The Tao of Wonder Woman — Richard Kightlinger

Chapter Sixty-One, Abasement

“If that is true, Paula, we will reveal it, together. Surrender is not the end for either of us. I am not abandoning you.” *

Before creating Wonder Woman, psychologist and inventor, William Moulton Marson, wrote about submission to Max Gaines, “The only hope for peace is to teach people who are full of pep and unbound force to enjoy being bound ... Only when the control of self by others is more pleasant than the unbound assertion of self in human relationships can we hope for a stable, peaceful human society….” Therefore, submission or surrender is an important aspect of the Wonder Woman story.

When Diana opens the hand of peace first, she is submitting. She is lowering herself before her adversary. She is showing that there is a different path. When Diana bounds the adversary or herself with her Lasso of Truth, they are being asked to submit to the truth. When Diana defends the poor, weak or even her adversary she is lowering herself to love. Only in love can we find forgiveness. To Diana, submission will lead to the path of Peace, Truth and Love. In submission Diana finds ways to be humble and forgiving. Only in her submission to her spiritual path can she step out into the spiritual light and grow. Wonder Woman teaches boys and girls alike that the idea of lowering yourself to a greater power is not a completely feminine idea. It may seem an abasement, but it is the way of peace.

“The great kingdom shall be as the rivers and the seas, in which all the waters under heaven are united. In the world, this is the part of the feminine: through quietude it constantly triumphs over the masculine. This quietude is a kind of abasement.” *

The Taoist believe that to be submissive or to lower oneself is to go deep – deep like water. Water can be deep and can lower itself. The rivers and streams of the world lower and submit themselves to the vast seas and oceans. Therefore, to lower oneself is to go deep. To accept the quietude of a situation and submit to truth, love, or peace. I true leader must walk behind the people and lower themselves to be accepted by the people. Sometimes the people must listen to the leader and the other times the leader must let the people speak. Heeding the words of both.

“That is why, if the great kingdom abase itself before the little kingdoms, it will win the little kingdoms. If the little kingdoms abase themselves before the great kingdom, they will win the great kingdom. This why some abase themselves in order to receive, while others abase themselves in order to be received.” *

This is the way of peace. To seek peace first is to lower oneself. To be willing to go deep, like water. Think about this in terms of water. The shallow Red River flows into the Atchafalaya River which in turn flows into the deeper Mississippi River. Where the Mississippi flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf will flow into the Atlantic and the Atlantic flows into all other oceans. The oceans hold the deepest points of the earth. The simple Red River is part of the fast water system of the world. The idea of submission and abasement takes on a different idea when compared to water.

“The great kingdom desires only to unite and guide mankind. The little kingdom only desires only to be permitted to serve mankind. Therefore both obtain what they desire. But the great must abase themselves.” *

* “The Four Horsewomen” Part 3 of 3, Wonder Woman #757 August 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 Sixty-Two, The Gift

“The Tao is the hidden Reservoir of all things. A treasure to the honest, it is a safeguard to the erring. A good word will find its own market. A good deed may be used as a gift to another. That a man is straying from the right path is no reason that he should be cast away.” *

The spiritual life is a Sanctuary for the practitioner. During the wonderful days and the difficult times peace and hope can be found. For all people sins are forgiven and amends are made in practicing a spiritual life. The spiritual life is a refuge to some and a doorway for others. The gift is found in the practice or the journey. The needs are met, and true value is found in how people are treated. There is no need to search for the right message – honesty is the best message.

Sharing a good message is a gift. “Hope” is a gift. “Hope” is a grace. But also hope can come from a simple spoken word from a total stranger. The best way to find hope again is to talk, share, and communicate with a friend or loved one. The practitioner will find the spiritual gifts when looking for the spiritual gifts. Giving the gift of time and self can be just as important. Helping the little lady across the hall with her groceries is comfort. Letting a friend vent some frustration can be a gift. Most people, when going through some trauma, can feel unwanted or unloved. Helping a friend in need helps them feel loved, cared for, and accepted. In giving a gift of time and self is a sign of being on a spiritual journey.

