CHARLOTTE PHENOM SEEKS COLLABORATORS

13Moons — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 14:11:06 GMT

13MOONS RECORDS SEEKS BI-LINGUAL CO-HOST AND ALL MEDIUM OF ARTISTS FOR NEW EVENT COLLABORATIONS

SOTA is a sign of the times/ reflecting off the un-inhibited expression of new paradigms...

Our tribe (tribes.tribe.net/SOTA) is a portion of the SOTA online experience...State Of The Art is the evolution of the open-mic.
By invoking the ancient traditions of call and response forums, drum circles, barter spaces, and the new ways
of the open mic, performance stage, movie screening, webcast culture and more we become the living reflection
of the State Of The Art.

This event originated in Los Angeles on the birthday of its founder, Change. SOTA returns orbit in Charlotte, NC.
If you are an artist with original works your admission is free and selling/bartering your works at the event is also free.
No one is turned away for lack of funds from this event.

We host Open:
-Mic-Stage-Runway with optional musical accompaniement and hip-hop group freestyle forum (non-competitive)
-Open Screenings of original video works
-Open Gallery
-All-inclusive drum circles and much more....

If you'd like your performance archived for release on webcast or for our compilation CD(of which ALL your copyrights will be protected/respected and you'll be partnered in distribution) then 13MOONS Records will bring you on board.

We are currently seeking multi-lingual co-hosts (women especially encouraged). If you have any art and would like to make our roster as a contributing artist for our gallery, stage, or screenings contact 13MM@care2.com and you'll be promptly responded to.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

DIY LOW COST HIGH MILEAGE HYBRID - Diesel or gas - (diesel lets you use veggie oil...=)

change — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 12:38:50 GMT

DIY LOW COST HIGH MILEAGE HYBRID - Diesel or gas - (diesel lets you use veggie oil...=)

the text of both articles can be found in this post, it seems the mother earthnews magazine is selling plans but considering the minds on
this network and in your local community, that might not be necessary...the original article with IMAGES can be found here:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/alternative_energy/1979_July_August/An_Amazing_75_MPG_Hybrid_Electic_Car#

the original article is followed by the Mother Earth Upgrade response:

by ROBERT W. MARSHALL

With the price of gasoline already out of sight, just about everyone is scrambling for a way to squeeze the last possible drop of energy from each precious gallon. However, David Arthurs-of Springdale, Arkan sas-probably couldn't care less ... because he has designed and built a car that can travel 75 miles or more on just four quarts of the expensive liquid!

What's his secret? Well, Dave's Opel CT is a hybrid electric vehicle. That is, the car is driven by an electric motor . . . but that powerplant's "juice" is generated with the help of an ordinary, fuel-stingy lawn-mower engine! Now the fact that the system works isn't really surprising. What's amazing is that the crossbreed hookup performs so well! According to David, the Opel has not only a virtually unlimited range (when driven prudently), but also a top speed of 90 miles per hour . . . and emits a minimum of pollutants as it tools along the highway. Better yet, the car can-if need be-run on its batteries alone for short in-town hops . . . and will never be "stranded" as long as there's fuel in the "on board" generator!
WORLD WAR II TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Arthurs is the first to admit that there's nothing "new" to the system he's developed . . . in fact, all the technology incorporated into his design has been available for about 35 years, just waiting for someone to put two and two together and make the whole thing work. "I began researching the idea for a hybrid electric auto about a year ago. There wasn't much information to be found on the subject, so I designed a system from scratch. In about a month's evening-and-weekend time, I had the car finished and running."

Surprisingly enough, the project didn't cost a fortune, either. Because the vehicle's components are either standard "off the shelf" hardware or available as reasonably priced military surplus, the conversion to "hybrid drive" only set Dave back about $1,500. By the same token, any necessary replacement parts are easily obtainable . . . and a good deal of the equipment can be "scrounged" rather than purchased new.
HOW IT WORKS

In essence, David has utilized a small gas lawn-mower engine to drive a generator, which-in turn-supplies the vehicle's drive motor with electricity. To do so, he first removed the Opel's original power-plant and installed a 400-amp DC motor/ generator (actually a jet engine's starting motor) in its place. (Since there's no need for a clutch in Dave's setup, the stock unit was pulled out and the main shaft of the drive motor was fastened directly to the input shaft of the car's transmission.) Then, to provide a consistent source of power for this motor (and to supply an energy storage bank), the engineer installed four 12-volt, heavy-duty automobile batteries-in series-which are "fed" by a 100-amp generator that's run off a 5-horsepower lawn-mower engine.

Of course, other components (such as relays, charging diodes, rectifiers, and an additional motor speed regulation circuit) are necessary to keep input and output power within optimum limits-and to allow full control of the vehicle at all speeds-but these are standard electrical parts which have been available for years.

The engine-driven generator can handle the demand from the main motor up to speeds of about 50 miles per hour. The "stored" energy in the batteries comes into play at higher velocities, giving extra kick for passing and climbing hills. To guarantee that the charging system isn't overworked . . . Dave has rigged up a regenerative braking circuit which- in effect-turns the drive motor into a generator, to feed the batteries when the vehicle is decelerating. (This not only takes advantage of normally wasted energy, but also saves wear and tear on the car's conventional braking system.) Since the Opel's "stock" cooling apparatus has been removed, two small thermostatically controlled electric fans provide ventilation to the motor and generator as required ... while the gasoline engine is, of course, air-cooled by design.
GROWING PAINS

Any project fresh off the drawing board has its share of problems, and the Opel hybrid was no exception. When David pressed the accelerator for the first time, he got a 300-amp surge which melted his relays. So he searched his graduate texts for the answer ... and finally found it in-of all places-an old high school physics book: A pulser was necessary to "chop" the current flow and prevent a heavy initial draw to the drive motor.

As Dave explains it, "The motor will always have full voltage and full current, but the pulser makes it 'think' the voltage and amperage are cut down to about 1/4 of what's actually available. With this gadget-which is simply a combination of a reworked car generator and an old fan motor-I can keep the draw within limits and effectively control the car's acceleration . . . without sacrificing the maximum current or voltage that's necessary for high-speed driving. I could have achieved the same results with a commercially available FCR control ... but one of those units would have cut my power slightly, and cost in the neighborhood of $800! I can build my own device for about $25, and I can fix it myself if it breaks!"
AND IT'S REALLY PRACTICAL!

Actually "piloting" the hybrid electric isn't much different from motoring in any conventional automobile. There's a slight hum from the electric motor, but the sound is certainly no more obvious than that of an internal combustion engine at speed. And-unlike many electric vehicles-the little Opel' really has some get-up-and-go . . . due to the fact that the converted car is only about 50 pounds heavier than its original 2,100-pound weight.

Of course, some folks will question the idea of shifting without a clutch . . . but with the fully synchronized gearbox-this doesn't prove to be a problem at all (and the motor could be run through a conventional clutch with few complications).

As far as the driving range is concerned, Dave points out that-if driven carefully the car can travel unlimited distances (as long as the generator engine continues to function) . . . because of the fact that the motor has a low draw at cruising speeds: only .23 amps at 1,800 RPM. Since the Briggs & Stratton engine turns at a fixed rate and can generate 100 amps at about 28-1/2 volts, normal driving presents no problem. Hot or traveling in a very mountainous area-could, however, tax the car's charging system . . . but even these demands don't pose much of a problem, because the batteries can be brought from a 1/4 charge (the effective "dead" state, with a built-in safety factor) to a full charge in only 15 minutes.

David Arthurs' electric Opel sounds almost too good to believe . . . and best of all, its circuitry can probably be adapted to just about any vehicle on the road today! It is true that small, lightweight cars are more easily "hybridized", but this same system will also work in a heavier auto . . . it could even be upscaled to suit one of the large American models.

