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Sound, smell, taste, image, touch, sleep.
Can you think without clinging to these forms?
Knowledge of Tao rarer still.
Our mind needs to cling to some objects in orde r to function in its usual modes. If you look at your memories, you will find that most are tied to some sensory image. The thought of being in the country brings up a certain fragrance. You "see" relationships in certain way. We may do math problems, or compose something to say to our companions, but we will still think in numbers and words.
Some people make the mistake of rejecting this type of thinking, but we need to use these modes in order to function in the everyday world. When it comes to knowing Tao, thought tied to sensory images is not enough to bring complete realization. Dualistic thinking cannot be used to know Tao. But don't discard it as long as ordinary functioning in the world is necessary.
When one meditates, one must use an aspect of consciousness is beyond the senses. Some call these stages of mind superconciousness, samadhi, nirvana, or enlightenment. These are mere names. All that matter is getting to these states. Then all labels fall away.
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365 Tao
Deng Ming-Dao
Daily Meditations