This verse contains the first of five instances of "Ziran" which are the last two words of this verse, meaning, "It all happens naturally." Other ways to translate Ziran include, include "something that happens by itself constantly," spontaneously self-so, or “It is so by virtue of its own” and “the nature of what is so”.

Ziran is the result of acting silently, without fanfare or drawing ANY attention to self, and practicing the highest virtue - Tao, or, the "greatest thing above or beyond." This practice is the true practice of transparent leaders, parents, neighbors, or colleagues.... Things just seem to happen naturally on their own.

Deborah Lynn gave voice to our quotes this week. Her question stumped me, and so I am asking you listeners to help me answer her.

Audrey Davis is our esteemed artist. Molly Hartwell sings her haunting song, “Put Your Roots Down.” Fortress Press holds the copyright for quotations from my Tao Te Ching translation. Thanks to you for your attendance in this class on Taoism.

May your days begin in peace, and become wombs for radical hope. -Marc Mullinax mmullinax@mhu.edu

Episode 018-Verse 17 "It all happens naturally"