In short, Dave has succeeded in doing-for a lot less money-what countless government-funded researchers have failed to accomplish: building a passenger car that uses a minimum of energy. Now all he has to do is burn "homegrown" alcohol fuel in his generator engine . . . and Mr. Arthurs will have the most economical set of wheels in town!

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you're discovering that you can't keep up with the high price of gasoline-and are willing to do something about it-you'll be pleased to know that MOTHER has made some special arrangements with David Arthurs. A set of detailed, easily understood plans will soon be available that will allow the average "backyard mechanic" to convert a conventionally powered automobile to hybrid electric drive. MOTHER's plans package includes schematic drawings, a components list-complete with manufacturers' names and part numbers-and a materials list . . . all put together in a fully explained, easy-to-follow packet. just send your name and address-along with $15.00-to Mother's., Plans, Hybrid Electric Car, P.O. Box A, East, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28726.

All articles are reprinted just as they were published on the date indicated. Source listings, addresses and prices have not been updated; some details may have changed and terminology may be outmoded.

In some cases the scanning software used to create the digital articles has introduced typos into the text. In particular, the software often translated fractions incorrectly, i.e. "1/2" now reads as "112". We are working to correct these errors.

Issue # 65 - September/October 1980

In response to the many requests we've received for additional experimental auto information, here's...

Mother's Own Hybrid Car!
FAR ABOVE, LEFT: The Subaru's "engine room" now accommodates the main drive motor, several batteries, and various system controls. ABOVE, LEFT: The engine and generator fit comfortably in the trunk. ABOVE, RIGHT: MOM's hybrid hits the road!

A little over a year ago we published an article (written by contributor Robert Marshall) that described an experimental hybrid electric automobile designed and built by an Arkansas electrical engineer named David Arthurs (see MOTHER NO. 58, page 160). In that piece, it was reported that Arthurs' vehicle (which used an on-board internal-combustion generator engine to provide "juice" to a battery bank, which—in turn—fed the car's electric drive motor) could not only travel 75 miles on a gallon of fuel, but had been converted to hybrid electric mode using just $1,500 worth of (mostly) government surplus parts!

We also, at that time, made arrangements with Mr. Arthurs to produce under his careful eye—and to offer through the magazine—a set of plans detailing the procedures and parts used by the engineer in his automotive conversion.

As a result of David's continued testing, suggestions from readers, and our own research . . . we soon discovered that the original magazine article was general enough to allow for some misconception. Furthermore, David pointed out—before we began work on the plans—that there were several technical errors in the original interviews.

Considering these facts (and always bearing in mind that Dave's car was truly experimental, and that it was constantly undergoing design changes aimed at making it better), we all went out of our way to detail the jointly prepared plans that followed the original article . . . so that anyone attempting to build a hybrid vehicle could follow those instructions to determine—right from the start—exactly what components would be necessary for the car's successful operation, and could then "custom fit" the design (according to the plans) to suit his or her particular vehicle, terrain, and range requirements.

However, a few folks (some of whom hadn't purchased plans and others who had and were seeking extra assistance) were still hungry for more hybrid data . . . and continued to call MOTHER and David, looking for tips. Now Mr. Arthurs has a full-time electronics business to tend to, and he simply wasn't able to conduct his regular research program, keep his business going, and answer the technical questions that came in.

So we here at MOTHER decided to build our own version of the Arkansan's prototype—using the plans we had prepared with David's help to do so—in order to be able to answer, from the authority of firsthand experience, the many hybrid-related queries that came up.

MOTHER BUILDS HER OWN

For a good many months now, MOM's researchers have been conducting exhaustive tests—and compiling valuable data—on several different hybrid car versions . . . finally settling on a vehicle based upon a 1973 Subaru sedan for our "test unit". And despite the extremely mountainous terrain typical of our western North Carolina home (hills and hotrodding, as was explained in the original article and in the plans, can drastically reduce the effectiveness of a hybrid's charging and propulsion system), the vehicle performs well. In fact, we're so pleased with the car that we decided to report exactly what our hybrid has accomplished so far, and how we were able to make it achieve such results!

As you read the following figures, keep in mind that our economy and performance tests were all done under actual road conditions . . . unfavorable though those conditions often were. At no time did we estimate or extrapolate range or mileage, or otherwise simulate any kind of driving condition. In short, we stuck to a straightforward, in-use analysis that was even more realistic than that used in the government's EPA mileage tests!

Probably the first two questions anyone would want to ask about the experimental hybrid's performance relate to its fuel economy and range. Such considerations are, of course, directly influenced by [1] the choice of engine used to turn the charging generator, [2] the total weight of the car, and [3] the terrain and driving conditions the auto encounters. As explained in the plans package, the lighter the original vehicle, the more effective the hybrid electric (a term which, of course, refers to the fact that the batteries and the liquid-fueled engine work in combination) will be. Because of that fact, the plans suggest that anyone intending to build a hybrid first select the lightest chassis available . . . then go ahead and set it up as a strictly electric vehicle, and make test runs to determine current draws for that car. Armed with such relevant information, a builder would then be equipped to make the best possible choice of engines ... based upon horsepower, torque, and fuel consumption at a given RPM.

In our case, the Subaru had a total weight—with batteries and 200 amp generating system on board—of approximately 3,000 pounds. Because of our area's terrain (which, as noted above, increases amperage draws considerably over what they might be during operation in a more level area), we found it necessary to add, as per the plans, six extra six-volt batteries . . . to provide additional storage capability. Our prescribed "electric only" testing then determined that we needed—again because of the steep up-and-down grades of most of our roads—an engine with a continuous rating (DIN) horsepower of about 9. For insurance, we finally settled on a plans—recommended 12.5 (DIN) horsepower Lombardini 720 diesel . . . and then set the impressive little powerplant to run at midrange, at which point it produced approximately the 9 horsepower our auto required.

(Although David Arthurs' original 5-horsepower gasoline engine certainly did add to the range of his battery pack—and thus effectively "hybridize" his vehicle—over the comparatively flat Arkansas roads . . . such an engine would not have extended our hybrid's range enough beyond that of the batteries alone to justify its use.)

Further testing enabled us to decide upon another "best choice" . . . this in the area of motor controls. Our experience with the "chopper" used by Dave on his prototype Opel hybrid indicated that the system might have a limited lifetime as a result of the sometimes extreme currents that passed through its brushes while in operation. So we read through the alternatives presented in the plans and—rather than fall back on a cost-prohibitive Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) control—chose to utilize a voltage tap system to the field, rather than to the armature, to regulate the main motor's starting torque while still keeping the current passing through the control down to a comfortable 10 amps or so.

By doing this, not only have we installed an inexpensive, so-far-effective regulating device (our system provides a progressive "stepping down" of field voltage from 30 to 18 to 6, governed by microswitches and operated by depressing the accelerator pedal), but we've also eliminated the need for all the car's high-amperage, high-cost relays . . . except the 400-amp main motor relay! (Our research now indicates that a two-step setup—30/24-volt—may be more practical and would provide more economy.)

As another point of interest—especially for the convenience-minded—we found that, although it's quite possible to operate the hybrid without a clutch (as we did over the course of many hours of testing), the car's drivability is increased by installing one of the mechanical uncoupling devices. A clutch probably extends the life of the transmission gears and synchronizers, and also allows the removal of a reactor from the wiring circuit . . . a component which is nothing more than an electrical "shock absorber" used to control high voltage surges when no clutch is employed.
Here's an unexpected bonus that resulted from our hybrid car research!

Mother's 129-MPG Car!

Between testing and improving the various hybrid electric car models, MOTHER's researchers have—as you can imagine—had plenty to keep them occupied over the past months. But they weren't too busy to devote time to another project that's something of a "horse of a different color": the design and construction—from the ground up—of a two-passenger, ultra-high-mileage diesel automobile.

