The Tao of Wonder Woman — Richard Kightlinger

Chapter Fifty, Indestructible

“It is said that he who knows well how to live meets no tigers or wild buffalos on the road and comes out from the battle-ground untouched by weapons of war.” *

The hope is, if we live a life free from temptation and negativity, that nothing bad will happen to us. Well educated people know this is not true. Friends and family get sick and die. Car accidents happen, there are tornados and hurricanes or earthquakes that cause mass destruction. But in all these situations our positive outlook can and will remind us that life is still good and worth living. Yes, we cry, feel the pain, and suffer but when we reach the other side – life is still worth living.

“Those who leave the womb at birth and those who enter their source at death, of these; three out of ten celebrate life, three out of ten celebrate death, and three out of ten simply go from life to death. What is the reason for this? Because they are afraid of dying, therefore they cannot live. I have heard that those who celebrate life walk safely among the wild animals. When they go into battle, they remain unharmed. The animals find no place to attack them and the weapons are unable to harm them. Why? Because they can find no place for death in them.” *

The truth of the matter is no matter how easy our life is, no matter how difficult life is we all will die in the end. We are not free from pain and suffering. We are not free from joyous celebrations. When we celebrate life, we respect death. When death is feared life becomes difficult. On our journey we decide … are we following death or going toward life? This is our choice.

“…But my recent setbacks, losing some of those closest to me…this chaos that’s become my life has shown me, I need to refocus, to redefine. My mission must continue but not under your guidance or anyone else’s. The mission of Wonder Woman must be defined by Wonder Woman. I’ve been pulled in too many directions when my true compass should be my heart alone.” *

Diana’s journey can be remarkably like ours. There is turmoil and craziness. There is celebrations and successes. What is different is her craziness is times ten, but does she follow death or life? Diana can get struck by wild beasts feeling the pain of every blow. Just like us, after every battle she is changed. After every success she is changed. She decides to follow death or to follow life. Her decisions are her own to make. She decides her mission. Following the path that she is on – Diana will meet many “tigers and wild buffalos” and she will be changed. Many years ago, her decision to make her mission about Love and Truth clearly defines her choice in her heart. She makes it clear for us that her spiritual journey is her own to make. Her earthly journey ends when she does. Diana defines Wonder Woman in her own unique way.

No matter what we say or do we are on a spiritual journey. We follow the Tao no matter what we do or say. But we have a choice. The difference between the followers of death and life is the choice they make.

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

*Tao Te Ching - http://www.wright-house.com/religions/taoism/tao-te-ching.html

* “The Wild Hunt” Finale, Wonder Woman #750 March 2020, DC Comics

Chapter Fifty-One, Virtue and Vice

“Every being in the universe is an expression of the Tao. It springs into existence, unconscious, perfect, free….” *

Everything is born from nothing. It is to nothing we will return. All children born are perfect beings and are the expression of the Tao or God or the Universe…Love. In the womb the body is formed through the scientific circumstances that create life. Science dictates how the body grows. Birth, Life and Death is an expression of the Tao.

“Their reverence for the Way and the obedience to its power are unforced and always natural. For the Way gives them life; its power nourishes them, mothers, and feeds them, completes, and matures them, looks after them, protects them.” *

Left to just a spiritual life the body would grow to adulthood and soon would die. The body and child is a complete expression of the spiritual in physical form. Once born from the womb there is no sin, no hatred, and no prejudice. Then where does sin come from? To a child everything is good until one person says, “this is bad.” Then the child begins to learn the differences between “good and bad”. The environment teaches virtue and vice. All humans are born with the compacity for virtue and vice, but it is the environment that rears the children. What pulls humans away from the spiritual life? It is the material. It is the desire and temptation. It is fear. The absence of Love.

“Therefore, Tao bears them, and Te nurses them, rears them, raises them, shelters them, nurtures them, supports them, protects them, bears them without owning them, helps them without coddling them, rears them without ruling them.” *

Diana was born from nothing – mud. Her mother, Hippolyte wanted a child. So, she formed Diana from clay and asked the Gods to give her child life. Diana was born. She grew up on Themyscira, Paradise Island. An island of women. She had her mother; Hippolyte and every other woman was her community. Every woman was her mother and every woman were her sister. She was reared, raised, sheltered. nurtured, supported, protected, and helped without owning, coddling, or ruling by the Amazons. Diana was taught to Love, seek Truth and fight for Peace. She in turn teaches naturally the same virtues that were given to her from the environment where she was raised.

