The Tao of Wonder woman
Chapter Seventy-One, Ignorance is Bliss
“It’s over Baroness…As a woman you should know that the path of violence is a barren one, abandon your misguided ways join the sisterhood of peace.” *
Wonder Woman knows the Baroness von Gunther will not accept the hand of Peace, but she offers it anyway. Some people think Diana is ignorant or naive, but Diana is practicing integrity. There is an old colloquialism, “being sick and tired of being sick and tired”. When someone is sick and tired of being sick and tired, what do they do? They take a nap and recuperate. This is an intelligent person. Without telling anyone or preaching about sickness they go take a nap and care for themselves. Wonder Woman is showing the same intelligence to the Baroness. “As a woman you should know that the path of violence is a barren one, abandon your misguided ways join the sisterhood of peace.” Wonder Woman is not preaching or forcing she is in turn offering the hand of peace. No matter how angry the Baroness becomes Wonder Woman is at peace. Diana knows the truth but acts as if the whole world is at peace. She knows the limits of her understanding.
The ignorant does not know but argues their way is the best method. The Baroness von Gunther does not know peace. She only sees her ideals and methods. She only knows violence and preaches her methods and ideals. The Baroness does not know peace but preaches as if she does and forces others to see her way. She would become angry. She would blame others for her misfortunes. The Baroness thinks she knows everything; therefore, she is foolish.
“The wise man recognizes the limits of his knowledge; the foolish man thinks he knows everything.” *
What is the difference between an ignorant person and a knowledgeable person? The ignorant person will talk and talk with not really saying anything of importance. They will make wild claims or accusations as if they know the answers but without having any background knowledge. They will begin to get angry when their ideas are being questioned. The knowledgeable person will remain calm in the discussion. They will bring background knowledge and examples. They will recognize they do not have all the answers but with the background knowledge plan to learn more.
“Knowing that you do not know is the best. Not knowing that you do not know is an illness. Truly, only those who see illness as illness can avoid illness. The Sage is not ill, because he sees illness as illness.” *
Different translations of the Tao Te Ching will lead the reader to think the message is about physical illness, spiritual illness, or emotional illness. The message in all translations encompasses all types of illness. When practicing any spiritual philosophy, the pilgrim will learn to recognize feeling, actions, and words. They will use this knowledge to guide themselves and navigate the world. They will become their own Sage. When they are sick, they will do whatever it takes to heal their bodies. When they meet people that are disheartening, they will know how to treat these people and still show compassion. They will know naturally when the meditation is hard pressed it is time to add more time or choose a different mantra. In all examples they natural learn how to communicate their needs and feelings. They know without preaching. They will be at peace. Those around them will be guided to their serenity.
* “The Scorn of the Star Sapphire!” Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008–2011), Warner Bros. Animation DC Entertainment, Television Distribution,
*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: The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained, Lao Tzu (author) Stefan Stenudd (author), Arriba (February 6, 2011) Kindle Edition
Chapter Seventy-Two, Know Yourself
“The lasso she holds, my lasso. It uncovers secrets of the soul none of us would ever wish exposed.” *
There is one thing Wonder Woman knows and that is herself. She is lucky because she has lived an immortal life and has had the time to get know herself on a truly deeper level. She has become the Sage of her life and her spiritual journey. She has had time to deal with all her personal issues. In her meditative moments she can look at herself and learn. There is also the Golden Lasso. It is kept on her body and she in tur is forced to honest with herself and others.
When a spiritual journey, why is it important to know oneself? In dealing with others the practitioner will learn was makes them angry or what brings them joy. During the spiritual practice is when these feelings will arise to be dealt with and placed in the proper brain space.
The truth Diana holds for herself is why she does not interfere in the deals of her fellows. She will carry the heavy burdens before she asks sisters to carry them. Through her own truth she can see what would cause others pain and joy. She will then treat others in the way she would like to be treated. In getting to know herself, she has grown to love and care for herself. Diana treats herself as if she is a guest in her own house. With the lasso she knows humility and learns how to humbly submit to love, without grandiosity. Diana has also learned to never become complacent. Complacency is the that a new lesson is approaching.
