The Tao of Wonder Woman — Richard Kightlinger

Chapter Ten, The Hidden Virtue

“I am sorry, Hestia. I would rather be a mortal and have the freedom to fight for what I believe in…than to be a god and be forced to sit idly by.” *

The spiritual person keeps the desires in balance; controls the character assets and defects and remains open-minded and open-hearted. If these are part of a spiritual person’s practices then they will naturally lead without harm or violence. They will love their people and the people will love them. The hidden virtue is the ability to control one’s self.

Diana has the strength and power. She could easily be a butcher or a tyrant. She fights these desires. She controls her actions. She continues to look at what is right and needed for the good of all. Wonder Woman remains true to her mission … LOVE.

“A tyrannical Wonder Woman and a vain Wonder Woman! Who knows what harm they can do while they’re free? I must Stop them! If I can turn the personality scrambler on them – reverse its power they’ll merge with me and I’ll have them under control again.” *

“It’s not about deserve, it’s about what you believe. And I believe in Love.” *

When ask to lead the spiritual person will protect the people will keep the people clothed and fed. Their purpose will be the people. It is their job -- their mission. It is not about control or ruling it is nurturing growth and creating a community and a family.

Can you coax your mind from its wandering and keep to the original oneness? Can you let your body become supple as a newborn child's? Can you cleanse your inner vision until you see nothing but the light? Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will? Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from you own mind and thus understand all things?

Giving birth and nourishing, having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control: this is the supreme virtue. *

From different translations the Tao speaks of the Supreme Virtue, Hidden Virtue, the Mysterious Virtue and Dark Te. “Te” meaning virtue in the ancient Taoist texts by Lao Tzu. “Dark Te” the inner most part of the persons soul. The persons deepest part that no one sees. The Tao is teaching us where the Virtue comes from. The beginnings of virtue. Virtue just like a novice at spiritual practices finds mystery and doubt. Only in practice do they begin to grow and find the faith and belief. The birth of virtue comes from keeping the desires in balance, controlling the character assets and defects and remaining open-minded and open-hearted.

Diana’s mission and her conviction is the birth of her virtue, it is not her strength and power. Her virtue gave birth to her strength and power. What we find great in Wonder woman did not come from “the gods” but from the virtue she carries inside her heart. She did not want to be the Wonder Woman. Rather she was placed on this path for whatever reason and it is her virtue that keeps her on her path.

“…Diana of Themyscira proved the most illuminating among the female of the species, it is she who sets the standards. A powerful warrior. It is NOT her physical strength which defines her. Rather it is her embodiment of the Absolute Truth that makes her what she is … An Irresistible Force.” *

* “Gods and Monsters”, Wonder Woman #139, DC Comics, December 1998

* “Three Fantastic Faces of Wonder Woman”, Wonder Woman #165, DC Comics, October 1966

* Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins (Director). Alan Heinberg (Screenplay) Wonder Woman (2017). United States: Warner Bros.

*Tao Teh Ching, A New English Version, translated by Stephen Mitchell, Harperenial Modern Classics, Harper Collins Publishers, 1988

* “The Thin Gold Line”, Wonder Woman Annual #8, DC Comics, September 1999

Chapter Eleven, The Empty Space

“Thirty spokes converge upon a single hub: It is on the hole in the center that the use of the cart hinges. We make a vessel from a lump of clay: It is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful. We make doors and windows for a room: But it is the empty spaces that make the room livable. Thus, while the tangible has advantages, it is the intangible that makes it useful.” *

The tangible is form from the intangible. The beginning of all came from nothing. What we perceive as useful comes from nothing. An empty room is not useful until furniture arrives and people move in beginning to use the room. A cup has no purpose until it is filled with water.

The spiritual life is the same. The spiritual path is the same. When the spiritual person lets go of all there is then he can begin to be filled. Seeking emptiness is the way of spirituality. Only in the emptiness the fathomless bowl can be filled. The more knowledge we gain the less we know. The more we learn the less answers are received. The emptiness of meditation brings the peace and serenity that fills soul. The more we do and do - the less space there is to be filled.