If there's one thing we've learned from working with the hybrid car, it's that reduced weight is a key factor in achieving increased fuel economy. Our goal, then, was to build a machine which weighed no more than 900 pounds ... and we ended up doing even better than we'd hoped!

Motive power for our lightweight creation comes from a one-cyciinder, 6.4 (DIN continuous rating) horsepower Lombardini diesel engine, driven through a set of Salisbury clutches that allow for an infinitely variable gear ratio, governed by load. Final drive is at a fuel-saving 2.82-to-1 ratio, using a chain and sprocket system connected to the axle of the right rear wheel.

MOTHER's roadster, in its present configuration, weighs in at just about 675 pounds . . . a figure we never imagined—several months ago—we'd be able to achieve. However, surprised as we were at the lightness of the machine, the real shock was the car's mileage: At this point, with the engine still as yet not broken in, we're getting as high as 129 miles per gallon in actual suburban driving . . . and we hope to improve that figure—and the vehicle's approximately 45-MPH top speed—as time goes on.

Right now, though, we're working on body design, and—although the increased weight of a "shell" will add a few unwanted pounds—its wind-cutting configuration (not to mention the convenience and comfort it will provide to the driver and passenger) should completely offset any such disadvantages. We'll keep you posted on the developments of this project as they occur . . . in'the meantime, maybe we'll do some economy testing using vegetable oil as fuel!

THE PROOF IS IN THE TESTING

Once our Subaru was set up as described . . . and we had installed our final engine choice, which was still "tight" with only three hours on it ( the break-in time is from 30 to 50 hours), we achieved more than satisfying "mountain driving" results. With a fully charged battery pack and carrying 300 pounds of driver and passenger (anal running with open windows, stock tires, and various other "handicaps" not usually associated with high-mileage tests), the fuel economy over the course of our 78-mile test run (with help from the battery pack) worked out to 83.6 miles per gallon. of diesel fuel. The car's top cruising speed on level ground—in its 30-volt configuration—proved to be about 45 MPH . . . although we did hit 55 MPH on a slight downhill stretch.

With the driver controlling the speed of the diesel generator engine, and trying to keep current draws below 200 amps whenever possible by shifting gears (and using the accelerator to vary field voltage) when necessary, the diesel engine—doing its "hybrid job"—more than doubled the range that would have been possible with the batteries alone! (And, of course, when the two separate "fuel systems" worked together, we achieved our best economy figures.)

Furthermore, even with the battery pack fully drained and disconnected, we found it possible to motor along at a speed of 45 miles per hour on the generator engine alone. Under engine-only operation, we were still able to achieve 60.5 MPG . . . a figure which could increase by as much as 20% after the Lombardini breaks in.

What all these numbers boil down to is this: When the car is operated in the hybrid mode (using both batteries and engine as it was designed to do), it's possible to achieve astounding fuel economy over a more than reasonable commuting distance. Any driving done beyond the 78-mile hybrid range would—in our vehicle under our test conditions—be at the expense of such excellent MPG figures . . . though the numbers wouldn't ever drop to quite as "low" as the 60 (plus) MPG possible using the generator engine alone. And, of course, as long as there's fuel in the on-board diesel, the car's total range is unlimited.

BUT THERE ARE SOME LIMITATIONS

The figures achieved during our testing vary from those that Robert Marshall reported were "racked up" by David Arthurs' original hybrid some months ago. Several of the discrepancies can likely be attributed to the differences in vehicles and propulsion system configurations, and others to the inequality of terrain involved. But there were several points made in that article that were inaccurate (as folks who ordered the plans, in which the errors were corrected, already know), owing to the fact that David's vehicle was then experimental and still under initial—and at times necessarily somewhat crude—testing.

For one thing, it was reported in the original piece that Mr. Arthurs' drive motor had current draws of 23 amps at 1,800 RPM. In reality, the motors that we bench-tested at 30 volts had free-running draws of about 40 amps at 4,800 RPM . . . which—under load on the highway at 30 volts—increased to 100-150 amps on level ground at 30 miles per hour, with the car in third gear.

Another point that needs some clarification is the statement, made in the article, that Arthurs' engine-driven generator could handle the demand from the main motor at speeds of up to 50 MPH, after which the energy in the batteries came into play. Our testing so far indicates that the generator, without the "hybrid" boost provided by the storage pack, is capable of propelling the car at around only 45 MPH and—at that velocity—doesn't produce enough surplus to significantly charge the battery bank.

Which brings us to another point concerning performance of the vehicle: Dave's original car was set up to use a 24/48-volt system (an option emphasized in the plans) . . . in other words, the auto could be switched to the higher voltage to achieve greater speeds for passing and such. Making a switch to "48", however, increases amperage draws drastically (causing a corresponding reduction in the vehicle's range), and—since the batteries can't be charged at 48 volts—continuous travel at such speeds would be impossible. (Furthermore, though it was reported that Dave's speedometer registered 90 MPH on a gradual downhill grade, we feel that the drive motor would have had to be fed yet more voltage—at least on level ground—to achieve such an admittedly excessive speed.)

The capability—mentioned in the original article—of using the on-board generator to charge the stationary vehicle in a short time, is another matter that deserves attention. According to Dave's gauges, his original hybrid Opel's batteries could be brought from 1/4 strength to a full charge in 15 minutes. This has proven to be a misleading reading, however. The meters were, we have found, actually indicating only a full surface charge (which wouldn't be able to power the car for long). In reality, the best way to renew the battery pack is by "trickle charging" . . . feeding the current at a rate of about 25 amps over a period of approximately 10 hours.

DOLLARS AND CENTS

The cost figures for the project, as David Arthurs itemized them, were absolutely accurate. However, the prices reflect costs as they stood more than two years ago, and inflation has since then taken its toll. What's more, the law of supply and demand—especially in the case of some of the limited-availability government surplus parts—has driven the cost of certain components (such as the 400-amp starter generator) up to triple what it was back then!

Fortunately, with a straight "one-voltage" system—as used by MOTHER's car—some of the high-amperage relays can be eliminated and much money saved. However, anyone starting to build a hybrid today should know that the possible need for more batteries and/or a larger engine (such as our fuel-economical diesel), coupled with future changes in price and availability of government surplus components, could add a good bit to the cost of the total project. (It would probably now be a good idea to check with surplus suppliers to determine the size of their parts inventories before embarking on the project.)

MOTHER's researchers intend to finish testing our hybrid car—and to monitor the continuing research conducted by David Arthurs—and we'll report any breakthroughs as they occur. We're also interested in a related project: By replacing the generating assembly with batteries, we hope to achieve an "electric" range of 60 miles, without the noise and pollution that are unavoidable when using any internal combustion engine!

Considering that the cost of "plug-in" energy for the hybrid car is under 2.5¢ per mile (based upon our area's rate of approximately 4¢ per kilowatt-hour), such a vehicle should prove very attractive . . . especially in light of the fact that the average American car consumes fuel at a rate of more than 6¢ per mile!

And more news for our fellow experimental car enthusiasts: The DOE recently awarded General Electric an $8 million contract to develop two hybrid prototypes that—it's hoped—will use a "whopping" 5% less total energy than today's Detroit products. With that kind of money, it shouldn't be long before Big Industry reaches the point where Dave Arthurs was two years ago!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Those who'd like to use their already purchased plans to build MOTHER's experimental version of the hybrid car can get free update information by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Mother's Plans, Hybrid Car Update, P.O. Box A, East Flat Rock, North Carolina 28726.

And if you haven't yet bought the plans, you can order a set-containing information on all the hybrid options mentioned in this article—for $15, from, Mother's Plans, Hybrid Car, P.O. Box A, East Flat Rock, North Carolina 28786.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Have you experienced this? a deep breath, chest or throat tight, contracted, out, or something and boom light headed and cant move

Bryan — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 21:57:41 GMT

What I think I'm doing is practicing ego loss. Holding the breath while bending forward inducing a mild high feeling. Has anyone knowledge of this? experienced this?