“A male hero, at best, lacks the qualities of maternal love and tenderness which are as essential to a normal child as the breath of life. Suppose your child's ideal becomes a superman who uses his extraordinary power to help the weak. The most important ingredient in the human happiness recipe still is missing -- love. It's smart to be strong. It's big to be generous. But it's sissified according to exclusively masculine rules, to be tender, loving, affectionate, and alluring.” *

“Nothing good is born from lies. And greatness is not what you think.” *

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

*Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, A Book about the Way and the Power of the Way, Translated by Ursula K LeGuin, Shambhala Publications, Boulder 2019

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

*William Moulton Marson, The Secret History of Wonder Woman, by Jill Lepore, Vintage Books, Random House LLC (October 2014)

"YouTube – Wonder Woman 1984 - Official Trailer." YouTube. Warner Bros. Pictures, Sunday, December 8, 2019

Chapter Fifty-Two, Shut the Doors

“All under Heaven have a common Beginning. This Beginning is the Mother of the world. Having known the Mother, we may proceed to know the children. Having known the children, we should go back and hold the Mother.” *

“…What’s the difference between a hero and a person who needs to be a hero? Who seeks out destruction so she can be a hero? Do you ever wonder that?” Areas to Wonder Woman *

The Amazons have lived on Themyscira, Paradise Island, for thousands of years. They lived in peace and harmony with nature and the world. The Amazons flourished. They found Balance, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The Amazons teach peace through perfection of mind, body, and spirit, but to have peace one must prepare for war. All that is asked of them is to have an open mind, an open heart, and to seek perfection. However, the Amazons did not always have Paradise Island. They began their lives in “man’s world” as slaves to the whims of men. When their freedom was achieved the Gods granted them a home to grow in peace and harmony. Hidden from the rest of the world. On Paradise Island the lived with no worries.

“Block all the passages! Shut all the doors! And to the end of your days you will not be worn out.” *

After, the impetuous Diana was born those doors flew open. Somehow Stephen Trevor was found on the Themysciran shores. Diana eventually left Themyscira and became Wonder Woman. Over the years since Diana’s departure, Paradise Island has been a battle ground to be destroyed and rebuilt. A great tourist attraction. A neutral place for dignitaries to discuss peace treaties. A place for young female heroes to learn the path of the Amazons.

“Open the passages! Multiply your activities! And to the end of your days you will remain helpless!” *

There could be many debates on this topic but the words teach us that as long as we keep to ourselves building our own lives and following the paths laid in front of us we will know peace and harmony. What is suggested is to not get involved in ways that are controlling and manipulative. Do not invite people in that can disrupt our harmony and peace. Do not go hither thither looking for activities or problems to solve. Living a maddening life of activities can invite stress and worry and the issues that accompany them. There are problems to solve, friends or strangers to help and protests to march for in our lives. Please solve, help, and march but do not let these pull you away from your spiritual journey. Remember these words, “All under Heaven have a common Beginning.” We all have a common beginning with the same needs and desires. When we remember that we can easily help our fellows without weakening our serenity.

“Seeing the small is called clarity; keeping flexible is called strength. Having used your light, return to that clarity, and you won’t leave trouble for yourself.” *

“No, I know the difference…It is the weight of our loses.” Wonder Woman in response to Areas *

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

* “The Interrogation”, Wonder Woman #750 March 2020, DC Comics

*Tao The Ching, 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

* “The Interrogation”, Wonder Woman #750 March 2020, DC Comics

Chapter Fifty-Three, Modesty

“…And what’s wrong with the way I dress!?” *

Diana has come under criticism for her costume on many occasions. Let us remember, however, it is armor made from magical metals and leather to be resistant and flexible. It is only worn when needed or at times of celebration or importance. Any other time her clothing is simple and comfortable. Also, the ancient Greeks wore little clothing, if any. Many of the athletic events were done in the nude. The only time armor was worn was during battles in which weapons were used. Only men of a certain age wore clothing. Women wore clothing because of their cycles but most of the time breasts were exposed. Diana has the same philosophy. When she is at home her clothing is simple and easily worn. Modesty for Wonder Woman is not to be confused with shame. Modesty is being comfortable in her own skin. When she is not adorned in her battle armor, she wants the world to see her as just one of the girls – sisters. She wants to be comfortable. Just like we do when we are at home or with friends.