“So, if you consider your own wisdom nothing, then you’ll be informed of all sorts of good things from outside. This is why Lao-tzu regards empty nothing-ness as the Way.” *

Diana was formed out of clay and given life by the gods. Like a clay bowl she was empty. In her life on Paradise Island, she was filled with knowledge, creativity, ability, power and strength. She was ready to receive more. It wasn’t until she left Themyscira that she realized how empty she truly was and began to be filled. she regarded her life as just that life – she knew every person, animal, and patron gods. She did not perceive her life as boring or empty because she did not know more. But as she moved away from Paradise Island she began to learn and grow in ways she never experienced.

“” You’re Wonder Woman!

“My name is Diana.”

“My name’s Raquel.”

“Thank you for speaking with me, Raquel. You’re not afraid of me?”

“Not Really.”

“What are you eating?... HM. Ice Cream is Wonderful.”” *

It is how we chose to fill our “empty space”. We all fight the “do and do”. We go hither and thither everywhere. The key is to have a focus. When the work is done retire. The key is to find that space to relax. Finding the goal and purpose is it for fame and glory, power and prestige or is it for peace and serenity or LOVE. Peace and Love take no space in our lives but the search for power and prestige takes more and more space.

“Warriors who fight for themselves, for fame, personal revenge – no matter how skilled – they lead glorious but SHORT lives. Those who have endured… well, Diana, I find it is because the MUST endure. They live and fight for something bigger than themselves.” *

Diana fights for Peace and Love. She fights for those that cannot fight for themselves. She shows comfort for those that need comfort. Her life is filled with the service for others. Her fathomless inner space is being filled with LOVE and Peace and Comfort. She finds she has enough to share with others.

“I certainly understand the power of Comfort.” *

“Clay. And then Gaia retrieved a lost spirit from the well of souls… the gods bestowed their gifts upon me and I became flesh. An agent of peace…giver of love.” *

*Tao Teh Ching, by Lao Tzu, translated by John C. H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2003

*Tao Teh Ching, Zen Teachings on the Taoist Classic, by Takuan Soho, translated by Thomas Cleary, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2010

* Justice League Volume 1 Origin, Dc Comics, 2012 Originally published in single magazine form in Justice League #1-6, 2011-2012

* “Generations”, Sensation Comics featuring Wonder Woman #6, DC Comics, March 2015

* “Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth”, November 2001, DC Comics

* “Legends”, Wonder Woman One Million, DC Comics, September 1998

Chapter Twelve, The Five Colors

“Because the truth is: being true to yourself is never wrong.” *

Diana has received criticism for what she says, the ideals she stands for, how she fights and even the way she dresses. Her mission is clear, that never falters. She stands for love and peace. She will fight for love and peace. She holds truth as the key to reach these goals of Love and Peace.

“

“Role Models? Look, I’ve seen showgirls with more modesty than this so-called Wonder Woman.” *

“Ha-ha… Embrace your truth my friend. My outfit makes me feel powerful too.” *

We often look at the outside and the differences but, on the inside, we are all the same. We have the same feelings, the same emotions, and the same reactions. Most of the hatred in the world is because of physical differences. The problems are because people have bodies and want to care for them – the physical health takes president over the emotional or spiritual. Even when spiritual disputes arise the problem is how the message is presented rather than the message shared. When we focus on what is within, we do not care what is on the outside.

“Once again, I was mystified at how someone’s perception of me could be so wrong, and my kindly effort so completely misinterpreted.” *

It is in Wonder Woman’s mission for Peace and Love she finds her strength. It is in her defense for the Truth that she finds her compassion and power. It is in her differences that she finds the tolerance for others. Diana then offers acceptance and understanding to all. It is in her actions that she can teach others her lessons.