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Combat Bob

CombatBob — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 08:46:16 GMT

Hello everyone I just moved here from Cali. I am a decently accomplished fire poi preformer. I am just looking to find out what is going on when and try and make some new friends and everything I live in Fayetteville right now. I hope to hear from people.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Tight lipped crowd...ROLE CALL!

change — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:31:01 GMT

who are you, where from, and what how do you do?

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 8 replies

Magical & Medicinal Mead Making Workshop w/ Toyia Hatten

Toyia — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:59:27 GMT

Come celebrate the weekend before Samhain by learning to make your own medicinal & magical meads. Nurture your body through the winter with a homemade mead specifically tailored to your body's needs. Open your awareness to the magical energies inherent in herbs, and capture that energy in the time-honored tradition of brewing. Students will start their own mead in class to take home!

Saturday, October 28th
Noon- 3pm
@ The NC School of Holistic Herbalism
Call (828) 350-1221 to register!
$30-$40, supplies included
(You will need to bring a clean large-mouth 1-gallon juice jug to take your own mead home in. These can often be obtained for free in the recycling area behind EarthFare.)

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 2 replies

duece Y seis! good #'s! drop one thing on this page you're grateful for!

change — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 05:08:30 GMT

I'm grateful Charlotte still has trees...

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

how to activate this tribe...

change — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 01:42:19 GMT

im seeking out a space to have inspirational/expanding movie views and discussion...what else applues though....what else stimulates? i came from LA which seems to have more obvious opportunities for consciousness expansion...i know im not the only one out here though...i went to the time lounge looking for some peers and the scene had a weak pulse...where are my unrestricted and simultaneously conscious party people?
ive got this non-profit about to pheonix in the area and anyone who wants to do true good in the QC should HLLR.
peace yall - (praying this focal point will magnetize some movers and shakers)

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

Seeking interested Folks to join me for NC3 Brainstorm, Planning Party, and Real Nice Ice Breaker

change — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:05:44 GMT

So....What does Charlotte Have beneath the surface? Who's here? If i dont see the fun and education and stimulation im seeking I make it Happen, roll with the sychronicity real smooth, ya know? How about you? Folks with more energetic appetites for experience than the surface norm could circle up with me and manifest some...full moon parties, drum circles, massage parties, bring forth your projects and missions and loves...you got a better idea?Put it down for all us to see...

Im looking for the folks and ill be out on the town tonight, HLLR baq with a suggestion on where to be or plan to meet up L8TR.
Peace to yall-stay blessed and primed to manifest

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 2 replies

Love, Community and Commerce from a freshly relocated LA Manifester...(((Production Company)))

13Moons — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 17:52:18 GMT

13Moons Manifestations is a very fluid and capable production company which has relocated from Los Angeles after involvement in several large events including our open mic which ran for 3 months in the arts district of LA,
onsite interviews and documentation prior to the destruction of the South Central Farms. Our community statement is at the end of this post and gives a fuller illustration of our activities...

We will be hosting new sessions dubbed S.O.T.A. - State Of The Art in Charlotte
and would like to begin building relationships with artists in the area.
These sessions are open mic-stage-gallery-expo...free for performing artists.

We are also seeking fresh energy in the community for collaborative and/or paid gigs:
Projectionist (digital/analog projector)
DJ's and B-boys/B-girls...All Hip-Hop Elements
Street Team
***STEP TEAM***
Yogi's, Fire Dancers, and Belly Dancers...
Hand Percussionists
---->Step up with your skill<-----

13 Moons Manifestations on Myspace & Tribe -
Love, Community and Commerce Co-exist here...

This organization manifests experiences and goods for the nutrition of the body-mind-soul.

We offer non-sweatshop original clothing, original music, and events like the *S.O.T.A. Open Sessions*...

For your temple we offer Vegan and raw vegan foods delivery/catering...as well as healing services.Exotic Superfoods at affordable prices are also in our grasp.

Tutoring, travel services, and consultations are a part of the spectrum of our manifestations!

We serve communities across multiple languages and special needs. A portion of all our profits are donated to active non-profit organizations and we thrive to ensure the least amount of sweatshop involvement in our manifestations.

Our attitude towards consumption fixates our attention and intentions on sustainable sources of energy and fodder for our every manifestation.

This community will gladly entertain offers for barter exchanges.
Contact us here or at 13MM@care2.com

Peace, Love, & Blessings on your path,

13Moons Manifestations Community

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

NC3 planning party

change — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 08:34:41 GMT

shout me out to root on the groound floor of this movement...we'll be manifesting a whole new
experience for NC and the bell will ring worldwide. holler soon & stay blessed
change
change13@care2.com

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

NC3 seeks suggestions for drum circle spaces in CHARLOTTE

change — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:16:34 GMT

That's right yall a drum circle welcoming anyone
with any instrument or positive cooperative energy to come through and make the ground/hips shake.

got a spot to suggest!? Parks and easily accessible green spaces are preferred!

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 1 reply

Tao Te Ching Pt 2.

change — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:49:52 GMT

Sixty-two
Tao is source of the ten thousand things.
It is the treasure of the good man, and the refuge of the bad.
Sweet words can buy honor;
Good deeds can gain respect.
If a man is bad, do not abandon him.
Therefore on the day the emperor is crowned,
Or the three officers of state installed,
Do not send a gift of jade and a team of four horses,
But remain still and offer the Tao.
Why does everyone like the Tao so much at first?
Isn't it because you find what you seek and are forgiven when you sin?
Therefore this is the greatest treasure of the universe.

Sixty-three
Practice non-action.
Work without doing.
Taste the tasteless.
Magnify the small, increase the few.
Reward bitterness with care.
See simplicity in the complicated.
Achieve greatness in little things.
In the universe the difficult things are done as if they are easy.
In the universe great acts are made up of small deeds.
The sage does not attempt anything very big,
And thus achieved greatness.
Easy promises make for little trust.
Taking things lightly results in great difficulty.
Because the sage always confronts difficulties,
He never experiences them.

Sixty-four
Peace is easily maintained;
Trouble is easily overcome before it starts.
The brittle is easily shattered;
The small is easily scattered.
Deal with it before it happens.
Set things in order before there is confusion.
A tree as great as a man's embrace springs up from a small shoot;
A terrace nine stories high begins with a pile of earth;
A journey of a thousand miles starts under one's feet.
He who acts defeats his own purpose;
He who grasps loses.
The sage does not act, and so is not defeated.
He does not grasp and therefore does not lose.
People usually fail when they are on the verge of success.
So give as much care to the end as to the beginning;
Then there will be no failure.
Therefore the sage seeks freedom from desire.
He does not collect precious things.
He learns not to hold on to ideas.
He brings men back to what they have lost.
He help the ten thousand things find their own nature,
But refrains from action.

Sixty-five
In the beginning those who knew the Tao did not try to enlighten others,
But kept it hidden.
Why is it so hard to rule?
Because people are so clever.
Rulers who try to use cleverness
Cheat the country.
Those who rule without cleverness
Are a blessing to the land.
These are the two alternatives.
Understanding these is Primal Virtue.
Primal Virtue is deep and far.
It leads all things back
Toward the great oneness.

Sixty-six
Why is the sea king of a hundred streams?
Because it lies below them.
Therefore it is the king of a hundred streams.
If the sage would guide the people, he must serve with humility.
If he would lead them, he must follow behind.
In this way when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed;
When he stands before them, they will not be harmed.
The whole world will support him and will not tire of him.
Because he does not compete,
He does not meet competition.