Diana’s path is clear. It is straight forward but still can be difficult and steep. Her goal is visible. From a certain point of view, it may seem as though she is clearing a new path. She does not stray from her path. This includes how we see her. She wants to the world to see her as an ally, a friend, and a sister. Does that mean at certain times she needs to wear different appropriate clothing? Absolutely. Being modest understands culture and manners and customs of her fellows. The grandiosity of her position as a “superhero” disturbs her. She prefers simple structures for living – often living with a family or a simple small apartment. Even when she was the ambassador for Themyscira her residence was maned by the smallest staff and simply decorated. The pomp and circumstance were not what she was accustomed to in living simply. She does not want the world to see her as arrogant or extravagant.

“If my mind’s modest, I walk the great way. Arrogance is all I fear. The great way is low and plain but people like shortcuts over the mountains” *

For the follower, the spiritual path is simple and clear. The Tao suggests that only the grandiose would think they can be sure enough to stray from the spiritual path and not get lost. The spiritual path is not always easy, but the destination is always ahead. The journey may have twists and turns but the destination is clear. There can be dark times but on that spiritual road there is a beacon of hope that lights the path. There are forks in the road but when the spiritual ideas clearly maintained all paths will lead to the spiritual destination.

What would pull a traveler from the path? That can be answered with simple words like fear, doubt, addiction, jealousy, gluttony, complacency, desire, anger, resentment, lust…etcetera. One thing to remember is that these wonderful little side trips are only meant to teach and be road markers. They can also be where the spiritual thieves await to take our gifts and energy. On the journey the travelers can learn what to look for along the path. A seasoned traveler will be modest enough to know what can lead them astray and look out for these thieves. They will learn the language that will help them navigate through or around these wonderful twisty side trips.

“When the palace is splendid, the fields are likely to be weedy and the granaries empty. To wear jewels and silks to flash your weapons, to eat and drink excessively, to store up wealth and treasure – this is the way of robbers.” *

These “robbers” are the ones that try to change the follower. They try to keep people down. They criticize and complain about themselves and others. They are not fulfilled and want others to feel the same.

They are not on their journey. They are trapped. They are complacent. They are practicing an addiction, or they are fearful that they will never find their path again. They are not practicing their own spiritual life. They are not fulfilled.

“It is not in keeping with the Tao” *

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

* “Eclipsed”, Justice League, Season 2 Episode 13, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, November 8, 2003

*Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, A Book about the Way and the Power of the Way, Translated by Ursula K LeGuin, Shambhala Publications, Boulder 2019

*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

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

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

Chapter Fifty-Four, Cultivate

“A thing that is well planted is not easily uprooted. A thing that is well guarded is not easily taken away. If you pass on the Tao to your children, then your family’s virtue will endure” *

It is clear if we practice a spiritual life our faith will grow. The spiritual life will become part of us to the point of being integral part of each day. Our day will be out of synch when we miss some aspect of our practice. When we practice what we have learned and treat others as we would like to be treated then our spiritual life grows. The spiritual life becomes a virtuous and it is remembered. When we can practice a spiritual life in the family then the family becomes virtuous. The thing so special about Taoism is it is not based in evangelicalism but practice. The world will naturally be drawn toward those that sincerely practice a spiritual life.

“Cultivate Virtue in your own person and it becomes a genuine part of you. Cultivate it in the family, and it will abide. Cultivate it in the community and it will live and grow. Cultivate it in the state, and it will flourish abundantly. Cultivate it in the world, and it will become Universal.” *

Take a moment to look at Themyscira, Paradise Island. On this island everyone practiced a spiritual life. It was part of the Amazon’s daily practice. There was time for prayer and meditation; time for activity and practice; time for the work and build; there was time to help anyone member of the community in need. The whole idea of the building and growing together as a community. Even after Wonder Woman made Themyscira known to the world the Amazons way of life did not change. That is how well rooted the philosophy and practice was for the survival of the island. Even during the times that Amazons ventured off Themyscira, “man’s world” needed their help and if the Amazons did not join the world as they knew it would end. * The one time the Amazons did leave the island to conquer the world it was because they were influenced by the evil witch Circe. * then when the turmoil settles the Amazons find their pace and return to their natural way of life

“There, through self contemplate self, through family contemplate family, through community contemplate community, through country contemplate country, through world contemplate world. How do I know the world? Like this!