“When the people no longer fear your power, it is a sign that a greater power is coming. interfere not lightly with their dwelling, nor lay heavy burdens upon their livelihood. Only when you cease to weary them, they will cease to be wearied of them. Therefore, the Sage knows himself, but makes no show of himself. Loves himself but does not exalt himself. He prefers what is within to what is without.” *
Lao Tzu’s original texts was in a much old language. The modern translations have created interesting poetry and uses of words. The word “without” is not being used the way we would use it in our modern language. The practitioner goes “within” on many occasions but does this philosopher go “without”? The old colloquialism, “never judge a book by its cover” can be used to illustrate the meaning of “without”. The practitioner will go inside to learn and love in hopes to share on the outside to others the truth, the hope, and the love. In practicing, the time in solitude meditation or reflection becomes the time to learn about the self and how to share that self with others.
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” Lao Tzu
* “Compound Fracture” Rise of the Olympian Part 7 of 8, Wonder Woman #32, July 2009, DC Comics
* Tao The Ching, Lao Tzu, Translated by John C.H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London 2003
Chapter Seventy-Three, The Net
“Courage to dare kills. Courage not to dare saves. One brings profit, one brings harm. Heaven hates what it hates – Who knows why? Even the Sage finds it difficult. Heaven’s Tao does not contend but prevails, does not speak but responds, is not summoned but arrives, it is utterly still but plans all actions. Heavens net is wide, wide, loose – but nothing slips through.” *
Trying to control the world will only bring heartache. The world cannot be controlled. It is predicted that one day the Canary Islands will fall into the ocean that will cause a tidal wave that will devastate the east coast of the United States. With this idea the Earth becomes a higher power. Mother Nature as a deity makes sense. Even the most spiritual people can become confused and scared when faced with natural disasters. The spiritual practice helps the practitioner navigated through trauma.
The spiritual practice becomes that protect net in a circus. The net is wide and loosely bounded, but nothing is lost. The “net” could represent all the spiritual practices tied together. The knots are loosely tied, and the net seems flimsy, but the net still functions above expectation. It does not matter who is falling all spiritual practices will catch and protect all practitioners. All that is needed is practice.
“And greatness is not what you think.”
Wonder Woman is great. Her strength, her power, and her gifts are astonishing. However, it is not her feats of strength and power that make her great. It is how she treats the people around her. It is her ideals she stands behind. It is her integrity. Her treasures, Truth, Peace, and Love that make her great. These are her basic, fundamental ideals. If Diana dove into the fray without a spiritual practice she would be powerful. But because of her spiritual practices she has a plan, a reason and a net that protects her. Diana’s spiritual life is the source of strength and power – it is her root.
“Everyone wants to be daring, creative, and original. Everyone wants to do things in new ways. But unless we return over and over again to the basics, we will have no chance to truly soar. Do not forget the root. Without it, we can never issue forth true power.” *
* Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2007
* "YouTube – Wonder Woman 1984 - Official Trailer." YouTube. Warner Bros. Pictures, Sunday, December 8, 2019
* Deng, Ming-Dao. 365 Tao (p. 109). HarperOne. Kindle Edition.
Chapter Seventy-Four, The Great Executioner
“I see through new eyes. Great Pallas, the new lord of Olympus has gifted me a portion of her sight as a reward for duties she calls well done. And the world is more beautiful to me now than ever before. I see life itself with new clarity. But there is something in the air. I sensed it before my descent to Tartarus and thought it simply the echo of the gods as they vied for position. Yet even as Pallas rules Olympus and Ares is newly ascended to the throne of Tartarus still this feeling remains. A heaviness in the atmosphere the tremor of power shifting hands. Not long-ago Pallas, Athena warned me of a coming storm. Is it upon us now? Or is this simply the calm it brings before it” *
There is always the calm before a storm – physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It is how a person uses the calmness that is important. Storms can bring great destruction – even death. It is good to fear storms. It is good to fear death. Of course, Diana does not fear but she is aware of destruction and death. She lets it guide her actions to a certain extent. Using her abilities and ideals she can focus that fear and knowledge into a power of truth, peace, and love. She will build up for that time when she is stressed to her limits.