Sixty-seven
Everyone under heaven says that my Tao is great and beyond compare.
Because it is great, it seems different.
If it were not different, it would have vanished long ago.
I have three treasures which I hold and keep.
The first is mercy; the second is economy;
The third is daring not to be ahead of others.
From mercy comes courage; from economy comes generosity;
From humility comes leadership.
Nowadays men shun mercy, but try to be brave;
They abandon economy, but try to be generous;
They do not believe in humility, but always try to be first.
This is certain death.
Mercy brings victory in battle and strength in defense.
It is the means by which heaven saves and guards.

Sixty-eight
A good soldier is not violent.
A good fighter is not angry.
A good winner is not vengeful
A good employer is humble.
This is known as the Virtue of not striving.
This is known as ability to deal with people.
This since ancient times has been known as the ultimate unity with heaven.

Sixty-nine
There is a saying among soldiers:
I dare not make the first move but would rather play the guest;
I dare not advance and inch but would rather withdraw a foot.
This is called marching without appearing to move,
Rolling up your sleeves without showing your arm,
Capturing the enemy without attacking,
Being armed without weapons.
There is no greater catastrophe than underestimating the enemy.
By underestimating the enemy, I almost lost what I value.
Therefore when the battle is joined,
The underdog will win.

Seventy
My words are easy to understand and easy to perform,
Yet no man under heaven knows them or practices them.
My words have ancient beginnings.
My actions are disciplined.
Because men do not understand, they have no knowledge of me.
Those that know me are few;
Those that abuse me are honored.
Therefore the sage wears rough clothing and holds the jewel in his heart.

Seventy-one
Knowing ignorance is strength.
Ignoring knowledge is sickness.
If one is sick of sickness, then one is not sick.
The sage is not sick because he is sick of sickness.
Therefore he is not sick.

Seventy-two
When men lack a sense of awe, there will be disaster.
Do not intrude in their homes.
Do not harass them at work.
If you do not interfere, they will not weary of you.
Therefore the sage knows himself but makes no show,
Has self-respect but is not arrogant.
He lets go of that and chooses this.

Seventy-three
A brave and passionate man will kill or be killed.
A brave and calm man will always preserve life.
Of these two which is good and which is harmful?
Some things are not favored by heaven. Who knows why?
Even the sage is unsure of this.
The Tao of heaven does not strive, and yet it overcomes.
It does not speak, and yet is answered.
It does not ask, yet is supplied with all its needs.
It seems to have no aim and yet its purpose is fulfilled.
Heaven's net casts wide.
Though its meshes are course, nothing slips through.

Seventy-four
If men are not afraid to die,
It is no avail to threaten them with death.
If men live in constant fear of dying,
And if breaking the law means that a man will be killed,
Who will dare to break the law?
There is always an official executioner.
If you try to take his place,
It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood.
If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.

Seventy-five
Why are the people starving?
Because the rulers eat up the money in taxes.
Therefore the people are starving.
Why are the people rebellious?
Because the rulers interfere too much.
Therefore they are rebellious.
Why do the people think so little of death?
Because the rulers demand too much of life.
Therefore the people take death lightly.
Having little to live on, one knows better than to value life too much.

Seventy-six
A man is born gentle and weak.
At his death he is hard and stiff.
Green plants are tender and filled with sap.
At their death they are withered and dry.
Therefore the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death.
The gentle and yielding is the disciple of life.
Thus an army without flexibility never wins a battle.
A tree that is unbending is easily broken.
The hard and strong will fall.
The soft and weak will overcome.

Seventy-seven
The Tao of heaven is like the bending of a bow.
The high is lowered, and the low is raised.
If the string is too long, it is shortened;
If there is not enough, it is made longer.
The Tao of heaven is to take from those who have too much and give to those who do not have enough.
Man's way is different.
He takes from those who do not have enough and give to those who already have too much.
What man has more than enough and gives it to the world?
Only the man of Tao.
Therefore the sage works without recognition.
He achieves what has to be done without dwelling on it.
He does not try to show his knowledge.

Seventy-eight
Under heaven nothing is more soft and yielding than water.
Yet for attacking the solid and strong, nothing is better;
It has no equal.
The weak can overcome the strong;
The supple can overcome the stiff.
Under heaven everyone knows this,
Yet no one puts it into practice.
Therefore the sage says:
He who takes upon himself the humiliation of the people is fit to rule them.
He who takes upon himself the country's disasters deserves to be king of the universe.
The truth often sounds paradoxical.

Seventy-nine
After a bitter quarrel, some resentment must remain.
What can one do about it?
Therefore the sage keeps his half of the bargain
But does not exact his due.
A man of Virtue performs his part,
But a man without Virtue requires others to fulfill their obligations.
The Tao of heaven is impartial.
It stays with good men all the time.

Eighty
A small country has fewer people.
Though there are machines that can work ten to a hundred times faster than man, they are not needed.
The people take death seriously and do not travel far.
Though they have boats and carriages, no one uses them.
Though they have armor and weapons, no one displays them.
Men return to the knotting of rope in place of writing.
Their food is plain and good, their clothes fine but simple, their homes secure;
They are happy in their ways.
Though they live within sight of their neighbors,
And crowing cocks and barking dogs are heard across the way,
Yet they leave each other in peace while they grow old and die.

Eighty-one
Truthful words are not beautiful.
Beautiful words are not truthful.
Good men do not argue.
Those who argue are not good.
Those who know are not learned.
The learned do not know.
The sage never tries to store things up.
The more he does for others, the more he has.
The more he gives to others, the greater his abundance.
The Tao of heaven is pointed but does no harm.
The Tao of the sage is work without effort.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

The Tao Te Ching Pt. 1

change — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:46:44 GMT

One
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
The nameless is the beginning of heaven and Earth.
The named is the mother of the ten thousand things.
Ever desireless, one can see the mystery.
Ever desiring, one sees the manifestations.
These two spring from the same source but differ in name; this appears as darkness.
Darkness within darkness.
The gate to all mystery.

Two
Under heaven all can see beauty as beauty only because there is ugliness.
All can know good as good only because there is evil.
Therefore having and not having arise together.
Difficult and easy complement each other.
Long and short contrast each other:
High and low rest upon each other;
Voice and sound harmonize each other;
Front and back follow one another.
Therefore the sage goes about doing nothing, teaching no-talking.
The ten thousand things rise and fall without cease,
Creating, yet not.
Working, yet not taking credit.
Work is done, then forgotten.
Therefore it lasts forever.

Three
Not exalting the gifted prevents quarreling.
Not collecting treasures prevents stealing.
Not seeing desirable things prevents confusion of the heart.
The wise therefore rule by emptying hearts and stuffing bellies, by weakening ambitions and strengthening bones.
If men lack knowledge and desire, then clever people will not try to interfere.
If nothing is done, then all will be well.

Four
The Tao is an empty vessel; it is used, but never filled.
Oh, unfathomable source of ten thousand things!
Blunt the sharpness,
Untangle the knot,
Soften the glare,
Merge with dust.
Oh, hidden deep but ever present!
I do not know from whence it comes.
It is the forefather of the gods.

Five
Heaven and Earth are impartial;
They see the ten thousand things as straw dogs.
The wise are impartial;
They see the people as straw dogs.
The space between heaven and Earth is like a bellows.
The shape changes but not the form;
The more it moves, the more it yields.
More words count less.
Hold fast to the center.

Six
The valley spirit never dies;
It is the woman, primal mother.
Her gateway is the root of heaven and Earth.
It is like a veil barely seen.
Use it; it will never fail.

Seven
Heaven and Earth last forever.
Why do heaven and Earth last forever?
They are unborn,
So ever living.
The sage stays behind, thus he is ahead.
He is detached, thus at one with all.
Through selfless action, he attains fulfillment.