We learn trough practice that the self can judge self. What part does the self have in the family, community, country, and world? The self must take care of itself – it must practice and grow. The popular message can be applied here. “One bad apple spoils the bunch.” Does one bad member of society spoil the society? No. A self can only be judge by self. However, we all know that in a group if one person has a negative attitude the whole group risks being influenced by negativity. The self must practice being willing to be part of the family. Each person has a part in the family. Each member of a group has a job to perform. If one person does not complete their task, then the group suffers. Think in terms of a team. Each member develops their own skill and ability. Then the team works and practices together to become a well-oiled machine to win the sporting events. Then all the teams in a league work together to be the best representations of the sport. Each Amazon practices separately. Their private practices are for the good self but also for the community.

“An army must fight as one body, one mind. Each soldier moving in concert with her sisters. These are difficult lessons to learn. Yet learn we must. For failure means death. And life victory.” *

*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

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

"Our Worlds at War" DC Comics Crossover Event, August-October 2001, Jeph Loeb, Joe Casey, Mark Schultz, Joe Kelly Phil Jimenez, Peter David

“Amazons Attack”, DC Comics 6 issues Mini-Series, March-August 2007, Will Pfeifer, Pete Woods

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

“The Battle for Themyscira”, Amazons Return Part 2, Wonder Woman #75, DC Comics September 2019

Chapter Fifty-Five, Metaphor

“One who is filled with the Tao is like a newborn child. The infant is protected from the stinging insects, wild beasts, and birds of prey. Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak, but its grip is firm and strong. It does not know about the union
of male and female, yet his penis can stand erect, because of the power of life within him. It can cry all day and never become hoarse. This is perfect harmony.” *

All religious and spiritual texts written in parables and metaphors. The metaphors are used to teach the necessary lessons and to make the messages simple.

Those who have a spiritual practice protect the practice. The spiritual life becomes almost like an infant. It is protected and cared for so that no harm can come to the spirit. Also, the practitioner feels protected and cared for during the practices and as the day progresses. In this case, “the infant” is the spiritual practice. The “stinging insects, wild beasts, and birds of prey” or those things that drive a wedge into the practice or the events in our day that could disrupt our spiritual wellbeing. The union of man and woman represent the unknown or the virginal questions we have not received answers in response. When the spiritual practice is strong, we stand erect ready to face the questions and / or issues that may come our way. There are times that we cry and get weighed down but within the spiritual practice we never lose focus. And through the spiritual practices and connections we find “perfect harmony” and peace.

“To understand harmony is to understand the Constant. To know the Constant is to be called 'enlightened'. To unnaturally try to extend life is not appropriate. To try and alter the life-breath is unnatural. The master understands that when something reaches its prime it will soon begin to decline. Changing the natural is against the way of the Tao. Those who do it will come to an early end.” *

There is a metaphorical circle being created through the practices of a spiritual life. The “harmony” is recognizing the circle and trying to follow the “constant”. Naturally, in practicing, there will times of “enlightenment” and “benightment”. The cycle follows the path as life. The spiritual infant is born and ages through the different stages of life. To the point of old age. At which point a new spiritual lesson begins and the infant is born again. True “harmony” is understanding the process and the spiritual practitioner will not try to force or change the path but instead follow the path laid in front no matter how rocky or difficult.

“Wonder Woman has won many hearts and is one of the earliest female superheroes. She is everything the world needs today Power, wisdom, grace, strength, sense of justice and standing for what is right.” *

Wonder Woman can be a symbol for many ideas and concerns. Look at the previous paths that Wonder Woman has followed. She finishes a story arc and has a moment of relaxation before the next arc is introduced. The process starts again. And again. In each story she follows the typical heroic story…she is called to the challenge, she finds her support, the true villain is unveiled, she is tested with ordeals, she succeeds in her quest and returns to a space of peace. All her stories follow the paths. The story arcs are the metaphor for the spiritual journey.