My real victory is in the lives that have been spared. For where there is life there is the chance for new ideas, tolerance, and understanding.” *

The Taoist believe that the inside is what is important. We are all the same on the inside. The Taoist seeks emptiness. The Taoist seeks the calm and peace – the desire less. These are difficult ideas. Humans want to be found pretty and attractive. Humans seek that which is pretty and attractive. They always want to hear beautiful words and sweet sounds. Humans what to taste the delicious always. The drive to make more money or to have the latest technology makes life difficult. The drive to acquire these is the root of evil and cause for problems and crimes. These desires are the cause of hatred and war.

“The five colors blind the eye. The five tones deafen the ear. The five flavors cloy the palate. Racing and hunting madden the mind. Rare goods tempt men to do wrong. Therefore, the Sage takes care of the belly, not the eye. He prefers what is within to what is without.” *

The physical, spiritual and the emotional health is the key to any spiritual practice. Therefore, it is better to focus on the Balance of self – Physical, Spiritual and Emotional. To focus on the self is a greater journey than seeking to acquire “things”. The self will be realized. The self will shine brightly without being polished. People will see the truth, no matter how the outside looks or acts. The truth will be reflected. Wonder Woman’s truth is reflected. Diana’s Peace is shown. Diana’s Love is felt.

“When I devote myself to saving a life, I find a reason to live.” *

* “Defender of Truth”, Sensation Comics featuring Wonder Woman #1, DC Comics, October 2014

* “Eclipsed”, Justice League, Season 2 Episode 13, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, November 8, 2003, Glorious Gordon Godfrey voiced by Enrico Colantoni

* “Justice League: War”, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Release date 2014

* “Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth”, November 2001, DC Comics

*Tao Teh Ching, by Lao Tzu, translated by John C. H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2003

* “Godwar: Retreat” Wonder Woman #148 September 1999, DC Comics

Chapter Thirteen, Prize Calamities

“Poverty is not a disgrace, but it’s terribly inconvenient” – Milton Berle

Disgrace is nothing to be ashamed of and favor is nothing to desire. Our bodies bring about the favors and the disgraces. We only see them as such because we are human. If we had no body, we would not know favor or disgrace. They both bring about changes in our lives. The lessons each bring are to be cherished and honored. As Lao Tzu would say, “Welcome disgrace as a pleasant surprise. Prize calamities as your own body.” *

“Favor and disgrace are like fear. Honor and distress are like the self. What does that mean? Favor debases us. Afraid when we get it, afraid when we lose it. The self-embodies distress. Respect the world as yourself: the world can be your lodging. Love the world as yourself: the world can be your trust.” *

Therefore, our bodies – ourselves bring about calamities, disgrace, fame, and favor. We worry about them and we search for them. Our bodies and soon our spirits become embedded with the fear of the hunt. In the hunt we begin to attempt to rule the world – making it our own. Forgetting the needs of others. Disgracing and favoring others. We seek to control that which is uncontrollable. When we can free ourselves from the worry and the desire then we can truly feel freedom. We begin to let go of the control. We begin to see all people are on the same path. They to have the same fears and favors. Only in respecting the body as a temple in Balance (physical, spiritual, and emotional) can we begin to see that we are part of the world. We begin to love the world and not the body. And in loving the world as the body, heart and soul can we be given the opportunities to become part of the world, a citizen of the world. Then do we begin to trust the world and become entrusted with world.

“To want to rule the world is to want to pamper this body. When you don’t prize this body, you don’t want to rule the world.” *

“Power without self-control tears a girl to pieces!” *

Diana is favored by the gods, imbued with the gifts of beauty, strength, speed, and wisdom from the gods and is the champion known as Wonder Woman. However, Wonder Woman is still human and falls prey to some of the desires and fears of humans because she has a body. She acknowledges beauty and ugliness. There have been times she has fallen out of favor with the gods, who give her the power and the humans she’s sworn to protect. But these disgraces do not follow, and she does not let it stop her. She accepts the disgraces as part of her body and the favors also as part of her body to continue to fight the good fight.