Humans tend to forget the spiritual practice in times of stress. Therefore, it is important to build a reservoir of peace and hope during the tranquil times. When times are chaotic people can forget what is right and wrong. There is pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. People will turn to these to make sure all is well and protected. Those that are deep on their spiritual journey will have the means to see defects as a simple annoyance. They will try to turn the defect into an asset. The practitioner will know that there is always a storm, there is always stress, and yes, is always death. The practitioner will build up the spiritual goodness – Hope, Peace, Truth, and Love to prepare for the dark and stressful times.
“When the people are no longer afraid of death, why scare them with the spectre of death? If you could make the people always afraid of death, and they still persisted in breaking the laws, then you might with reason arrest and execute them, and who would dare break the law? Is not the Great Executioner always there to kill? To do the killing for the Great Executioner is to chop wood for a master carpenter, and you would be lucky indeed if you did not hurt your own hand!” *
The message can be taken literally or metaphorically. The message can apply to both visions. Do not let stress and fear lead to crime or the defects of character. Build up peace, hope and love that will help guild and direct actions. When the actions of people lead to trying to force and control the metaphorical “Great Executioner” may arrive and set things right again.
* “The Calm”, Wonder Woman #218, DC Comics, October 2005
*Tao The Ching, Lao Tzu, Translated by John C.H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London 2003
Chapter Seventy-Five, The Needs of The Many
“When taxes are excessive, the people starve. When officials are meddlesome, the people rebel. When governments make life burdensome, the people do not fear death. Oppression never achieves its intended results.” *
The oppressed is never happy with their oppression. Whenever an animal is backed into a corner it will fight back. The oppressed will find ways to rebel, undermine, resist, and fight. They will find ways to manipulate the system to rise above.
The spiritual practitioner will seek ways to rise above peacefully, sharing love with those around them. The leader that actively seeks a spiritual life will not seek to oppress the people but look for ways to rise the people to a greater height. Their needs are minor to the needs of the people. The main goal of a leader should be the needs of the people, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” *
Being a Sage, Diana follows this philosophy. She understands the importance of tolerance, peace, love, and truth. She sees in her followers 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. “If the prospect of living in a world where 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?” *
“This was never about my eyes, Cassie. This was much more important than that.” *
When Wonder Woman was fighting the Gorgon, Medusa, Diana blinded herself. She won the battle. But the question could be asked, how does Wonder Woman regain her sight? During that story, a young boy that lived in the Themysciran embassy, was turned into stone. This devastated Diana. She was unable to save the boy. Athena, Wonder Woman’s patron, gave Diana a set of trials to prove Diana’s worthiness. Diana succeeded. Diana and her companions were given a reward for their success. Diana’s reward was not for herself but for the young boy, Martin, and his family. In this moment, Martin, represents all the innocents. He is every person Wonder Woman fights for and protects. Her needs are minor to the needs of all people. Of course, Athena bestows upon Diana her vision so she can witness the joyful reunion of father, son and family.
*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
* Mr. Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Paramount Pictures, Release date June 4, 1982
* “A Day in the Life”, Wonder Woman #170, DC Comics, July 2001
* “The Bronzed Doors”, Part 3 of 3, Wonder Woman #217, DC Comics, July 2005
Chapter Seventy-Six, Malleable
“And that to me is something. Coming to an understanding of who you are in the midst of discovering who you aren't.” – Brian Azzarello
Wonder Woman’s origin begins when her mother, Hippolyta, created Diana, out of clay that could be easily mold into any shape. She has never lost that fluidity. Her mission is just as fluid and malleable. Because of her beginnings Diana remains supple. Even when Diana was briefly the God of War, she remained true to her mission. She sought to make the God of War the influencer of peace through truth and love. Only a Sage could remain malleable enough to reshape the God of War into a messenger of Peace. Diana is a Sage, and she finds through her spiritual practices the ability to be opened-minded and opened-hearted enough to reshape her mission but remaining true to its core values.