Eight
The highest good is like water.
Water give life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.
It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao.
In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be just.
In daily life, be competent.
In action, be aware of the time and the season.
No fight: No blame.

Nine
Better to stop short than fill to the brim.
Oversharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt.
Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.
Claim wealth and titles, and disaster will follow.
Retire when the work is done.
This is the way of heaven.

Ten
Carrying body and soul and embracing the one,
Can you avoid separation?
Attending fully and becoming supple,
Can you be as a newborn babe?
Washing and cleansing the primal vision,
Can you be without stain?
Loving all men and ruling the country,
Can you be without cleverness?
Opening and closing the gates of heaven,
Can you play the role of woman?
Understanding and being open to all things,
Are you able to do nothing?
Giving birth and nourishing,
Bearing yet not possessing,
Working yet not taking credit,
Leading yet not dominating,
This is the Primal Virtue.

Eleven
Thirty spokes share the wheel's hub;
It is the center hole that makes it useful.
Shape clay into a vessel;
It is the space within that makes it useful.
Cut doors and windows for a room;
It is the holes which make it useful.
Therefore benefit comes from what is there;
Usefulness from what is not there.

Twelve
The five colors blind the eye.
The five tones deafen the ear.
The five flavors dull the taste.
Racing and hunting madden the mind.
Precious things lead one astray.
Therefore the sage is guided by what he feels and not by what he sees.
He lets go of that and chooses this.

Thirteen
Accept disgrace willingly.
Accept misfortune as the human condition.
What do you mean by "Accept disgrace willingly"?
Accept being unimportant.
Do not be concerned with loss or gain.
This is called "accepting disgrace willingly."
What do you mean by "Accept misfortune as the human condition"?
Misfortune comes from having a body.
Without a body, how could there be misfortune?
Surrender yourself humbly; then you can be trusted to care for all things.
Love the world as your own self; then you can truly care for all things.

Fourteen
Look, it cannot be seen - it is beyond form.
Listen, it cannot be heard - it is beyond sound.
Grasp, it cannot be held - it is intangible.
These three are indefinable;
Therefore they are joined in one.
From above it is not bright;
From below it is not dark:
An unbroken thread beyond description.
It returns to nothingness.
The form of the formless,
The image of the imageless,
It is called indefinable and beyond imagination.
Stand before it and there is no beginning.
Follow it and there is no end.
Stay with the ancient Tao,
Move with the present.
Knowing the ancient beginning is the essence of Tao.

Fifteen
The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.
The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.
Because it is unfathomable,
All we can do is describe their appearance.
Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream.
Alert, like men aware of danger.
Courteous, like visiting guests.
Yielding like ice about to melt.
Simple, like uncarved blocks of wood.
Hollow, like caves.
Opaque, like muddy pools.
Who can wait quietly while the mud settles?
Who can remain still until the moment of action?
Observers of the Tao do not seek fulfillment.
Not seeking fulfillment, they are not swayed by desire for change.

Sixteen
Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind become still.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
The way of nature is unchanging.
Knowing constancy is insight.
Not knowing constancy leads to disaster.
Knowing constancy, the mind is open.
With an open mind, you will be openhearted.
Being openhearted, you will act royally.
Being royal, you will attain the divine.
Being divine, you will be at one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
And though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.

Seventeen
The very highest if barely known.
Then comes that which people know and love.
Then that which is feared,
Then that which is despised.
Who does not trust enough will not be trusted.
When actions are performed
Without unnecessary speech,
People say, "We did it!"

Eighteen
When the great Tao is forgotten,
Kindness and morality arise.
When wisdom and intelligence are born,
The great pretense begins.
When there is no peace within the family,
Filial piety and devotion arise.
When the country is confused and in chaos,
Loyal ministers appear.

Nineteen
Give up sainthood, renounce wisdom,
And it will be a hundred times better for everyone.
Give up kindness, renounce morality,
And men will rediscover filial piety and love.
Give up ingenuity, renounce profit,
And bandits and thieves will disappear.
These three are outward forms alone; they are not sufficient in themselves.
It is more important
To see the simplicity,
To realize one's true nature,
To cast off selfishness
And temper desire.

Twenty
Give up learning, and put an end to your troubles.
Is there a difference between yes and no?
Is there a difference between good and evil?
Must I fear what others fear? What nonsense!
Other people are contented, enjoying the sacrificial feast of the ox.
In spring some go to the park, and climb the terrace,
But I alone am drifting, not knowing where I am.
Like a newborn babe before it learns to smile,
I am alone, without a place to go.
Others have more than they need, but I alone have nothing.
I am a fool. Oh, yes! I am confused.
Others are clear and bright,
But I alone am dim and weak.
Others are sharp and clever,
But I alone am dull and stupid.
Oh, I drift like the waves of the sea,
Without direction, like the restless wind.
Everyone else is busy,
But I alone am aimless and depressed.
I am different.
I am nourished by the great mother.

Twenty-one
The greatest Virtue is to follow Tao and Tao alone.
The Tao is elusive and intangible.
Oh, it is intangible and elusive, and yet within is image.
Oh, it is elusive and intangible, and yet within is form.
Oh, it is dim and dark, and yet within is essence.
This essence is very real, and therein lies faith.
From the very beginning until now its name has never been forgotten.
Thus I perceive the creation.
How do I know the ways of creation?
Because of this.

Twenty-two
Yield and overcome;
Bend and be straight;
Empty and be full;
Wear out and be new;
Have little and gain;
Have much and be confused.
Therefore the wise embrace the one
And set an example to all.
Not putting on a display,
They shine forth.
Not justifying themselves,
They are distinguished.
Not boasting,
They receive recognition.
Not bragging,
They never falter.
They do not quarrel,
So no one quarrels with them.
Therefore the ancients say, "Yield and overcome."
Is that an empty saying?
Be really whole,
And all things will come to you.

Twenty-three
To talk little is natural.
High winds do not last all morning.
Heavy rain does not last all day.
Why is this? Heaven and Earth!
If heaven and Earth cannot make things eternal,
How is it possible for man?
He who follows the Tao
Is at one with the Tao.
He who is virtuous
Experiences Virtue.
He who loses the way
Is lost.
When you are at one with the Tao,
The Tao welcomes you.
When you are at one with Virtue,
The Virtue is always there.
When you are at one with loss,
The loss is experienced willingly.
He who does not trust enough
Will not be trusted.

Twenty-four
He who stands on tiptoe is not steady.
He who strides cannot maintain the pace.
He who makes a show is not enlightened.
He who is self-righteous is not respected.
He who boasts achieves nothing.
He who brags will not endure.
According to followers of the Tao, "These are extra food and unnecessary luggage."
They do not bring happiness.
therefore followers of the Tao avoid them.

Twenty-five
Something mysteriously formed,
Born before heaven and Earth.
In the silence and the void,
Standing alone and unchanging,
Ever present and in motion.
Perhaps it is the mother of ten thousand things.
I do not know its name
Call it Tao.
For lack of a better word, I call it great.
Being great, it flows
I flows far away.
Having gone far, it returns.
Therefore, "Tao is great;
Heaven is great;
Earth is great;
The king is also great."
These are the four great powers of the universe,
And the king is one of them.
Man follows Earth.
Earth follows heaven.
Heaven follows the Tao.
Tao follows what is natural.

Twenty-six
The heavy is the root of the light.
The still is the master of unrest.
Therefore the sage, traveling all day,
Does not lose sight of his baggage.
Though there are beautiful things to be seen,
He remains unattached and calm.
Why should the lord of ten thousand chariots act lightly in public?
To be light is to lose one's root.
To be restless is to lose one's control.

