Chapter 1: Mystery of God

 

If you can talk about it a
It is not the Eternal God

If you can name it b
It is not the Eternal Name 

The nameless, is the origin of Heaven and Earth c

The nameable, is the mother of all things d

Free from desire, one observes the Spirit e
Filled with desire, one observes the flesh 

The two emerge and become one of the same body f
Yet differ in name 
This unity is the Mystery of God 
Mystery of mysteries 
The gateway to wonders

 

a John 17:25; Matthew 11:27; Job 36:26;Job 37:5; 1 John 4:7-19; Luke 6:45; b Judges 13:18; Exodus 3:13-15; c Genesis 1:1-2; d Genesis 3:20; e Romans 8:9-18; f Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19.



Trinitarian M.A.P.

Mindset, Aim, and Practice are the three pillars of a spiritually guided path rooted in Love, Trust, and Faith, empowering us to fulfill our God-given mission. Understanding the Love of the Father will shape our MINDSET, opening our hearts to Trust in the teachings of the Son to direct our AIM, and empowers us to deepen our Faith in the Holy Spirit to guide our daily PRACTICE.

Mindset:

  1. Embrace God’s Mystery and Infinite Nature
    First, adopt a mindset that acknowledges the mystery of God—His essence is beyond our full comprehension. As the chapter teaches, “If you can talk about it, it is not the Eternal God.” This aligns with the biblical principle that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). To have the right mindset, accept that God is infinite and His wisdom far surpasses human understanding. Trust that His plan is greater than our own, and allow that mystery to deepen your reverence and reliance on Him.

  2. Prioritize the Spiritual Over the Material
    The principle that “free from desire, one observes the Spirit” encourages us to focus on the spiritual rather than the flesh. This aligns with the Christian teaching from Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” To align with God’s will, practice living in the Spirit and seek His kingdom first, focusing on eternal rather than temporary rewards. In doing so, you move away from selfish desires and draw closer to God’s plan.

  3. Live with Humility and Surrender
    The idea that God cannot be fully named teaches us the importance of humility. As we cannot fully name or describe God, we should approach life with humility, understanding that our human knowledge and desires are limited. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in the Lord with all your heart and not relying on your own understanding. To align with God’s will, you must surrender your ego and the desire to control every situation, instead trusting in God’s perfect guidance.

  4. Seek Unity with God’s Will
    The teaching in this chapter that the nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth, while the nameable is the mother of all things, suggests that true unity comes from embracing both the known and unknown aspects of God. God’s will is revealed progressively through the scriptures, prayer, and life experiences. In this, aim to seek unity with God’s will, recognizing that His guidance comes in both the stillness of the unknown and the clear truths of His Word. Philippians 2:2-3 speaks to this, calling for Christians to “be like-minded, having the same love, being of one spirit and one mind,” aligning our will with God’s in unity and love.

  5. Pursue Simplicity and Inner Peace
    The chapter emphasizes the importance of the formless and desire-free observation of the Spirit. This teaches us the importance of simplicity and inner peace in fulfilling God’s will. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. A mindset of simplicity—letting go of unnecessary distractions and desires—helps you focus on God’s purpose for your life, resulting in peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

In summary, the mindset you need to adopt to align with the Will of God is one of humility, simplicity, spiritual focus, and trust in God’s mystery. Embrace the unknown with reverence, prioritize the eternal over the temporary, and live in harmony with God’s will through surrender and unity. By doing so, you will align your life with God’s divine purpose, trusting that He will lead you on the right path.

 

AIM:

  1. Seek Humility and Trust in the Mystery of God
    Before practicing the teachings, we must aim to recognize that God is beyond our full comprehension. Just as the chapter teaches that the eternal God cannot be fully described or named, we should aim for a deep humility in acknowledging that God’s ways are infinite and often beyond our understanding. The more we embrace the mystery of God, the more we open ourselves to His guidance. This resonates with Christian teachings in Isaiah 55:8-9, which states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says the Lord. Recognizing this mystery prepares us to trust God more fully.

  2. Align with the Spirit Over the Flesh
    The chapter contrasts the spiritual with the worldly (or the flesh). Aiming for a life led by the Spirit, rather than driven by fleshly desires, is a key goal. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 not to store up treasures on earth but to lay up treasures in heaven, showing that spiritual pursuits should take precedence. This mindset invites us to focus on things that last, such as love, faith, and compassion, and helps us to not be distracted by the fleeting nature of worldly things.