“Ares knew me, and he knew exactly what kind of God of War I’d be when he sacrificed himself to stop the First Born. He would never have expected me to be like him…. Ares would never have been ashamed of me being true to myself…. I’m not going to fight you anymore, Eirene! There has to be another way!” *
Diana’s ability to remain malleable is what makes her a Sage. It is important for a spiritual practitioner to remain supple and malleable. In the world today it is important to have an opened-mind and heart. The best way to achieve these is through practicing the spiritual. To know that all spiritual practices and philosophies are connected. Look for some of the common ideas – Gratitude, Love, Humility, Service, Peace and Faith. During practice, the opened mindedness will arrive. An opened heart will be achieved.
Diana, Wonder Woman, has continued to remain a force of Truth, Peace, and Love because she remains malleable.
“A man is born gentle and weak. At his death he is hard and stiff. Green plants are tender and filled with sap. At their death they are withered and dry. Therefore, the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death. The gentle and yielding is the disciple of life. Thus, an army without flexibility never wins a battle. A tree that is unbending is easily broken. The hard and strong will fall. The soft and weak will overcome.” *
Gia-Fu Feng’s translation of the Tao Te Ching is clear. The practitioner must remain soft and supple – malleable. Changeable. Bendable. To die is to become hard, dry, and brittle. Seeking and opened mind and heart. Practicing the spiritual is the best way to tend to the spiritual flower. The body may wither and die but the philosophy – the message will live forever.
The best way to remain malleable is to submit. “Throughout this chapter the words used in the Chinese are jou and ch’iang, but in the translation the former is translated ‘supple’ and as ‘pliant’, while the latter is translated as ‘stiff’ and as ‘strong’. Elsewhere in the book, jou is also translated as “submissive.” * Find the loving submission to the spiritual practice. Submitting to the philosophy and the practice will naturally open the mind and heart.
If the practitioner submits to the morning coffee watching the sunrise through the window with warm thoughts of love, peace, and harmony then his mind and heart will open. He will become malleable. The loving embrace of the spiritual practice has been achieved.
* “The Price of War”, Wonder Woman #46, DC Comics, January 2016
* Tao Te Ching - a translation for the public domain by Gia-Fu Feng, 1972 https://terebess.hu/english/tao/gia.html#Kap76
* Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching. translated D.C. Lau, Penguin Books, 1963
Chapter Seventy-Seven, The Higher Price
“Nature's way of doing is like the bending of a bow. For pulling on a bow you see the low go high and the high go low. Nature takes from those who have and gives to those who lack. When nature takes from human beings, they fight to get it back. But if you see you have it all you're not afraid to give away expecting nothing in return it all comes back with no delay.” *
The reader or new practitioner may think this is about the rich and poor. The reading is more about collecting and hoarding – not necessarily about the rich. The earth naturally causes destruction and because of the devastation people lives are torn asunder and others are brought to higher plateaus. The practitioner will know to share the wealth. Since it is the way of heaven and earth to raise and lower so to must man learn to raise up and push down. It is the natural way. If the shopper with an abundance of food shares the extra jar of peanut butter and bread with the homeless man outside the store the spiritual bow was pulled taut. Those with excess and abundance should share with those in need. It builds virtue - it is mercy, compassion, and generosity.