“Seriously Diana, when someone brings hope to another person it’s a gift.” Big Barda *

Diana’s mission is that of Love, Truth and Peace. She is extremely focused on her mission but to many people she also brings the gift of Hope. She recognizes this when parents thank her for rescuing their child. Her hope in rescuing people will bring them to recognize her mission and begin to have conversations about peace, hope, and love. She is not like Batman, Bruce Wayne, donating millions to rebuild a community. She is not like Superman pressing a limp of coal into a diamond for Lois Lane. She is more likely to tell someone she loves them or clean up the rubble left from her battle. She will sit down with ambassadors and presidents to discuss peace rather than frightening the warring parties into peace. Through her own spiritual journey, Diana recognizes the only thing Wonder Woman can truly offer is the Truth, Peace, and Love.

“Hence, at the Enthronement of an Emperor, or at the Installation of the three Ministers, let others offer their discs of jade, following it up with teams of horses; it is better for you to offer the Tao without moving your feet.” *

There are times to give gifts to loved ones. But for the stranger or acquaintances the best gifts are those of the spiritual nature. Offer the help and the prayers. Many people do not have the money to give willingly for people in need. It is these times to offer the physical help where needed. Volunteer the time instead. Offering a prayer for a sick friend can be just as important. Sending a homemade card welcoming the new manager for the department can be a helpful way to make someone feel welcomed. The spiritual gifts are just as important and powerful as the monetary and material gifts.

In practicing a spiritual life most practitioners find the best gift is the Spiritual.

“Why did the ancients prize the Tao? Is it not because by virtue of it be who seeks finds., and the guilty are forgiven? That is why it is such a treasure to the world.” *

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

*“Superman/Batman: Apocalypse” Warner Home Video, DVD September 28, 2010

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

Chapter Sixty-Three, Doing Nothing

Powergirl. “I have a problem that I can’t just punch my way out of.”

Wonder Woman. “You’ll find most dilemmas are of that nature.” *

Start with the open hand, bring peace to all situations and simplicity is key. Diana strives to find the goodness in all situations. Keeping things simple creates clear focus allowing growth to happen naturally. Diana sees the simple in all people. She treats all people the same. She understands the logic in keeping the simple and not forcing her hand with strength and power first. Walking simply into situations allows Diana to the true nature of things first. Being a Sage and following a spiritual path Diana understands the Taoist concept of “non-Ado” – non-action. “I certainly understand the power of Comfort.” * Diana finds comfort in the simple things. Of course, Diana is the superhero, Wonder Woman, and her story must be action packed. There must be sacrifice and Diana is the only one willing to make the sacrifice. She is the Sage of her story recognizing the small and managing the large. Taking the needed action whenever possible. Diana walks into every situation as if it is as important as the last. How many times does the problem boil down to an easy solution?

“Act by not acting; do by not doing. Enjoy the plain and simple. Find that greatness in the small. Take care of difficult problems while they are still easy; Do easy things before they become too hard.” *

Like Diana, the Taoist seek non-action first. Those that follow a spiritual path normally understands that cleaning the kitchen when the mess in manageable will give more time for meditation. To borrow from the recovery slogan, “easy does it,” the pilgrim understands that taking care of the easy things hinders the growth into difficult things. There are times that action is needed, praying, meditating, cleaning, and exercising is action. Non-action is not an excuse to become lazy. There are jobs to complete. Also, the old southern colloquialism is also used here. “if you pray for potatoes grab a hoe.” Meaning when we pray for something, we must do the work. The Sage will not force their way into situations and manipulate the outcome.

“Difficult things of the world can only be tackled when they are easy. Big things of the world can only be achieved by attending to their small beginnings. Thus, the Sage never has to grapple with big things, yet he alone is capable of achieving them!” *

The spiritual practitioner, becoming a Sage will notice when to take the needed action and will be willing to take that action. That is the gift of becoming a Sage through spiritual practice. Recognizing the small, managing the large and acting when needed.

“Quick promises mean little trust. Everything easy means great difficulty. Thus, for the Sage everything is difficult, and so in the end nothing is difficult.” *

Look at traditional heroic stories. The story starts nice and easy building character. Then what we think is simple story becomes large and luminous. Growing more and more difficult. The reader begins to think, “how is this ever going to end?” Then in the last chapter, the last few pages to be exact, the story is all tied up into a nice little package. The Sage begins to see the difficulty in everything and the joy in easy solutions.