  3. Pursue Unity with God and Creation
    The unity described in the chapter, where the spiritual and the material emerge as one, encourages us to aim for a deeper connection with both God and His creation. Christians are called to live in harmony with God’s will (John 17:21), and this passage highlights the interconnectedness of all things. Living in alignment with God means understanding the divine presence in every moment, seeing His fingerprints in creation, and acting as stewards of it. This unity fosters a life of balance and peace.

  4. Embrace Simplicity and Let Go of Desire
    The chapter encourages us to move beyond desire to perceive the spiritual truths that guide us. In the Christian tradition, Jesus teaches that those who are meek and humble will find the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:3). By letting go of worldly desires, we can free ourselves to experience the deeper joys of life that come from serving God and others.

In summary, before practicing the principles, we should aim for a life of humility, trust in God’s mystery, spiritual focus over worldly distractions, unity with God’s will, and a simple, desire-free mindset that seeks to serve God and others. These goals lay the foundation for the transformation that comes when we fully embrace God’s presence in our lives.

 

Practice:

  1. Cultivate Stillness and Embrace God’s Mystery
    The chapter emphasizes that if we can describe or name something, it is not the Eternal God. This teaches us the importance of accepting the mystery of God’s infinite nature and surrendering to His greater wisdom. To practice this, engage in regular moments of stillness and silence to reflect on God’s unknowable nature. Through prayer and meditation, seek to understand that some things are beyond your control or full comprehension. This is a humble act of faith. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), showing us the importance of stillness to connect deeply with God’s will. By making time for silence, you open yourself to hear God’s guidance more clearly.

  2. Practice Detachment from Worldly Desires
    The text contrasts the Spirit with the flesh, encouraging you to live free from desire. Jesus taught the importance of focusing on the Kingdom of God rather than material things (Matthew 6:33). To fulfill your purpose, practice detachment by simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters—your relationship with God and others. Start by evaluating your priorities and habits, and make intentional changes to live in a way that prioritizes your spiritual health over temporary satisfaction. As you practice detachment, you make space for God to lead you in the ways He deems best, freeing you from distractions that pull you away from His will.

  3. Surrender Control and Trust in God’s Plan
    The principle that “the nameable is the mother of all things” suggests that while the Divine is beyond naming or fully understanding, God’s plan for you is still unfolding in ways you may not yet grasp. Embrace humility by letting go of your desire for control. This is essential to living in accordance with God’s will. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Practice surrendering your life to God, trusting that He is guiding you, even when things are unclear. This trust will help you fulfill your purpose because it reflects your willingness to follow God’s lead, even through uncertainty.

  4. Seek Unity with God’s Purpose
    The principle that “the two emerge and become one of the same body” teaches us about unity in God’s purpose. You must strive to align your life with His divine plan, understanding that you are a part of a greater whole. Jesus prayed for unity in John 17:21, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” By seeking unity with God’s will, you practice listening to Him through Scripture, prayer, and spiritual guidance. This will help you discern your specific calling and fulfill your purpose by being in alignment with the greater body of Christ. Regularly ask yourself how your actions reflect God’s will and seek harmony in your relationships with others.

  5. Prioritize Love and Compassion Above All
    The text indirectly touches on the essence of love as the gateway to understanding God’s mystery. God is love (1 John 4:8), and practicing love is central to fulfilling your purpose. As Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-39, the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. You should practice love and compassion as the foundation of your purpose. In your daily life, seek to act with kindness and empathy, reflecting God’s love to those around you. This practice helps fulfill God’s will by becoming an authentic witness of His love in the world.

In summary, to fulfill your purpose according to God’s will, practice stillness and reflection, detach from worldly desires, surrender control to God, seek unity with His divine purpose, and prioritize love in your actions. These practices will help you align with God’s plan, live with greater spiritual depth, and fulfill the purpose He has created for you. Through these actions, you can walk more closely in God’s will, experiencing His transformative love and guidance.



Universal Language of Truth

The New Evangelization aims to unite all people and nations through a universal language of truth that speaks to diverse cultures, histories, and faiths. This chapter highlights our commonalities rather than our differences. Through this, we become the "Light" of the Holy Spirit for others to follow in the Body of Christ, illuminating His presence in the world.