“The power in that stone was a gift to the Goddess Hera to the first queen of the Amazons. It looks like your god, Urzkartaga is not willing to share you with another. You are going to have to choose…immortality as Barbara, or the power of the Cheetah.” *
Sometimes the pulling of the bow is a simple choice. It could be a choice between two houses or jobs. With these choices both will be about the money. Diana has experienced the “pulling of the bow” many times. She has seen great destruction and beautiful beginnings. She has been given opportunities to be a God and to have even greater power. She will always base her decisions on her philosophy – Peace, Truth, and Love. Even when her fellow Amazons are involved. The amazons needed to end a war against the mad conqueror Imperiex. The Amazons joined forces with their longtime villain, Darkseid, and gave up their lives and home to finally defeat Imperiex. A difficult choice was made. In return the war was ended, and lives saved. In return for their great sacrifice the Greek and Egyptian goddesses helped the Amazons rebuild their home. A new home, Themyscira, that accepted and helped all people.
What the pilgrim will find is that the pulling of the bow is a choice. Will the choice help or hurt? Will the choice help physically, spiritually, and emotionally or is the choice all about money? The follower will decide what is the higher price.
“Sometimes getting what we want comes at a price of sacrificing who and what we really are. Today that’s a price even Cheetah wasn’t willing to pay.” *
*The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Translated by Jim Clatfelter http://www.geocities.com/~jimclatfelter/jimztao.html
* “Into the Eye”, Wonder Woman #47, DC Comics, February 2016
Chapter Seventy-Eight, Water
“…Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; you put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or creep or drip or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” *
Water is probably the most spiritual substance. It goes deep. It lays low. It is calming and refreshing. It can slowly wear away a mountain. It can be a force of destruction. Water has inspired paintings, plays, poetry, and dance. The sound of the waves is relaxing. Water brings life. All living creatures must have water to survive. The Sage will try to be fluid like water. The Tao Te Ching often use water as symbolism because of its ability to flow or sit; go deep or be shallow; to build up or tear down. Water can drown a raging fire.
“Nothing in the world is softer and weaker than water; but, for attacking the hard and strong, there is nothing like it! For nothing can take its place. That the weak overcomes the strong, and the soft overcomes the hard. This is something known by all but practiced by none.” *
The contradiction is water. How is water soft and hard? Life giving and life destroying? Pleasant and terrifying? Because of its nature. People are the same. The human body is roughly 65% water. Humans can act just like water. Therefore, spiritually humans try to be like a calm refreshing pool of water. Unfortunately, humans can be just as destructive more often.
“Priests are often the worst sinners. Government officers are often the worst criminals. The truth is often paradoxical.” *
Being a spiritual being Diana is just like water. She can be comforting and strong. She travels to places others are too frightened to go – and she goes deeper. But how she is most like water is how she conforms to any situation. She understands water and its power. She understands her own gifts and power. She seeks the balance. The truth, peace and love help her find her middle ground. She is a Sage. Wonder Woman sets and example for all to follow. She seeks to help all reach new heights.
“With this great gift I can change human character. I can make bad men good and weak woman strong.” *
*”’I See’, Said the Blind Man”, Longstreet, Paramount Network Television, 1971, Li Tsung portrayed by Bruce Lee
*Tao The Ching, Lao Tzu, Translated by John C.H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London 2003
*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
*’Summons to Paradise” Wonder Woman, Sensation Comics #6, June 1942
Chapter Seventy-Nine, A Dual Life
“I’m almost jealous of myself as Wonder Woman – nothing I do as a normal woman, Diana Prince, ever impresses anybody – I have to become the sensational Wonder Woman before anybody notices me.” *
Wonder Woman has a Secret identity, Diana Prince, although she very seldom uses it anymore. Over the years she has been an ambassador for Themyscira and uses it much less today. However, it is the lack of her secret identity that makes her a Sage. During her time as Diana Prince, she learned that all humans are positive and negative. She found that humans can be virtuous and carry vice in their heart. She is honest and true with herself and to the people around her. Because of her mission she does not need the secret identity. Diana hides no part of her being or nature. She is who she is for all to see. She understands her human nature and finds no need to hide any part of herself anymore.