* “Fuzzy Logic” Wonder Woman, #600, DC Comics, August 2010

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

*Tao Te Ching - a translation for the public domain by J.H. McDonald, 1996 http://www.wright-house.com/religions/taoism/tao-te-ching.html

*Tao The Ching, 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

Chapter Sixty-Four, The Seed

“Things are easier to control while things are quiet. Things are easier to plan far in advance. Things break easier while they are still brittle. Things are easier hid while they are still small. Prevent problems before they arise. Take action before things get out of hand. The tallest tree begins as a tiny sprout. The tallest building starts with one shovel of dirt. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single footstep. If you rush into action, you will fail. If you hold on too tight, you will lose your grip…. Therefore, the Master lets things take their course and thus never fails. She doesn't hold on to things
and never loses them. By pursing your goals too relentlessly, you let them slip away. If you are as concerned about the outcome as you are about the beginning, then it is hard to do things wrong. The master seeks no possessions. She learns by unlearning; thus, she is able to understand all things. This gives her the ability to help all of creation.” *

“A tree as big as a man’s embrace springs from a tiny sprout. A tower nine stories high begins with a heap of earth. A journey of a thousand leagues starts from where your feet stand.” *

This is one of the famous quotes from the Tao Te Ching. The whole message of chapter 64 can be summed up by these three sentences. Everything and everyman start off little and grows to become big. The acorn will grow to become a mighty oak. Two little cells will grow to become a wonderful human being. The construction of the Empire State Building began as a plot of dirt. A trip to Spain can begin standing at your door with the packed suitcase. Daily spiritual lives begin simple in the same way – laying in a bed the eyes open and the day begins.

“Tackle things before they have appeared. Cultivate peace and order before confusion and disorder have set in.” *

Understanding that the small grows into the big would it not be clear to take care of the small before it grows to become large. Taoist philosopher Deng Ming-Dao wrote, “You may be capable of great things, but life consists of small things.” The small things ae what matter the most. The smallest gifts can grow to have great meaning. The small seed can grow to be life maintaining nourishment. The smallest seemingly negative comment can grow to a lifelong ache. It just makes sense to take care of the small when it is easy to care for them. The pilgrim on the journey will learn to take of the small and not worry about the large.

“He who fusses over anything spoils it. He who grasps anything loses it. The sage fusses over nothing and therefore spoils nothing. He grips at nothing and therefore loses nothing. With heedfulness in the beginning and patience at the end, nothing will be spoiled.” *

What messes most people up is they will worry over everything. They worry over things until the worry is to great and hinders growth. The worry is so great that at the end of the journey just before success is achieved all is found is failure. Taking care of the small prevents the worry and allows the mind and heart to be opened wide to be ready to accept the new ideas to reach new goals. That is why the pilgrim can be so laid back and relaxed. An interesting concept to practice is “first things first.” By the end there are no worries or concerns. The success is not a huge event.

These ideas, lead to living a life of simplicity, where there is no need to desire the material but only need what is needed to survive. What is learned cannot be unlearned and what is unlearned can only be learned. The Sage will inspire and lead others through experience and observation.

“Sometimes I wonder how I get myself into these situations.” *

The truth is all people fall short of the highbrow messages. It is difficult to be so aware every minute detail. Wonder Woman can fall short as well. There are times we all say, “Oops! I forgot to do that.” Diana because of her mission can be taken on many strange and exciting adventures. She has some practice at noticing the details. She has 2,000 years of practice. Even with that amount of practice the minor schemes of Cheetah can slip by her notice and grow into story changing events. The spiritual practice because an important part of the Diana’s daily life. It is the ritual that makes the practice important. Then in practicing, those little details become part of the ritual. Eating becomes ritual. Exercise becomes ritual. Work becomes ritual. Diana is always prepared for changes. The practice opens the heart and mind to the point that change becomes part of the ritual as well. Her mission is part of the ritual. Diana has learned not to be too concerned about her mission – it is always present or to hold onto what she knows because there is always room to learn more. She has learned that with every victory there is a loss. Diana, the Sage, has no need for possessions. In her practice she can understands that which is needed. Her practice gives her the power to help all people and all creation. (J.H. McDonald, 1996, paraphrased) *

*Tao Te Ching - a translation for the public domain by J.H. McDonald, 1996 http://www.wright-house.com/religions/taoism/tao-te-ching.html

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

* “Birds of Paradise”, part one of two Wonder Woman #34, DC Comics, September 2009

*Tao Te Ching - a translation for the public domain by J.H. McDonald, 1996 http://www.wright-house.com/religions/taoism/tao-te-ching.html

Chapter Sixty-Five, Example

“That’s not true! They aren’t and never were futile! It is because of them and the example they and others like them set to make it a better world, that we do what we do now!” *

Rulers set an example. Presidents set an example. Business owners, principals and teachers set an example. Parents set an example. Wonder Woman sets an example. For Diana, her example was set by her mother Queen Hippolyta and the Amazons. Wonder Woman follows their example. Her example has also been influenced by her ideals of Truth, Peace, and Love. It is through her example that she teachers the most.