Twenty-seven
A good walker leaves no tracks;
A good speaker makes no slips;
A good reckoner needs no tally.
A good door needs no lock,
Yet no one can open it.
Good binding requires no knots,
Yet no one can loosen it.
Therefore the sage takes care of all men
And abandons no one.
He takes care of all things
And abandons nothing.
This is called "following the light."
What is a good man?
A teacher of a bad man.
What is a bad man?
A good man's charge.
If the teacher is not respected,
And the student not cared for,
Confusion will arise, however clever one is.
This is the crux of mystery.

Twenty-eight
Know the strength of man,
But keep a woman's care!
Be the stream of the universe!
Being the stream of the universe,
Ever true and unswerving,
Become as a little child once more.
Know the white,
But keep the black!
Be an example to the world!
Being an example to the world,
Ever true and unwavering,
Return to the infinite.
Know honor,
Yet keep humility.
Be the valley of the universe!
Being the valley of the universe,
Ever true and resourceful,
Return to the state of the uncarved block.
When the block is carved, it becomes useful.
When the sage uses it, he becomes the ruler.
Thus, "A great tailor cuts little."

Twenty-nine
Do you think you can take over the universe and improve it?
I do not believe it can be done.
The universe is sacred.
You cannot improve it.
If you try to change it, you will ruin it.
If you try to hold it, you will lose it.
So sometimes things are ahead and sometimes they are behind;
Sometimes breathing is hard, sometimes it comes easily;
Sometimes there is strength and sometimes weakness;
Sometimes one is up and sometimes down.
Therefore the sage avoids extremes, excesses, and complacency.

Thirty
Whenever you advise a ruler in the way of Tao,
Counsel him not to use force to conquer the universe.
For this would only cause resistance.
Thorn bushes spring up wherever the army has passed.
Lean years follow in the wake of a great war.
Just do what needs to be done.
Never take advantage of power.
Achieve results,
But never glory in them.
Achieve results,
But never boast.
Achieve results,
But never be proud.
Achieve results,
Because this is the natural way.
Achieve results,
But not through violence.
Force is followed by loss of strength.
This is not the way of Tao.
That which goes against the Tao comes to an early end.

Thirty-one
Good weapons are instruments of fear; all creatures hate them.
Therefore followers of Tao never use them.
The wise man prefers the left.
The man of war prefers the right.
Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man's tools.
He uses them only when he has no choice.
Peace and quiet are dear to his heart,
And victory no cause for rejoicing.
If you rejoice in victory, then you delight in killing;
If you delight in killing, you cannot fulfill yourself.
On happy occasions precedence is given to the left,
On sad occasions to the right.
In the army the general stands on the left,
The commander-in-chief on the right.
This means that war is conducted like a funeral.
When many people are being killed,
They should be mourned in heartfelt sorrow.
That is why a victory must be observed like a funeral.

Thirty-two
The Tao is forever undefined.
Small though it is in the unformed state, it cannot be grasped.
If kings and lords could harness it,
The ten thousand things would come together
And gentle rain fall.
Men would need no more instruction and all things would take their course.
Once the whole is divided, the parts need names.
There are already enough names.
One must know when to stop.
Knowing when to stop averts trouble.
Tao in the world is like a river flowing home to the sea.

Thirty-three
Knowing others is wisdom;
Knowing the self is enlightenment.
Mastering others requires force;
Mastering the self needs strength.
He who knows he has enough is rich.
Perseverance is a sign of willpower.
He who stays where he is endures.
To die but not to perish is to be eternally present.

Thirty-four
The great Tao flows everywhere, both to the left and to the right.
The ten thousand things depend upon it; it holds nothing back.
It fulfills its purpose silently and makes no claim.
It nourishes the ten thousand things,
And yet is not their lord.
It has no aim; it is very small.
The ten thousand things return to it,
Yet it is not their lord.
It is very great.
It does not show greatness,
And is therefore truly great.

Thirty-five
All men will come to him who keeps to the one,
For there lie rest and happiness and peace.
Passersby may stop for music and good food,
But a description of the Tao
Seems without substance or flavor.
It cannot be seen, it cannot be heard,
And yet it cannot be exhausted.

Thirty-six
That which shrinks
Must first expand.
That which fails
Must first be strong.
That which is cast down
Must first be raised.
Before receiving
There must be giving.
This is called perception of the nature of things.
Soft and weak overcome hard and strong.
Fish cannot leave deep waters,
And a country's weapons should not be displayed.

Thirty-seven
Tao abides in non-action,
Yet nothing is left undone.
If kings and lords observed this,
The ten thousand things would develop naturally.
If they still desired to act,
They would return to the simplicity of formless substance.
Without for there is no desire.
Without desire there is.
And in this way all things would be at peace.

Thirty-eight
A truly good man is not aware of his goodness,
And is therefore good.
A foolish man tries to be good,
And is therefore not good.
A truly good man does nothing,
Yet leaves nothing undone.
A foolish man is always doing,
Yet much remains to be done.
When a truly kind man does something, he leaves nothing undone.
When a just man does something, he leaves a great deal to be done.
When a disciplinarian does something and no one responds,
He rolls up his sleeves in an attempt to enforce order.
Therefore when Tao is lost, there is goodness.
When goodness is lost, there is kindness.
When kindness is lost, there is justice.
When justice is lost, there ritual.
Now ritual is the husk of faith and loyalty, the beginning of confusion.
Knowledge of the future is only a flowery trapping of Tao.
It is the beginning of folly.
Therefore the truly great man dwells on what is real and not what is on the surface,
On the fruit and not the flower.
Therefore accept the one and reject the other.

Thirty-nine
These things from ancient times arise from one:
The sky is whole and clear.
The earth is whole and firm.
The spirit is whole and strong.
The valley is whole and full.
The ten thousand things are whole and alive.
Kings and lords are whole, and the country is upright.
All these are in virtue of wholeness.
The clarity of the sky prevents its falling.
The firmness of the earth prevents its splitting.
The strength of the spirit prevents its being used up.
The fullness of the valley prevents its running dry.
The growth of the ten thousand things prevents their drying out.
The leadership of kings and lords prevents the downfall of the country.
Therefore the humble is the root of the noble.
The low is the foundation of the high.
Princes and lords consider themselves "orphaned", "widowed" and "worthless".
Do they not depend on being humble?
Too much success is not an advantage.
Do not tinkle like jade
Or clatter like stone chimes.

Forty
Returning is the motion of the Tao.
Yielding is the way of the Tao.
The ten thousand things are born of being.
Being is born of not being.

Forty-one
The wise student hears of the Tao and practices it diligently.
The average student hears of the Tao and gives it thought now and again.
The foolish student hears of the Tao and laughs aloud.
If there were no laughter, the Tao would not be what it is.
Hence it is said:
The bright path seems dim;
Going forward seems like retreat;
The easy way seems hard;
The highest Virtue seems empty;
Great purity seems sullied;
A wealth of Virtue seems inadequate;
The strength of Virtue seems frail;
Real Virtue seems unreal;
The perfect square has no corners;
Great talents ripen late;
The highest notes are hard to hear;
The greatest form has no shape;
The Tao is hidden and without name.
The Tao alone nourishes and brings everything to fulfillment.

Forty-two
The Tao begot one.
One begot two.
Two begot three.
And three begot the ten thousand things.
The ten thousand things carry yin and embrace yang.
They achieve harmony by combining these forces.
Men hate to be "orphaned," "widowed," or "worthless,"
But this is how kings and lords describe themselves.
For one gains by losing
And loses by gaining.
What others teach, I also teach; that is:
"A violent man will die a violent death!"
This will be the essence of my teaching.

Forty-three
The softest thing in the universe
Overcomes the hardest thing in the universe.
That without substance can enter where there is no room.
Hence I know the value of non-action.
Teaching without words and work without doing
Are understood by very few.

Forty-four
Fame or self: Which matters more?
Self or wealth: Which is more precious?
Gain or loss: Which is more painful?
He who is attached to things will suffer much.
He who saves will suffer heavy loss.
A contented man is never disappointed.
He who knows when to stop does not find himself in trouble.
He will stay forever safe.