There is no need for a dual life. She has a positive side and a negative side like all humans. She understands they are in conflict. Because Diana practices a spiritual life, she can calm those conflicting natures to become one person. A spiritual person – a Sage. She holds no grudges or animosity toward anyone – no matter their immoral behavior. She shows no hatred toward her fellows. In one hand she is ready to battle and protect but the other hand offers the hand of peace, truth, and love. She understands and accepts this about herself. Truth, Peace, and Love make her Wonder Woman.
“Appease great hatred and hatred will remain. How can this be good? Therefore, the Sage holds the tally but does not judge people. Those who have Te control the tally. Those who lack Te collect their due. Heaven’s Tao has no favorites but endures in good people.” *
Some translations of the Tao Te Ching use the word “Te” to mean virtue. Those that have little virtue will judge people and exact their due. Tao is the path. Therefore, the spiritual path will have the pilgrims practice peace and love, without judgement or hated.
All people have a dual life – one of anger, the other of peace. They are in conflict. It is the Cherokee parable of the two wolves. The two wolves are in conflict. One is dark, all fear and anger, the other bright with love, peace, and hope. Which wolf is victorious? The wolf you feed.
*’The Milk Swindle” Wonder Woman, Sensation Comics #7, July 1942
*Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2007
Chapter Eighty, Paradise
“A small country with few people may have weapons for groups of tens and hundreds but doesn’t use them. It makes the people take death seriously and not go on distant expeditions. Though they have boats and wagons they don’t ride them anywhere, they don’t take them out. It has the people return to the use of knotted ropes, their foods, admire their clothing, be comfortable in their homes, and enjoy their customs. Neighboring states can see each other, can hear each other’s chickens and dogs, but the people never travel between them all their lives.” *
The Tao Te Ching is describing a country, but it also reminds the follower it is best to be a neighbor that is not intrusive or seek more than what is needed. Those people that leave and travel away from home are unsettled and in need of change. To the practitioner the home is a place of safety and comfort there is no need for super advanced technologies. The home can have a simple elegance created out of necessity not extravagance. The neighbors will helpful and caring but will not get involved the everyday running of the neighboring homes. The neighbors are neutral to those surrounding homes. There are countries that keep these ideas Greenland and Switzerland (they are not Taoist, but the ideas of the country seem similar).
The spiritual follower will set to create their home in such a manner. The follower will seek simplicity and comfort. The idea that a home can have a simple elegance created out of necessity and comfort not extravagance is important. Beauty and comfort can go hand in hand. The technologies of today are advanced beyond the ancient philosophers but to the pilgrim these technologies may be needed but these are not the source but a simple tool. When a pilgrim is uncomfortable, they naturally leave seeking comfort elsewhere.
“Wonder Woman left Paradise Island to fight fascism with feminism.” ― Jill Lepore, The Secret History of Wonder Woman
Themyscira, Paradise Island, is just that paradise. Created for the Amazons by the Olympian Gods. The Amazons have lived in paradise 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. They found no need to leave their home. Life was simple for the Amazons.
Diana was born on Paradise. Themyscira was all she knew. She grew restless and discontent. It was not until she left Themyscira that she realized how empty she truly was and began to be filled. She regarded her life as just that life – she knew every person, animal, and patron gods. She did not perceive her life as boring or empty because she did not know more. But as she moved away from Paradise Island she began to learn and grow in ways she never experienced. Wonder Woman has truly grown in her spiritual journey. She has grown to become a Sage sharing her message to those willing to listen. All her homes are kept in much the same as paradise – simple elegance based in necessity not extravagance.
“I certainly understand the power of Comfort.” *
Paradise is welcoming. All who live in a paradise seeks to be protective but welcoming together. Much the same way Lao Tzu and the Amazons describe. The spiritual traveler would seek to make their welcoming to all travelers – good or bad, faithful, or not. Those places that seek a home of spiritual comfort will naturally attract visitors seeking comfort as well. The pilgrim will naturally offer their home and the spiritual lessons learned.