“If the prospect of living in a world were trying to respect the basic rights of those around you and valuing each other simply because we exist are such daunting, impossible tasks then what sort of world are we left with? And what sort of world do you want to live in?” *

Look at Gotham City, the heroic example is a man hiding his identity, and his whole idea is control through fear. He defeats the villains through cleverness and violence. Other heroes in Gotham follow his example. As a result, the city is a corrupt place to live. Whereas, Wonder Woman, gave up her secret identity many years ago and her examples of Peace, Love and Truth are met. The young heroes that follow her example also seem to exemplify her ideals. The different cities where Diana has lived seem to be welcoming, safe and professionally managed cities.

“In the olden days, rulers who followed the Tao did not puff up the people but kept them simple-hearted. Clever people are difficult to govern. And so, governing people with cleverness is a mistake, while governing them with simplicity is a blessing. The ruler who remembers this becomes a good model. This governing in the spirit of the Tao. The effects of simplicity are profound indeed, deep, and forever reaching. It is the very opposite of common practice, it is the most effective way to rule” *

Like most spiritual philosophers or teachers, the best way to teach the masses is through examples or parables. Lao Tzu, Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi & Martin Luther King all taught by example. When a ruler becomes the model for the people naturally follow the examples. So naturally if the people in charge follow a model of a spiritual practice, then also the people will follow the same ideas. To make it simpler, if a government is chaotic then the people are confused and angry exemplifying the chaos but if a government is organized then people also are organized and seem to be more relaxed.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” James Baldwin.

* “the Last Battle”, Th New Wonder Woman #184, DC Comics, October 1969

* “A Day in the Life”, Wonder Woman #170, DC Comics, July 2001

* 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 Sixty-Six, Go Deep

“The greatest friend of truth is Time, her greatest enemy is Prejudice, and her constant companion is Humility.” Charles Caleb Colton

The Tao Te Ching often speaks of the bowl, the valley, or the seas because these represent going deep. To go deep or lay low is to show humility. Being humble is to be low. The bowl accepts all that it is given. The valley in its lowness becomes a place for fertile growth and protection. The deep sea accepts the streams flowing to it and still goes deeper. Humility is a state of modesty or a lower view of oneself. The idea of going deep is to lower the self – remove the grandiosity, the pride the materialism and the judgement. It is to let others go first. In meditation there can be feelings of falling or rising. This can be viewed as the self-releasing its need. To be humble is to graciously submit to a loving power greater to oneself.

“I have told you that I am not ashamed of what I have done. I did what was required to save not only Kal, but countless others. But I know there is a price for my actions. I know there will be many who will not understand, and more perhaps who will not forgive. But I wanted you to know. It was important that you heard it from me first. Important to know if I have killed this friendship as well…Bruce?

Diana is not perfect. She falls. She fails. When she falls, she lovingly lowers to a power greater to herself or to those she respects. In this she is humble and willing to face what must come her way. She submits to their love, truth, or peace. There are times she falls short of these ideals.

The story of Wonder Woman has seen two controversial low points. Both happened close to each other and can become a topic of deep conversations. The first low point was when the mythological gorgon, Medusa, was loose on the world causing death and destruction. Medusa’s terrorism was being filmed and Wonder Woman was called to action. The whole fight was publicly viewed and televised. The only way to save the people and stop Medusa’s destruction was to blind herself and defeat the monster. The people were horrified and scared, but they also forgave Wonder Woman understanding what she did what she must. Diana was concerned that she let the people down having them witness the horrible destruction. *

The second being when Maxwell Lord, once ally to the Justice League became the villainous Black King. Using his powers to control minds was able to control Superman’s mind. Superman was sent out to kill and cause destruction. Wonder Woman fought her friend to stop him from killing Lois Lane and Batman. In the process Wonder Woman realized she had to stop the one controlling Superman, Maxwell Lord. Finding Lord, she lassoed him in the Lasso of Truth and asked how she can stop him. Lord’s response was the only way to stop him is to kill him. Seeing know other choice in saving her friend, Superman and to protecting the innocents she killed Maxwell Lord. *

Both were televised around the world. The only difference, Medusa was a monster. The only thing Wonder Woman could do was to lower herself to her friends, followers, and the courts. She humbly submits herself for forgiveness. But in her humble submission she sees her truth, peace, and love. In her spiritual action of lowering herself she found all she needed inside. The people find her humbly asking for forgiveness and in return she finds peace and acceptance. She does what no other has done – lowered herself for scrutiny and abasement. With these actions she finds a deeper journey.