“But there is no evil here but which you bring in yourself.” *

Through her mission of love, Diana, Wonder Woman, becomes one of the stewards of the world. Diana has no room for fame and glory. The disgraces she has suffered only makes her stronger. Her life is filled with the lessons that make her better. She cares not for her body but for the goodness of others. In caring for her body, she cares for the world. The Amazons train their bodies daily. The seek perfect physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Diana finds her Balance not for the body but for Love, Peace, Truth, Understanding and Acceptance. Any favor she finds is only makes her love stronger. The disgrace she endures only gives her the courage to give love to others. As Diana does more for the world and the people, she protects the more her love grows.

“Trust to love. Yes” *

“Only he who can do it with love is worthy of being the steward of the world.” *

*Tao Teh Ching, by Lao Tzu, translated by John C. H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2003

*Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2007

*Tao Teh Ching, Zen Teachings on the Taoist Classic, by Takuan Soho, translated by Thomas Cleary, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2010

*“The Unbounded Amazon”, Sensation Comics #19, DC Comics July 1943

*“Wonder Woman: The Circle”, Wonder Woman vol. 3, #14-17, DC Comics, January-April 2008

*Tao Teh Ching, by Lao Tzu, translated by John C. H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2003

Chapter Fourteen, Look, Listen, Reach

“Scent is the soul of a flower, and sea flowers, as splendid as they may be, have no soul!” Jules Verne, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Wonder Woman’s origin is phenomenal and unbelievable. Diana was formed out of clay and given life from the pantheon of gods. She is as beautiful as Aphrodite, wise as Athena, Stronger than Hercules and Swifter than Mercury. Raised on an island of warrior women as their princess. Surrounded by mystical beasts and occasionally mythical gods. She has journeyed to Mount Olympus to speak with Zeus. She knows Egyptian gods Bast and Horus, the Hindu God Shiv as well as Kane, the Hawaiian god of the sun and sky.

How are we as human able to believe these fantastical ideas? The same way we believe the idea of any religion – with faith. Diana’s faith is easy – her gods appear to her regularly. She will sit and communicate with them. For us we are left with much less. All we have is faith. Faith is real, but it is also fleeting. Like a scent of a flower it can be gone with the wind. We must work to keep it.

“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.” *

Lao Tzu is speaking of faith. The idea of faith is often mesmerizing and unbelievable. Faith can be unseen unheard and untouched, but people still have faith. Faith can only be poorly described. No one can understand faith until it is experienced. According to the devote faith has always been and will always be. Faith is everlasting. Faith is good and strong, but it is also best to see the world for what it is – a home. The Tao suggests keeping the faith but also live in the present. Live by your prayers. Practice your spiritual life but know that at any moment the world can change and all you will have is your faith.

“And then the time for words was done. A speechless cacophony. The orchestra of war. And the cries of the wounded, who face the cost of their aggression and the heedless hatred at last. At such times, only the prayer of a soldier will suffice. And so, it is, among the blood and tears, that I practice my faith.” *

Diana lives by the same idea. In times of battle all she has is her strength and will, those gifts awarded to her by the gods. If she is truly living in the moment – living in the present, her true power comes from herself and her mission. Her desire to spread peace and truth through LOVE.

* http://www.wussu.com/laotzu/laotzu14.html, Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English, Lao Tsu - Tao Te Ching, Wildwood House 1991, first published 1972

*“Wonder Woman: The Circle”, Wonder Woman vol. 3, #14-17, DC Comics, January-April 2008

Chapter Fifteen, The Profound

“The truth is that you already are what you are seeking.” Adyashanti

Those that practice a spiritual life are often found to be a mystery. We do not understand why the wake up early to meditate. The idea of not using alcohol, or even sugar can befuddle the healthiest. Having a “low paying” job because it makes someone happy can be confusing. But that is exactly how the true masters of spirituality are considered.