Not being part of “man’s world” Wonder Woman always has a sense of naivety and optimism. She has her higher ideals, goals, and mission (Love, Peace and Truth). She may not understand the ways of this different world she is part of but with her ideals in place and using the gifts bestowed upon her, Diana faces the challenge. She does have difficulties and there are times that she must refocus. She finds new lessons to learn and new uses for her ideals and gifts. In the end she is successful. At the end she is ready for the new challenge to come her way.

*Tao Te Ching - http://www.wright-house.com/religions/taoism/tao-te-ching.html

*“Wonder Woman - A symbol of female empowerment” Pop-Up-Tee, Geek and Pop-culture Apparel, https://popuptee.com/blogs/geeky-thoughts/wonder-woman-a-symbol-of-female-empowerment,

Chapter Fifty-Six, Those Who Know

“Those who know war best must always be ready for it…and work hardest to avoid it.” *

Wonder Woman is an Amazon because of this she is a warrior and trained for war. However, Diana has a mission of Love, Truth and Peace. She tries to avoid conflict whenever possible. Therefore, she begins by sharing the hand of peace first. There are times Diana has got to go against her training and become a peacemaker showing love to the enemy. This is when her inner resolve is important to her sense of strength. When she pulls from her inner Love is when she is most powerful.

“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

Where does this strength come from – does it come from birth or from practice? For Diana, she was gifted with this inner strength. For the everyday person we must practice finding the inner power to extend the hand of peace first. The spiritual life is practice.

“The man who knows the Way speaks not, he who speaks knows not. He closes his lips, he shuts his ears and eyes, he controls his activity, he frees himself from all bonds, he tempers his light, he seems as one of the multitudes. He may be said to be like the way. He is untouched by favour as by disgrace, by loss as by gain, by honour as by dishonour. This is why he is the most honorable man under heaven.” *

Practicing the spiritual life is to follow the path of peace. The Tao gives us the method to which needs to be practiced, Close the mouth to gossip and hearsay. Do not listen to words false accusations. Do not continue to watch the videos that continue to perpetuate the negativity. Step away from events that also perpetuate negativity. To find peace the bonds of anger and resentment must be broken. These are difficult practices, but they are achievable…it takes…practice. Sometimes practice is the most difficult thing to do in achieving a goal.

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” Martin Luther King Jr

There is injustice, violence, and crime. The message of peace is not to be blind, deaf, and dumb to these but to protests and scream out about crime. The idea is finding the inner resolve to fight back peacefully. Find the ways that will allow the message to be heard and followed without more violence. Hold that protest sign, have those difficult open conversations, or make the vote count.

Those true peacemakers always seem to be untouched and held above all else. They seem greater than the normal human can achieve. Every peacemaker began living as a baby it was the decisions, they made to find the way of peace. They will agree that the way of peace is practice.

A List of Modern Peacemakers

Martin Luther King Jr Maya Angelo Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta

Gandhi Aung San Suu Kyi Susan B Athony

Nelson Mandela Zahir Muhannad Mannan Barack Obama

Sadako Sasaki Ameena Matthews Mattie Stepanek

Desmond Tutu Malala Yousafzai Corazon B. Aquino

Mother Theresa Leo Tolstoy Chief Arvol Looking Horse

Anne Frank Tegla Laroupe Benazir Bhutto

* “The Iron Maiden” Part 1 of 2, Wonder Woman #752 April 2020, DC Comics

*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

Chapter Fifty-Seven, Watch the World

“You’ve become what you hate most. Don’t you see? In your righteous fury to free me from the Gods you’ve all but become one, Barbara Ann. Like our patrons you claim knowledge and assistance. When in truth you lord over our own choices. Ignore us.” *

Diana often speaks of gods and how these gods treat their followers. She uses these metaphors and parables to remind us how to treat each other. Her words are a simple message. The issue is humans tend not to follow the simple but seek the difficult. Humans tend to make a mess of things. Diana sees the damage that a community based on selfishness, arrogance and hatred can bring to people – the innocent. She has the power to educate and provoke change. It is not about control or ruling it is nurturing growth and creating a community and a family. A family in which all people are the children and worthy to be cared for with Truth, Love and Peace.