“How does the sea become the king of all streams? Because it lies lower than they! Hence it is the king of all streams. Therefore, the Sage reigns over the people by humbling himself in speech; and leads the people by putting himself behind. Thus, it is that when a Sage stands above the people, they do not find the heaviness of his weight; and when he stands in front of the people, they do not feel hurt. Therefore, all the world is glad to push him forward without getting tired of him. Just because he strives with nobody, nobody can ever strive with him.” *

The Tao Te Ching is clear. When we lower our self in speech and action, we are humble. However, humility cannot be proclaimed by the Sage. It must be given by the people before the Sage. It can only be viewed, heard, and felt by those around the Sage. The sage, the leader…the father will submit to the loving embrace of the people or family by admitting their faults and shortcomings. They will receive the embrace when the people see them rolling up the sleeves and plowing the fields with the people. The embrace comes with they go deep like the seas.

* “Affirmative Defense”, Wonder Woman #220, DC Comics, October 2005

* “Eyes of The Gorgon”, Wonder Woman #206-213, DC Comics, October 2005

* Wonder Woman #218-220, DC Comics, October 2005

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

Chapter Sixty-Seven, Three Treasures

“Please, take my hand. I give it to you as a gesture of friendship and love, and of faith, freely given. I give you my hand, and I welcome you into my dream. Please.” *

Diana has her treasures, her mission is to find her treasures – Truth, Peace, and Love. She seeks Peace in all relationships and actions. She finds that to achieve Peace, Truth must be spoken. When all that is left is Truth, Love begins to blossom. For Diana, Peace is the product of her mission. Truth is her vehicle to achieve Peace. Love, however, is her strength and power. Love is the driving force. Batman is a symbol of fear and intellect. Superman is a symbol of strength and power. Wonder Woman is different – she is a symbol of truth and love. Her mission and journey lead her down a spiritual path.

“Forgiveness is a gift, not a prize. One the Stranger deserves.” *

When one seeks Peace, Truth, and Love there will always be forgiveness. As a Sage, Wonder Woman must often show others and ask for forgiveness. To be able to have Peace there must be forgiveness. Forgiveness can be achieved when the Truth is spoken. In Love, forgiveness is freely offered and received. Her three treasures are the pillars she builds her mission upon.

“Everyone under heaven says that my Tao is great and beyond compare. Because it is great, it seems different. If it were not different, it would have vanished long ago. I have three treasures which I hold and keep. The first is mercy; the second is economy; The third is daring not to be ahead of others.” *

Those spiritual followers are often looked at as a little strange and different. But the sages of the world know that true lessons are learned through actions not words. Of course, to have integrity the words and actions do have to meet on the same plain. For the Taoists, the three treasures are Mercy, Economy and Humility. For Wonder Woman, Truth, Love and Peace. Gandhi believed in truth, tolerance, sacrifice, joy, and nonviolence. The spiritual follower will find their own meanings behind their search and message. The message can be as simple as Hope or Joy. No matter the message or “treasure” there will be lessons to learn and in turn lessons to share.

“From mercy comes courage; from economy comes generosity; from humility comes leadership. Nowadays men shun mercy but try to be brave; they abandon economy but try to be generous; they do not believe in humility, but always try to be first. This is certain death.” *

Even in the simplest of messages the follower will learn how to be merciful, generous, and humble. Most spiritual philosophies will bring up the ideas of mercy, generosity, and humility. The lessons present themselves in many ways. How the practitioner accepts the lessons and shares the message is important to the overall practice. For example, a practitioner pillars can be Hope, Peace, Joy and Steadfastness. These pillars hold up Love. In being hopeful, peaceful, joyful and steadfast the follower finds how through love to share compassion, forgiveness and mercy. The spiritual path will lead to living with humans and nature harmoniously without harm.