“The ancients who followed Tao: dark, wonderous, profound, penetrating. Deep beyond knowing. Because they cannot be known, they can only be described. Cautious, like crossing a winter stream. Hesitant, like respecting one’s neighbors. Polite, like a guest. Yielding, like ice about to melt. Blank, like uncarved wood. Open, like a valley. Mixing freely, like muddy water. Calm the muddy water, it becomes clear. Move the inert, it comes to life. Those who sustain Tao do not wish to be full. Because they do not wish to be full they can fade away without further effort.” *

Those ancients were happy in their lives. They knew who they were and how to live their lives because they practiced a spiritual life. Their lives were easy and difficult in many ways. Very similar to our lives today. When we are practicing a spiritual life, and following the heart’s truest desire the world will open to us and we find all that what we need will be our desire. We will always find difficulties – these make us human and gives us reasons to practice the spiritual life. We will always find successes for these cause us to question the spiritual life. “Because they do not wish to be full they can fade away without further effort.” What happens when we are full after a big meal? We push away from the table. For a while after the big meal we are heavy, bloated and sated. We do not wish to do a thing. The spiritual life gives a reason and the means to remain empty. We become like the fathomless bowel. In contradiction, the same can be said about staying so empty that we just float away without remembering what it is like to remain human. The true spiritual life keeps us human with our heads in the clouds and our feet firmly on the ground.

“Into this tortured, upside-down world pf men, torn by hatreds, war and destruction, comes Wonder Woman, a powerful being of light and happiness. She comes from Paradise Island, the home of the Amazons, where life is eternal, where sorrow and suffering are unknown and where love and justice make women strong beyond the dreams of men.” *

Here like the ancients we can only describe Wonder Woman. She is a mystery to us all. Yes, we may know her backstory and her history. but we do not know her spiritual life. We know her prayers and patrons. We know her gifts and feats. But we do not know her feelings or inner thoughts unless she shares decides to share them. But even then, we can only describe what we know. She can never fully describe to us what she knows. Yes, as her story plays out before us we can see what is happening, but these are just images, like photos in an album.

“so often we spend our time defending other people…other races…it feels wonderful to have helped build something for a change. I can’t explain why…” *

*Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2007

*“Dr. Poison”, Sensation Comics, #2, DC Comics, February 1942

* “JLA: Heaven’s Ladder” #1, DC Comics, 2001

Chapter Sixteen, The Emptiness

“Why oh why must it be this way

Before you can read me you gotta learn how to see me, I said

Free your mind and the rest will follow

Be color blind, don’t be shallow.” *

Diana being from a Paradise Island, Themyscira – an island of only women. She practices a different spirituality that normal folk do not understand. Her clothing disturbs people. Finally, Diana is a being of mythology created by the gods to protect and serve. With all this against her by “normal” standards no wonder she keeps an opened mind. She recognizes her differences and therefore is opened to the oddities of others. She practices acceptance easily. When times are difficult, she will return to her teachings and her mission. Her mind will empty, and her heart will be full. Wonder woman will continue to live and grow and teach.

“Attain complete Emptiness, Hold fast to stillness.

The ten thousand things stir about: I only watch for their going back.

Things grow and grow, but each goes back to the root.

Going back to the root is stillness.

This means returning to what is.

Returning to what is means going back to the ordinary.

Understanding the ordinary: Enlightenment

Not understanding the ordinary: Blindness creates evil.

Understanding the ordinary: Mind opens.

Mind opens leads to compassion,

Compassion to nobility, Nobility to heavenliness, Heavenliness to Tao.

Tao endures

Your body dies

There is no danger.” *

The Tao speaks of the emptiness of the spiritual life. When we empty ourselves, we can therefore, fill ourselves with the spiritual life. In the emptiness we find an opened mind. With the coming of an opened-mind we find an opened-heart. With the opened heart we find enlightenment and our eyes are opened finally. Practicing the spiritual life, we will grow into different people. We will become different. We find compassion and with compassion comes the spirituality. With the enduring spiritual life there is no fear and we find peace - even if the body dies. Thus, we all return to the roots.