Forty-five
Great accomplishment seems imperfect,
Yet it does not outlive its usefulness.
Great fullness seems empty,
Yet cannot be exhausted.
Great straightness seems twisted.
Great intelligence seems stupid.
Great eloquence seems awkward.
Movement overcomes cold.
Stillness overcomes heat.
Stillness and tranquillity set things in order in the universe.

Forty-six
When the Tao is present in the universe,
The horses haul manure.
When the Tao is absent from the universe,
War horses are bred outside the city.
There is no greater sin than desire,
No greater curse than discontent,
No greater misfortune than wanting something for oneself.
Therefore he who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.

Forty-seven
Without going outside, you may know the whole world.
Without looking through the window, you may see the ways of heaven.
The farther you go, the less you know.
Thus the sage knows without traveling;
He sees without looking;
He works without doing.

Forty-eight
In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired.
In the pursuit of Tao, every day something is dropped.
Less and less is done
Until non-action is achieved.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
The world is ruled by letting things take their course.
It cannot be ruled by interfering.

Forty-nine
The sage has no mind of his own.
He is aware of the needs of others.
I am good to people who are good.
I am also good to people who are not good.
Because Virtue is goodness.
I have faith in people who are faithful.
I also have faith in people who are not faithful.
Because Virtue is faithfulness.
The sage is shy and humble - to the world he seems confusing.
Others look to him and listen.
He behaves like a little child.

Fifty
Between birth and death,
Three in ten are followers of life,
Three in ten are followers of death,
And men just passing from birth to death also number three in ten.
Why is this so?
Because they live their lives on the gross level.
He who knows how to live can walk abroad
Without fear of rhinoceros or tiger.
He will not be wounded in battle.
For in him rhinoceroses can find no place to thrust their horn,
Tigers no place to use their claws,
And weapons no place to pierce.
Why is this so?
Because he has no place for death to enter.

Fifty-one
All things arise from Tao.
They are nourished by Virtue.
They are formed from matter.
They are shaped by environment.
Thus the ten thousand things all respect Tao and honor Virtue.
Respect of Tao and honor of Virtue are not demanded,
But they are in the nature of things.
Therefore all things arise from Tao.
By Virtue they are nourished,
Developed, cared for,
Sheltered, comforted,
Grown, and protected.
Creating without claiming,
Doing without taking credit,
Guiding without interfering,
This is Primal Virtue.

Fifty-two
The beginning of the universe
Is the mother of all things.
Knowing the mother, on also knows the sons.
Knowing the sons, yet remaining in touch with the mother,
Brings freedom from the fear of death.
Keep your mouth shut,
Guard the senses,
And life is ever full.
Open your mouth,
Always be busy,
And life is beyond hope.
Seeing the small is insight;
Yielding to force is strength.
Using the outer light, return to insight,
And in this way be saved from harm.
This is learning constancy.

Fifty-three
If I have even just a little sense,
I will walk on the main road and my only fear
will be of straying from it.
Keeping to the main road is easy,
But people love to be sidetracked.
When the court is arrayed in splendor,
The fields are full of weeds,
And the granaries are bare.
Some wear gorgeous clothes,
Carry sharp swords,
And indulge themselves with food and drink;
They have more possessions than they can use.
They are robber barons.
This is certainly not the way of Tao.

Fifty-four
What is firmly established cannot be uprooted.
What is firmly grasped cannot slip away.
It will be honored from generation to generation.
Cultivate Virtue in your self,
And Virtue will be real.
Cultivate it in the family,
And Virtue will abound.
Cultivate it in the village,
And Virtue will grow.
Cultivate it in the nation,
And Virtue will be abundant.
Cultivate it in the universe,
And Virtue will be everywhere.
Therefore look at the body as body;
Look at the family as family;
Look at the village as village;
Look at the nation as nation;
Look at the universe as universe.
How do I know the universe is like this?
By looking!

Fifty-five
He who is filled with Virtue is like a newborn child.
Wasps and serpents will not sting him;
Wild beasts will not pounce upon him;
He will not be attacked by birds of prey.
His bones are soft, his muscles weak,
But his grip is firm.
He has not experienced the union of man and woman, but is whole.
His manhood is strong.
He screams all day without becoming hoarse.
This is perfect harmony.
Knowing harmony is constancy.
Knowing constancy is enlightenment.
It is not wise to rush about.
Controlling the breath causes strain.
If too much energy is used, exhaustion follows.
This is not the way of Tao.
Whatever is contrary to Tao will not last long.

Fifty-six
Those who know do not talk.
Those who talk do not know.
Keep your mouth closed.
Guard your senses.
Temper your sharpness.
Simplify your problems.
Mask your brightness.
Be at one with the dust of the Earth.
This is primal union.
He who has achieved this state
Is unconcerned with friends and enemies,
With good and harm, with honor and disgrace.
This therefore is the highest state of man.

Fifty-seven
Rule a nation with justice.
Wage war with surprise moves.
Become master of the universe without striving.
How do I know that this is so?
Because of this!
The more laws and restrictions there are,
The poorer people become.
The sharper men's weapons,
The more trouble in the land.
The more ingenious and clever men are,
The more strange things happen.
The more rules and regulations,
The more thieves and robbers.
Therefore the sage says:
I take no action and people are reformed.
I enjoy peace and people become honest.
I do nothing and people become rich.
I have no desires and people return to the good and simple life.

Fifty-eight
When the country is ruled with a light hand
The people are simple.
When the country is ruled with severity,
The people are cunning.
Happiness is rooted in misery.
Misery lurks beneath happiness.
Who knows what the future holds?
There is no honesty.
Honesty becomes dishonest.
Goodness becomes witchcraft.
Man's bewitchment lasts for a long time.
Therefore the sage is sharp but not cutting,
Pointed but not piercing,
Straightforward but not unrestrained,
Brilliant but not blinding.

Fifty-nine
In caring for others and serving heaven,
There is nothing like using restraint.
Restraint begins with giving up one's own ideas.
This depends on Virtue gathered in the past.
If there is a good store of Virtue, then nothing is impossible.
If nothing is impossible, then there are no limits.
If a man knows no limits, then he is fit to be a ruler.
The mother principle of ruling holds good for a long time.
This is called having deep roots and a firm foundation,
The Tao of long life and eternal vision.

Sixty
Ruling the country is like cooking a small fish.
Approach the universe with Tao,
And evil is not powerful,
But its power will not be used to harm others.
Not only will it do no harm to others,
But the sage himself will also be protected.
They do not hurt each other,
And the Virtue in each one refreshes both.

Sixty-one
A great country is like low land.
It is the meeting ground of the universe,
The mother of the universe.
The female overcomes the male with stillness,
Lying low in stillness.
Therefore if a great country gives way to a smaller country,
It will conquer the smaller country.
And if a small country submits to a great country,
It can conquer the great country.
Therefore those who would conquer must yield,
And those who conquer do so because they yield.
A great nation needs more people;
A small country needs to serve.
Each gets what it wants.
It is fitting for a great nation to yield.

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies

International Nomadic Gathering Forming

change — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:43:12 GMT

Nomadic Transit is a free gathering forming in NC which will make way around North America before engaging the world.

These events will be incorporate visionary, sustainable, and ancient practices as they connect new and old tribes toward the future.
Networking and family between the indigenous,
urban/suburban, and the underground will be manifesting!

Natural phenomenon, healing spaces and harvests will influence our movements.
The gatherings of tribes like the Moon, Rainbow, and Burner tribes will also overlap with our flow. Holler back to get involved - this is a chunk of the future emerging from the shadows..!
Peace and Love
Change

posted in NC3_North Carolina Conscious Community - 0 replies