“Mercy brings victory in battle and strength in defense. It is the means by which heaven saves and guards.” *

* “Faith”, Gods of Gotham Part 3 of 4, Wonder Woman #167, DC Comics, April 2001

* “Ghost of the Past”, Wonder Woman #758, DC Comics, September 2020

*Tao Te Ching - a translation for the public domain by Gia-Fu Feng, 1972 https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Code:sm,jhmd,jc,rh/section:80

Chapter Sixty-Eight, Submission

“A good soldier is never aggressive. A good fighter is never angry. The best way of conquering an enemy is to win him over by not antagonizing him. The best way of employing a man is to serve under him. This is called the virtue of non-striving! This is called using the abilities of men! This is called being wedded to Heaven as of old!” *

This message is repeated often on a spiritual journey. Those in battle do not get annoyed or domineering, instead the best approach is to stay calm and win the fight with surprise moves. Also, to be a leader is to also be a worker. To be a worker of workers is always a good approach.

There is an old colloquialism, “take one step forward and two steps back,” meaning the success is achieved slowly. It is often used to suggest a movement forward but not in a progressive way. From a spiritual point of view, it can mean take time to repair and prepare for the next movement. The spiritual journey is on a slower path. The pilgrim needs time to learn, practice, repair and prepare.

Victors that rip through destroying everything will soon be defeated by those that submitted to the destruction. The survivors will become workers among workers to gain a footing and will win over the new regime with surprise moves. The spiritual idea of submitting to a power greater is often a difficult idea but in the submission, there is peace. In the peace the victor will be the peacemaker and the peacebringer.

“Appetite emotion must first, last and always be adapted to Love.” *

William Moulton Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman, wrote in his book Emotions of Normal People, about submitting to a loving authority. It was in terms of gender identity and ideas. But these ideas can also be used as a spiritual message. Marston elaborated on his DISC Theory. He viewed people behaving along two axes, movement being passive or aggressive. The environment is either “antagonistic or favorable”. This mappable progress will form four quadrants: Dominance produces activity that is antagonistic; Inducement produces activity that is favorable; Submission produces passivity that is favorable; Compliance produces passivity that is antagonistic. His ideas of the “Love Allure” suggests that submitting to a loving authority will produce a favorable environment for all parties concerned. Therefore, the follower lovingly submits to the spiritual journey to create the anticipated loving atmosphere.

"You, and those who rule you, will face a weapon they have no defense against the Love of their enemy.” *

Diana teaches us acceptance through Love. Yes, she fights but she fights for Peace, Truth and Love. Diana would much rather find a peaceful solution through Love. Is it possible to love thy enemy – yes? It is a conscious decision to accept all people as human. The conscious decision is a submission to this idea. Diana lovingly submits to her philosophy. Looking at people with that thought it is much easier to have an open-mind or open-heart. When people do wrong it is because they have made a wrong decision based on emotions, desires, and/or a lack of education. Try to look at all people, even the villainous ones, as a child. Submit to the idea, that all people were once children. Picture these children sitting with their mothers. Then it is easy to love. When the follower submits to “unconditional love” people or treated differently. There is a great defense and an even greater weapon – LOVE.

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

* The Ages of Wonder Woman: Essays on the Amazon Princess in Changing Times, as quoted on p.393, edited by Joeph J Darowski, p.8; in the essay "William Marston's Feminist Agenda" by Michelle R. Finn.

* “Diana’s Army”, Wonder Woman, #610, DC Comics, June 2011

Chapter Sixty-Nine, The Grieving Side

“And those who have the chance before they fall to look into Diana’s eyes look into a cold and seething fury that will haunt their nightmares throughout whatever eternity awaits them. This is a side of the amazon Princess few have seen beyond the shores of this hidden island. Not the mortals who befriended her when first she journeyed to the lands across the sea. Not the heroes of the Justice League, besides whom she has stood in fearsome battle. For now, Diana fights not for abstract concepts such as honor or truth. She fights to avenge the violation of the only place she has ever truly called her home.” *

Understand, Diana is the Sage of her story. She is the philosopher of her own practice. She understands that a true warrior will not be aggressive or angry, but she also understands that a victor will be on the grieving side. She will not show her true power or limits of her strength. Is this she is protecting and allow for the surprise attacks and so that her opponents will underestimate her abilities. The warrior, Wonder Woman, we stand with the weak and innocent. Those that need to be defended. For Diana victory will fall upon those that have the most love. Her mission is Love. The higher purpose is Love. She will fight for those that are striving to reach their higher purpose.