“I believe everyone has faith in different things. Even if that faith might differ from mine… If I want to be an ambassador to the world, I must be open-minded to the diverse beliefs.” *

The roots are the place of origin. The place from which we evolved. The place that is the beginning – the nothingness. In returning to our roots we notice the changes. In returning to our roots we are reminded of our struggle and our mission. In returning to our roots we find our faith. That nothingness from which the roots lay is the foundation of a spiritual life. The recovering addict must return to the place of addiction to find true serenity. In going back, we realized how simple the truth is and ordinary we are to the world. Everyone has the same potential. Everyone can reach the same mountain peak. In recognizing we all come from the same roots, spiritually, everyone can reach the same “nobility” and the same “heavenliness”. We are all spiritual beings reaching the same plateaus. The spiritual will endure.

“If you forget your roots, you’ve lost sight of everything.” Walter Payton

“It is only when you realize your nothingness, your emptiness, that God can fill you with himself.” Mother Teresa

The emptiness can be obtained. The sages suggest meditation. Emptiness can be achieved in stillness. Many people just sit quietly. Daily mental house cleaning will relieve our “crowded spaces”. To the Tao the daily practice of letting something go helps clean the mind. To find the emptiness we must return to our roots to clear the mind. The spiritual path is a winding road that seems to move in a circle. The path circles but the journey is fulfilling.

“The usefulness of a cup is in the emptiness.” Taoist Proverb

* Free Your Mind, by En Vogue, written by Gerald Edward Levert, Denzil Delano Foster & Thomas Mcelroy, Copyright Sony, Publishing LLC Universal Music Publishing Group

*Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2007

*“Ghosts and Gods” Sensation Comics #4, DC Comics, January 2015

Chapter Seventeen, The Next to Come

“When a great man rules, the people are hardly aware of his existence. A ruler who is merely good wins the affection and praise of his subjects. A common ruler is feared by his subjects, and an unworthy ruler is despised.”

When a ruler lacks faith so will the people.

How carefully a wise ruler chooses his words; how simple are his actions. Under such a ruler, the people think they are ruling themselves.” *

There are several types of people in charge – those loved and admired, those liked, those that are tolerated and finally those feared and despised. It is always better to step out of the box and seek to be kind. To be caring and to show others the way through compassion, mercy, and trust. Over history we have seen governments rise and fall simply through the rulers in charge. The greatest leaders will recognize that the people are the commodity and will treat the whole people as treasures. The greatest rulers know the people will only need them to protect the people. A leader will know how to follow, to step behind the people and be humble by their accomplishments.

“When a ruler lacks faith so will the people.” When a ruler shows a lack of humility or faith so will the people. Just like the ruler the people will become grandiose and controlling. They will become hoarders. Accumulating objects and fine goods, the technological wonders. Their homes will be full, but the fields will be empty. The poor will remain poor and the rich will want more.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women” Maya Angelou

Queen Hippolyta is a ruler that the people love and praise. They will do for her whatever she desires. The amazons also turn to her for direction and inspiration. She and her amazons were slaves and held at the mercy of men. Hippolyta rose freed herself and defeated Heracles. Then in turn freed her fellow women. The Goddesses gave the amazons, Themyscira, Paradise Island for a new home. Away from the desires and trials of men’s world. Hippolyta was also a slave with these women she knew their struggles. She walks the same path with her amazon sisters. She gives them the autonomy to seek their own desires and fulfillment. But she also keeps them safe and protected. She will be the first to put on the battle armor to revolt against the foe. She will also be the first to lower a hand of compassion for a fallen sister. Hippolyta will trust her sisters fully and passionately. She is an amazon first. She is their sister before she is their queen. This woman, the Amazon Queen, Hippolyta, is Diana’s inspiration and teacher.

