Tapping Into the Tao

I've recently been rereading the Tao Te Ching with the thought of seeing how it can apply to being mindful behind the lens. I've been pleasantly surprised to find that there are many verses that we can use and think about.

For me, one of the greatest joys of photography are those times when you're clicking away, working the scene, and everything else has just fallen away. You're not thinking about your job, your family, or anything that's been troubling you. You are completely immersed in what you are doing with the scene in front of you. If you've spent any amount of time behind the lens, you know what I'm talking about. The objects arrange themselves perfectly, the light is right where you want it and you know you are getting the shots you want. I liken this to 'Being in the Zone' athletically. It simply becomes effortless. 

I think at that point, we have tapped into something bigger than ourselves. It's almost as though everything has aligned to come together in front of your lens at that very moment. I don't think we can call on this moment when we need it. It resists being controlled. I think the best you can do is to know your gear, head into the world with an open mind, put yourself in a spot you think worthy, and simply wait to see what happens. Wait for whatever "it" is to reveal itself.

It won't always happen, but when it does, you will know it for what it is and be grateful. With that in mind, the Tao Te Ching speaks to this idea:

Look, and it can't be seen.

Listen, and it can't be heard.

Reach, and it can't be grasped.

Above, it isn't bright.

Below, it isn't dark.

Seamless, unnamable,

it returns to the realm of nothing.

Form that includes all forms,

image without an image,

subtle, beyond all conception.

Approach it and there is no beginning;

follow it and there is no end.

You can't know it, but you can be it,

at ease in your own life.

Just realize where you come from:

this is the essence of wisdom.

(verse 14, Stephen Mitchell translation)

Comments

[Paul D'Souza]

Love this - have been studying the TTC for years and yes - it does offer us a mindful perspective on seeing the world. Recently, I had spent some time with my camera in the woods behind my house - and then on the way back in, there was a "shot" that screamed Take me Take me!, had to stop and take that shot, it was framed just right, it was my neighbors house - but the angles and lighting ... everything was perfect. The moment, the Tao gave me that shot. Thanks for the insight and the reminder of the TTC.

[moncler norway]

Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one