Are these words too simple? Are these words a Pollyanna dream? Not when one practices a spiritual journey. A pilgrim following the path will naturally seek a way of life that accepts all people. They will govern the homes with the same ideas found on the path.

When Wonder Woman is expected to enter a battle and to win a battle, she will do the unexpected. But to get her message across and teach a lesson she will lay her weapons down and extend the hand of Peace, Truth and Love.

“I am without my weapons, without my armor, yet they are not me, and I believe – I must believe – there is a strength within me that the loss of things cannot touch.” *

The students in school want to know the order of events. The best classrooms have a few simple rules that allow a class to be managed simply and without much interruption. The students want to know what is expected. In a classroom when something unexpected happens it is normally the beginning or ending of an issue. To resume order in the classroom a teacher will gain composure and remind all scholars of the simple rules the community of students must follow. Teachers have been guiding classrooms and scholars for thousands of years. How did they learn these lessons? They have learned through practice. Like practicing a spiritual path.

The Tao suggests watching the world and learn the lessons. In watching the world, we see countries governed by simple regulations and administrations. Battles are won by surprise attacks and newer weapons. But the peacemakers will win the world through resolve of character and offering the hand of peace. How is this so? The pilgrim will watch the world and learn the lessons.

“The more restrictions and prohibitions in the world, the poorer the people become. The more soldiers patrol the streets, the more the city is in disorder. The more officials are crafty and cunning, the harder the people are to control. The more laws and orders are issued, the more thieves and robbers abound.” *

In the age smart technology and the global social media, the struggles of people around the world are seen. The are armies raised and battles won or loss. There are riots. There is crime. There is mayhem. But there are victories. There are moments of Love so powerful that a new message is spread around the world. All that is needed is to watch and see the people of the world.

The spiritual follower in watching the world will see and will learn the way of Peace. The spiritual journey will be clear. The follower will learn what must be needed to bring Peace and Love to the Home, Family, Community, State and World.

“If I practice restraint, the people will reform themselves. If I love peace the people will become peaceful. If I am not greedy, the people will become prosperous. If I practice simplicity the people will remain simple.” *

* “The Wild Hunt Finale”, Wonder Woman #750 March 2020, DC Comics

* “LOVELESS”, Part 3of 5, Wonder Woman #79 November 2019, DC Comics

*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

Chapter Fifty-Eight, Community

“If a country is governed with tolerance, the people are comfortable and honest. If a country is governed with repression, the people are depressed and crafty.” *

The governments set the standard for the people to follow. In the news reports are often given about governments being overthrown by revolts because the citizens are depressed, repressed, angry, and suffering. The citizens needed change. Look at how long it took Germany to recover from the intolerance of the Nazis. Travelers go to tolerant countries to feel safe and accepted. The governments have safe secure laws that not only protect the citizens but that protect visitors. The government acts as a teacher in a managed classroom. There are laws are simple enough to follow and do not intrude on the citizens livelihood. The citizens follow the directions and jobs are completed easily. The citizens are friendly and kind. These countries are pleasant and welcoming. When disaster strikes these countries, the world sends prayers and support. As an example, remember Notre Dame fire during April 2019. The world responded with help, relief, and prayers.

When a country is not supportive and are intrusive on its citizens there seems to be intolerance among the citizens. Travelers are timid to venture into these countries. The citizens try to leave and find shelter in countries that seem more tolerant and accepting. Because of these governments these countries have negative reputations. The governments antagonize and threaten other countries. Again, look at the Nazis of Germany, during the years 1943-1945.

This discussion leads to the spiritual ideas of Peace and Love. Those that follow the old idea of “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,” is important to consider. When a government seeks Peace and Love for the citizens first these feelings will expand to the world. The greatest leaders will recognize that the people are the commodity and will treat all people as treasures. The greatest rulers know their citizens only seek protection and support. A leader will know how to follow, to step behind the people and be humble by their accomplishments. They will be proud of their citizens accomplishments. All citizens of the world recognize that all good can easily become bad. The safe can become dangerous. The fun can become an addiction. The smooth path will eventually become rocky. There is now way to break free from the cycle.