“Go in peace, my daughter. And remember that, in a world of ordinary mortals, you are a Wonder Woman.” *

Diana will often fall to her mother’s example. She will keep faith. Diana will trust her mission. She will turn to love. She will lower her for compassion. She will always fight with honor, but she will also fight to win. When she is forced into the leadership role, Diana, will always give the plan and allow her team to complete their missions with the autonomy needed. She will show her fellows the same love and compassion she shows her sisters. When her fellows fall short, she will not let them fail. She will step into the role of powerful warrior. “You are a warrior, not a child, act like it…now follow me to victory.” *

A true leader or hero does not seek to be inspiring. It just happens. Wonder Woman recognizes her gifts, and she knows that in circumstances she becomes an inspiration. But she does not step into that role freely. She only seeks to complete her mission. “We were blessed with many gifts Clark…we can both leap tall buildings and race locomotives, but you were given one gift that I do not have…you can write. We both need someone to tell the world what we’re doing…. Anyone can be a hero by offering four simple words: How can I help?” * Those are her simple words – How can I help? Diana understands, like her mother, the impact those simple words hold in someone’s life.

“It’s a tremendous responsibility to shape another girl’s life and I must do it right!” *

*Tao Teh Ching, The Book of the Way, by Lao Tzu, translated by Dwight Goddard (1919), revised and edited by Sam Torode, Ancient Renewal, Middleton Delaware, 2015

* “The New Original Wonder Woman” Douglas S Cramer Company, Warner Bros. Television ABC, Release date November 7, 1975

* “Justice League: War”, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Release date 2014

* “A Day in Our Lives”, Sensation Comics featuring Wonder Woman #16, DC Comics, January 2016

* “Ordeal of Fire”, Wonder Woman #4, DC Comics, March 1943

Chapter Eighteen, The Great Hypocrisy

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” *

Fear & doubt is always present. Hypocrisy is a person’s fear and doubt not allowing them to be truly authentic. We all are afraid and doubt – this is what makes us become hypocrites. It is a natural progression. Fear and doubt always stand behind the curtain. Isaac Bashevis Singer was quoted, “Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.” It is natural. How can we face fear and doubt and still live authentic lives?

“Great Tao rejected: Benevolence and righteousness appear. Learning and knowledge professed: Great hypocrites spring up. Family relations forgotten: Filial piety and affection arise. The nation disordered: Patriots come forth.” *

Truly practicing a spiritual life there is no need for fear and doubt. When we are being our authentic selves, there is no need to worry what people think or will say. But the moment we start to worry we turn to righteousness focusing on the sins committed and regret surrounding them. We seek to be benevolent for in giving to others we are forgiven, and we step out of ourselves. But the people around us also see how great and kind we are. The focus is no longer on our authentic selves. When we continue to focus on our regrets brought about by our fear and doubt, we then begin to point out the negativity in others. Pulling the focus away from us even more. Continuing to live a life fused with fear and doubt will begin to tear a family apart. If everything is right on the outside, they will never know how we truly feel. The fear and doubt surround us, and it spreads to others. Sound more and more people are surrounded by fear and doubt. We start to find more and more people that continue to pull us from our authentic selves and fuel the fear and doubt.

With fear and doubt always being part of us it is like fighting ourselves. It is exactly like that. To truly practice a spiritual life is to continue to change and grow. To find our authentic selves and to nurture that growth.

“So, I’m my own rival, eh? That’s funny.” *

Wonder Woman recognizes, and she has experienced the fear and doubt. She is often criticized for being scantily dressed and preaching ideas of non-Christian behavior. This comes from people that do not know her. They are stuck in their own fear and doubt unable to open the mind and heart to different viewpoints. Diana however remains focused on her mission. She is practicing her true authentic self. She is lucky to have her golden lasso and whomever is bound by it reveals their truth. Diana will bind herself with her own truth. She is in constant contact with her own truth.

“Tell me your inner truth! The power of the golden lasso compels you!” *

“Oh, I’ll be fine. We have an understanding. My lasso and I. We understand that would-be conquerors like you are doomed to fail.” *

* “The Wizard of Oz”, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), August 25, 1939

*Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2007

“Wonder Woman Comes to America”, Sensation Comics #1, DC Comics, January 1942

“Attack of the 500-foot Wonder Woman” Sensation Comics, #4, DC Comics, 2015

“Attack of the 500-foot” Wonder Woman” Sensation Comics, #4, DC Comics, 2015

“Ghosts and Gods” Wonder Woman” Sensation Comics, #4, DC Comics, 2015