The Tao of Wonder Woman — Richard Kightlinger

Chapter Twenty-Nine, The World As We Know It

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.” *

The Earth travels a given path. It will travel that path. It will not deviate from that path – the slightest deviation will cause countless disasters. When that comes in mind here on Earth we experience a glorious spectacle, the turning of the seasons, the changing of weather and the cycles of life. From a spectator view it has got to be wonderful to watch. Our home is beautiful, seen from outer space. It is beautiful here on earth as well. The continual movement on its path is part of the reason the Earth is so beautiful. This is the reason we have the seasons, the tides, the weather, and the life cycle. For whatever reason when these are disrupted, the world seems to lose some grandeur in our eyes.

A war can destroy a beautiful landscape. Factories and cars with bellowing smog can destroy our beautiful sky and air. The prize hunting and killing caused by humans can end all sorts of life cycles. Look at how many animals are on the endangered species list. Look at how many animals no longer exist. Humans trying to control the world wreak havoc on the Earth. The follower of the spiritual path does not seek to control the world. The world follows its given path. Let the world follow its own path. We, in turn, should follow our own path as well. Taking only what we need and leaving the rest.

The spiritual follower will avoid the need to hunt for prizes. Avoid the need to have more and more. Avoid creating waste. Will avoid making war. The Earth, our home, is a peaceful place. Creating and sustaining peace is our goal. The best way to do that is to follow the same spiritual path the Earth follows.

"Conquering the world and changing it, I do not think it can succeed. The world is a sacred vessel that cannot be changed. He who changes it will destroy it. He who seizes it will lose it. So, among all things, some lead and some follow, some sigh and some pant, some are strong, and some are weak, some overcome, and some succumb. Therefore, the sage avoids extremity, excess, and extravagance." *

Following her spiritual path, Diana has developed her own peace with the World. She respects the earth, the animals, and the people. Her path dictates that she is a protector of the earth. She teaches us the same. Respect the world, respect the animals, respect the people. Showing LOVE will bring Peace… “If you need to stop an asteroid, you call Superman. If you need to solve a mystery, you call Batman. But if you need to end a war, you call Wonder Woman.” (Gail Simone)

One of Diana’s gifts we forget is her ability to communicate with the animal kingdom. A person on a truly developed spiritual path can communicate with the earth in ways we, average spiritual followers, would not understand. She knows man and animal can live in peace. She understands that Nature is a force that cannot be defeated. In any battle Nature will always win. She also understands that humans too are a powerful force. Diana seeks to find peace between these two powerful forces.

“On our island we have achieved a harmonious balance between nature and technology. As well as between our souls and our bodies. That same potential exists within every soul in the mortal world, but few have been able to find that balance. I hope that my presence among mortals will help them realize that potential. That is, if they will listen to me.” *

“I will always be Wonder Woman when the need arises. And I’m sure that before long, the fates will conspire to create another dire situation that only the Princess of the amazons can handle. Until then, a new role awaits me. That of an ordinary woman without title or trappings, who strives to do her best. Armed with only a loving heart and a deep belief in the sometimes hidden, but always inherent, goodness of the people around her. The better to earn a place for myself in Man’s…in the Human World.” *

* Ecclesiastes #:1-8, King James Bible, Version (1611)

*Tao Te Ching: The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained, Lao Tzu (author) Stefan Stenudd (author), Arriba (February 6, 2011)

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

Chapter Thirty, No Need For Weapons

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” Albert Einstein

“Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Ronald Reagan

Why use weapons? Using weapons will bring on war. Where there is war all sorts of problems arise. Violence will always lead to more violence. Loss is prevalent. There will be long lasting wounds. It is better to seek peace first and foremost. A man of Tao knows the world and its cycles. He knows he cannot control the world. He knows he cannot control people. He needs no approval and does not try to convince others or dominate his fellows. He believes in himself and seeks to accept all and they naturally accept him. There is no need to force others through violence.

Peace seeking is the best practice.

“Use Tao to help rule people. This world has no need for weapons, which soon turn on themselves. Where armies camp, nettles grow; after each war, years of famine. The most fruitful outcome does not depend on force, but succeeds without arrogance; without hostility, without pride, without resistance, without violence. If these things prosper and grow old, this is called not-Tao. Not-Tao soon ends.” *

Diana fights for peace. She would rather extend the hand of peace first. She would rather build than tear down. She wants to rid the world of war. She wants to protect the innocent.

“We fight the same fight. But our methods make us enemies. And our beliefs allow no compromise… We are the people we profess to lecture. We are every boastful country, every raging unbending zealot. Every timid man frightened of his neighbor. Must we be those foolish people, brother? … Let’s wage an absence of war.” *

“Could we have learned at last? That leading a people isn’t a matter of giving orders…but of winning hearts and that is enough responsibility for any faithful daughter!” *

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

* “Warkiller: Heart of Fire” Part 1 of 4, Wonder Woman #136 November 2009, DC Comics

* “Warkiller: Dawn Before Darkness” Finale, Wonder Woman #139 November 2010, DC Comics