  1. 1. Mystery of God and Beyond the Senses

    The idea that God or the Eternal is beyond naming and description resonates with the core teachings of many spiritual traditions. Christianity speaks of God as infinite and incomprehensible, much like the Christian Tao Te Ching chapter explains the Eternal as nameless and beyond full understanding. In the Bible, God reveals Himself through mystery, as in Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

    Similarly, in Hinduism, the concept of the nirguna Brahman, the formless and attribute-less God, is central. The Upanishads describe the divine as beyond comprehension, much like the “nameless” origin in Taoism. The Bhagavad Gita (10:20) also refers to Krishna as the ultimate source of all things, beyond the ability of human language or thought to capture.

    In Buddhism, the notion of an ungraspable truth aligns with the Sunyata or emptiness—everything is interconnected but cannot be fully grasped or defined. The concept of emptiness reflects the ultimate reality, which cannot be reduced to names or forms, resonating deeply with the “nameless origin” in Taoist thought.

    2. Detachment and Desire

    The Christian Tao Te Ching highlights that those who are free from desire observe the Spirit, while those filled with desire observe the flesh. This idea of detachment and the spiritual value of renouncing material cravings is echoed across the world’s religions.

    In Christianity, Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” pointing to a life free from attachment to earthly desires. Similarly, in Islam, the concept of Tawakkul (complete trust in God) encourages detachment from material concerns, with the Quran repeatedly advising to prioritize faith over worldly attachments (Quran 2:286).

    In Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths revolve around understanding desire (tanha) as the root cause of suffering and practicing detachment through the Eightfold Path. The teachings stress the importance of renouncing desire as a way to achieve enlightenment and end suffering.

    In Hinduism, the concept of vairagya (renunciation) teaches that detachment from worldly attachments allows one to realize the divine. The Bhagavad Gita (2:47) states, “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”

    3. Unity with God and Divine Plan

    The merging of the divine with the material world, where both Spirit and flesh coexist yet differ in name, is a theme of unity and alignment with God’s will, reflected across religious thought. In Christianity, the Holy Trinity embodies this unity, where Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct but fully united as one God. The Apostle Paul speaks of the unity of believers with Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

    In Islam, the concept of tawhid, or the oneness of God, is a central tenet. While Allah is beyond human understanding, everything in existence reflects His unity and purpose. The Quran states, “Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One… He begets not, nor was He begotten'” (Quran 112:1-3), reinforcing the idea that God’s unity transcends all comprehension, and everything created is part of His plan.

    Buddhism speaks of the interdependence of all things in the doctrine of pratityasamutpada (dependent origination). Everything is interconnected, much like the principle of unity in Taoism, where the visible and invisible, the named and nameless, are all expressions of one ultimate reality.

    In Hinduism, the idea of unity with God is described through yoga (spiritual union), with the ultimate goal being union with Brahman, the ultimate reality. The Bhagavad Gita (9:22) describes how those who align with God’s will are united with Him, saying, “To those who are constantly devoted and who always remember Me, I grant understanding by which they can come to Me.”

    4. Surrender and Trust in Divine Wisdom

    The teaching that if you can name it, it is not the Eternal Name emphasizes the surrender of human control and the embracing of divine mystery. Christianity teaches this surrender through the example of Jesus, who prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This reflects a trust in God’s plan and timing, even when we do not understand the fullness of it.

    In Islam, tawakkul (trust in God’s plan) calls for submission to God’s will, as the Quran states, “And put your trust in the Living One who does not die” (Quran 25:58). This reflects the same surrender to the unknowable will of God.

    Hinduism stresses surrender (in Sanskrit, sharanagati) to the divine will, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita (18:66), where Krishna calls for complete surrender: “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.”

    In Buddhism, surrendering to the Dharma (cosmic law) and accepting the impermanence of life is key to attaining enlightenment. The practice of letting go of attachments and trusting in the path to enlightenment is central to the Buddhist worldview.

    In conclusion, the principles in Chapter 1 of the Christian Tao Te Ching are universal truths because they transcend religious boundaries, emphasizing the unknowability of God, the need for detachment, the pursuit of unity with the divine, and the trust in a higher plan. These core spiritual concepts—whether viewed through the lens of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or Buddhism—share common ground and invite adherents to align themselves with divine wisdom and eternal truths.

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