“Bad fortune is what good fortune leans on, good fortune is what bad fortune hides in. Who knows the ultimate end of this process? Is there no norm of, right? Yet what is normal soon becomes abnormal, and what is auspicious soon turns ominous. Long indeed have the people been in a quandary.”

This is where a spiritual practice is needed. When the practitioner seeks the spiritual, they can recognize the peace being sought. They will seek to be less angry, intolerant, and irritable. They know that people are more accepting and forgiving with peace and love are given. A daily meditator will know that a calm reserve attitude will bring tranquility to the day. Treating others as ones-self birth an atmosphere of tolerance, collaboration, and success.

“Therefore, the Sage squares without cutting, carves without disfiguring, straightens without straining, enlightens without dazzling.” *

Diana is a Sage. She understands the importance of tolerance, peace, love, and truth. She sees in us the same love and peace she holds in her heart. Therefore, she seeks to be a champion for the weak and innocent. In her heart, she knows her truth and is unafraid to show her peace and love. Her strong ideals will lead her to stand against intolerance and hatred. Diana learned this on Themyscira.

On Paradise Island all the amazons could follow any profession they chose. There were artisans, blacksmiths, farmers, philosophers, physicians, and soldiers. Even though all Amazons were trained in battle their jobs were what they chose. Each Amazon was cherished and accepted for the choices they made for the good of the community and sisterhood. There are gay, bisexual, and straight Amazons. The Amazons have all shades of Melanin. Each amazon was accepted and cared for in the community. All amazons found love and peace. They knew that Queen Hippolyta loved and accepted each one sincerely. This is the loving relationship the Amazons have with each other and their government. This is where Diana grew and developed her sense of duty, truth, peace, and love.

Ares. “Wherever there is prejudice, ignorance, and inequality I will be there.”

Wonder Woman. “And I’ll be waiting.” *

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

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

* “Hawk & Dove”, Justice League Unlimited, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, Release date August 24, 2004

Chapter Fifty-Nine, Moderation

“Most people learn this lesson without throwing entire towns into chaos…” *

“When we understand the importance of moderation, then we will automatically operate from the center.” *

There is something to say for moderation. To be in the middle – equal on both sides is a peaceful state of being. Diana tries to find the middle in all actions. To throw everything into a moment would weaken the message, weaken the person, and weaken the moment.

Moderation is the avoidance of extreme actions and ideas especially in actions and behavior. Boxers are trained moderation so not to tire themselves out. In moderation a fighter can gain endurance. Remember Wonder Woman is a protector of Peace, Truth and Love. Therefore, she is a protector of the innocent. It would be foolish for her to throw all she had into the beginning of a conflict. She would much rather use the moment to teach than fight. She goes into each conflict with the opened hand of peace, to find the truth and to express love. She is unprovoked and seems to treat all people the same. That is because she sees all people the same. There is no difference between a demigod and a child other than age and power so her language may be a little different, but her message is always the same. She enters each conversation with moderation and the opened hand of peace. The idea of moderation is important to her spiritual journey.

“In governing the people and in worshipping heaven, nothing surpasses moderation. To value moderation, one must form the habit early. Acquiring moderation results in accumulating virtue. By accumulating virtue, nothing is impossible.”

When a person finds moderation as part of a spiritual practice, they find a new peace. They learn new ways to become diplomatic. They learn to respect the moments of quiet and solitude. They learn to be frugal in needed areas and in turn become more generous when the time is right. The followers of a spiritual path will find new ways to become compassionate which will teach them how to be brave. The last idea is humility. Learning humility is to learn how to become a worker among workers. A great lesson of moderation is how to step back and let others lead.

“If nothing is impossible, one knows no limits. If one knows no limits, one may rule the empire. He who possess moderation will endure – it is like having deep roots and a strong stem. This is the secret to long life and lasting insight into the Tao.” *

Moderation leads back to a beginning. When the pilgrim practices moderation there is endurance. The follower will find the center, the middle. They will find their focal point. Through moderation they will have frugality, compassion, and humility. There will be ways to reach new goals peacefully, truthfully, and lovingly.

* “Love Is A Battlefield” Part 3 of 4, Wonder Woman #72 August 2019, DC Comics

* “Everyday Tao” by Deng Ming-Dao, HarperSanFrancisco, HarperCollinsPublishers, 1996

*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