“Seek the way by retreating within.” *

Taoist will refer to the victors as the grieving side. The victors have the most growth. They understand that all battles are in a sense a funeral march. There is much to lose and to grieve in times of battle. There are many scars after a battle. A true victor will mourn the losses on both sides and help in the recovery. Those that practice a spiritual journey will begin to see these ideas also. These ideas will also begin and mold them into a deeper and more loving person. These are also the concepts Diana is finding upon her spiritual Journey.

A warrior of the ancients has said: I dare not give the signal as does the host; I had rather receive it, as does the guest. I dare not advance an inch, I had rather withdraw a foot. This is to have no rank to follow, no arm to stretch out, no enemy to pursue, no weapon to seize. There is not greater error than to make light of the enemy. To make light of the enemies almost to lose our treasure. Therefore, when tow equally armies meet, he who has the most love wins the victory.

Those that practice a spiritual journey will withdraw to meditate and pray. The inner connection is much more important than the outer expression. The Tao Te Ching is meant to be reflective and to be used to make those inner connections. To seek love within is the greater task. Seek and find love within that love will eventually be expressed outwardly. The love that can be expressed outwardly will draw fellow followers and deeper lessons will be learned.

“If you can’t love yourself how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” RuPaul

* “Second Genesis”, Part three of three, Wonder Woman #103, DC Comics, November 1995

*Light on the Path, Mabel Collins, February 1993, Society of Metaphysicians Limited, originally published 1885

Chapter Seventy, Through the Heart

“For through your own heart comes which can illuminate life and make it clear to your eyes.” *

It is said that people mirror each other. Therefore, when a compliment or a complaint is given the speaker commenting on what they see within themselves. To of know someone is to know the shared knowledge of that person. But to truly know someone is to know and experience the memories shared with the other people. To get to know someone is to look inside their heart.

“The Donna you know, and love is the sum total total of all the moments of her life.” *

To truly know someone is to look inside and get to know them. Diana begins with looking for the Truth, they hold. She will share her Truth as well. In looking at the truth she will then find the Love they hold in their heart and finally between the two there will be Peace. Peace found in Love. For many those are hard words to hear and understand. Most people do not want to get that close to someone. The idea to be vulnerable enough to enter another person’s heart is a great risk.

The Peace, Diana holds is found in her heart. It is her Truth. It is her Love. Her heart is big enough to hold many and to know many. The Amazons choices in clothing are for armor, and a free range of movement. Even the formal wear has these same ideas. To a certain extent the clothing is non-essential. These ideas will make Diana appear strange and naïve. To many she appears inappropriate. For Diana, she needs only to look at the truth to know herself and others, “Because the Truth is, being true to yourself is never wrong.” *

“My words are very easy to understand, and very easy to practice but the world cannot understand them, nor practice them. My words have an Ancestor. My deeds have a Lord. The people have no knowledge of this. Therefore, they have no knowledge of me. The fewer persons know me, the nobler are they that follow me. Therefore, the Sage wears coarse clothes, while keeping the jade in his bosom.” *

The words on a page in any spiritual guidance book are easy to understand. Many of the books appear to have the same writer or the authors all influenced each other. It is almost as if they all have the same message. People are just unwilling to follow them. To practice a spiritual life a person may be as weak. The knowledge of others hinders the enlightenment into a spiritual practice. Many humans just do not want to show mercy, compassion, or generosity. The ambition of some become the guide to negative behavior.

Most spiritual practices and ideas have been around and guiding people for thousands of years. People still find it difficult to follow these words and guidance. The best way to begin a spiritual practice is to look inside. Only in knowing oneself is the beginning to practice. In the silence of meditation, for example, the difficulty is the ambition seeking to do more. It is in the practice to silence the determination and let go to find the inner self. When the practitioner finally reaches that goal and can become self-actualized will the practitioner begin to see the joy, truth, peace, and love in others. The relationships between the practitioner and his fellows become reflective of the spiritual practice.

"One should always treat others as they themselves wish to be treated." *

* Light on the Path, Mabel Collins, February 1993, Society of Metaphysicians Limited, originally published 1885

* “Rebirth”, Wonder Woman #136, DC Comics, August 1998

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

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

* Hitopadesha, Sanskrit text, c803 BCE, Hinduism