Chapter Thirty-One, Avoid Weapons

“Guns make small men feel big.” Oliver Gaspirtz

“I used to want to save the world. To end war and bring peace to mankind. But then, I glimpsed the darkness that lives within their light. I learned that inside every one of them, there will always be both. The choice each must make for themselves - something no hero will ever defeat. I've touched the darkness that lives in between the light. Seen the worst of this world, and the best. Seen the terrible things men do to each other in the name of hatred, and the lengths they'll go to for love. Now I know. Only love can save this world. So, I stay. I fight, and I give... for the world I know can be. This is my mission, now. Forever.” *

Wonder Woman weapons are used defensively. Her bracelets protect her and can create a force that will knock any foe gaining an advantage. They are her shield. The lasso is a weapon to confine the enemy and hopefully bring an end to the battle by showing the truth within the one bound. When using swords, spears and maces Diana will parry attacks looking for the more advantage and strategic use of her natural strength. She will only use them offensively as a last resort. Her goal is to quickly end altercations so that peace can be found. She will enter any situation with an open hand of peace first. Her goal is always love first. Diana recognizes that her use of weapons and her presence alone can cause people to fight or to take the defensive. She recognizes that all people have that desire cause evil. It is part of being human. To speak for love – to fight for love means to give a hand of love first. Diana sets the example. She extends the hand of love and peace before she strikes.

“Weapons are the tools of violence: all decent men detest them. Weapons are the tools of fear; a decent man will avoid them except in the direst of necessity and if compelled, will use them only with utmost restraint. Peace is his highest value. If the peace has been shattered how can he be content? His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. He doesn’t wish them personal harm. Nor does he rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men? He enters a battle gravely, with sorrow and with great compassion, as if he were attending a funeral.” *

Weapons do nothing. Weapons do not cause the pain and suffering. Man causes the pain and suffering by using the weapons. Owning, displaying and carrying weapons will only cause thoughts of using the weapons. The more thoughts arise the more need for weapons arise.

Man has the desire to cause evil. It is in our nature. Therefore, we seek spiritual lives. Lives imbedded with peace and love so that we would be no need weapons. Those that seek love and peace avoid weapons.

When we recognize each other as spiritual brothers and sisters there is no need for weapons and war. We are brothers and sisters. We are one and the same with the same desires, needs, and feelings. Our journeys may be different, but our paths are the same. There is no need for weapons and should be avoided. If by any change a need for a weapon arises after its use the victor should morn the use of the weapon. The shattered peace must be quickly restored.

“Only love can save this world.” *

*Gadot, Gal, perf. “Wonder Woman” Dir. Patty Jenkins. Warner Bros., 2017

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

*Gadot, Gal, perf. “Wonder Woman” Dir. Patty Jenkins. Warner Bros., 2017

Chapter Thirty-Two, No Name

“Just because you know my name doesn’t mean you know my name.” Anonymous

“If I’m gonna tell a real story, I’m gonna start with my name.” Kendrick Lamar

Before there were people there were no names. Nothing was named. The Tao just followed its path with names, and all was good. There was no description, no size, and no color. There was peace.

There is power in a name. Humans came and needed power, so names were created. Influence can be made in names, descriptions, and labels. When humans can live without names then peace and love can be established. The humans followed the nameless Tao, the spiritual path, then all would be well-mannered guests. There would be no need for conflict. All would be provided, and all would be received. Without names and descriptions, the spiritual is received. The spiritual is found. The spiritual is easily practiced. There is no need for a name to live spiritually. To center your life on the path, on the way there is no need for names or descriptions.

“The Way, as the Eternal, has no name. Though according to Its nature, It is without size, the whole world could not overcome it. When princes and kings follow It, all beings submit themselves to them. Then will Heaven and Earth unite to send down sweet dew, and the peoples will enter peace without being commanded. When the Way became differentiated, It took a name. When this name established, men must learn to become stable. He who is stable is free from peril. The Way extends throughout the universe. As streams and torrents of the mountains return to the rivers and the seas (so all beings return to the way).” *

Diana has been given names (The Amazing Amazon, Amazon Princess, Diana, Daughter of Hippolyta). She has also been called the Goddess of Truth and the Goddess of War. Her secret identity is Diana Prince. She has been a nurse and a secret agent. Diana has also been described in less than flattering ways, “Role models? Look, I’ve seen showgirls with more modesty than this so-called Wonder Woman.” * “You swing that sword with a smile, and you scare normal people. And you dress like a whore.” * But Diana does not care about her descriptions or titles. She is secure with herself and in her spiritual life. How she looks and how she dresses should not matter. What truare matters is how she acts. How she treats and protects all people is what matters to her. The clothing, the armor is used as tools to protect her body. They are used to fitting in to man’s world that does not understand her. They are not needed to be her description.

“It is a glorious thing, but it is still a possession. You are my sister. And all the gifts from the gods that have ever been aren’t worth a strand of your hair.” *

“You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.” The Upanishads

All Diana ever cares about is her deeds and actions. How she treats people and how she protects them. Her mission is her description and her name.

*The Tao Te Ching Lao Tzu’s Book of The Way and of Righteousness, Lao Tzu (author), Translation & Commentary by Charles Johnston, Serialized in Theosophical Quarterly, 1921-23, Kshetra Books, By Jon w. Fergus, 2016

* “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

* “Warkiller: Of Two Minds” Part 2 of 4, Wonder Woman #137 December 2009, DC Comics