“…No longer a ‘Paradise Island’ for a shrinking race from a lost age but an institution, a university, for nothing less than the unfettered exchange of ideas and information from across the multiverse. Visitors of every gender and species will be welcomed here, to debate theories, to craft treaties, to create art and literature, to devise machines, to craft technologies and to worship without fear in the manner that they choose. A truly democratic society which will depend on this competition of ideas in a space that will be fiercely protected by the very best our race has to offer.” *
*Tao Teh Ching, Zen Teachings on the Taoist Classic, by Takuan Soho, translated by Thomas Cleary, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2010
* “Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth”, November 2001, DC Comics
* “Paradise Found”, Wonder Woman #177, DC Comics, February 2002
Chapter Eighty-One, Truth
“Truthful words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not truthful. Good men do not argue. Those who argue are not good. Those who know are not learned. The learned do not know. The sage never tries to store things up. The more he does for others, the more he has. The more he gives to others, the greater his abundance. The Tao of heaven is pointed but does no harm. The Tao of the sage is work without effort.” *
The Tao Te Ching has given direction – to be interpreted in individual way. Each follower can find a different interpretation. Has the follower returned to the beginning or found an ending? Has the mystery been solved? “The Tao can be talked about, but not the Eternal Tao. Names can be named but not the Eternal name.” * Those that know do not force the message but rather teach through example. The followers that have studied the words and can recite may look as if they have great knowledge or learning but have the practice been achieved. It is in the practice that lessons are learned – true knowledge is achieved. The true spiritual abundance, virtue, is found and achieved.
The practice is the lesson. What is the practice? Daily meditation. Going deep and deeper still. Being present for other followers. Accepting those pilgrims that come from a different point of view. Becoming a worker of workers first. Teaching through example not by forcing methods upon others. No follower is perfect. There are times that even the Sage is confused or perplexed. The difference is the Sage will continue to practice.
“Powerful and compassionate! That goes a long way in my book.” *
Diana, Wonder Woman, is a Sage. She has practiced. She has developed her own interpretations and found her own spiritual path. Her mission, message and meaning remains the same – Truth, Peace, and Love. Diana submits lovingly to her spiritual path. Those that follow her sees Wonder Woman, offer the hand of peace, find the truth, share love, stand up for the weak, protect the innocent, and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves and never in a demanding or controlling way. Her message is learned through her example. “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.” * Diana brings love to the table. She is an example for all to follow. “It is smart to be strong. It is big to be generous. But it is sissified according to exclusively masculine rules, to be tender, loving, affectionate, and alluring.” * Therefore, Diana’s message is clear. Through Love, Peace, and Truth she teaches her fellows. “Because the Truth is, being true to yourself is never wrong.” *
“I certainly understand the power of Comfort.” *
*Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu - A Comparative Study https://www.wussu.com/laotzu/laotzu81.html
*Tao The Ching, Lao Tzu, Translated by John C.H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London 2003
* “The Nuclear Family Values”, Justice League Action, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, January 28, 2017
*William Moulton Marson, The Secret History of Wonder Woman, by Jill Lepore, Vintage Books, Random House LLC (October 2014)
* “Defender of Truth”, Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #1, DC Comics, October 2014
* “Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth”, November 2001, DC Comics
“Because the Truth is, being true to yourself is never wrong.” *
* “Defender of Truth”, Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #1, DC Comics, October 2014
“A deal is a promise, and a promise is unbreakable.” *
* Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins (Director). Alan Heinberg (Screenplay) Wonder Woman (2017). United States: Warner Bros.
“If the prospect of living in a world where 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?” *
“If it means interfering in an ensconced, outdated system, to help just one woman, man or child…I’m willing to accept the consequences.” *
* “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
*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 Te Ching, A New English Version, translated by Stephen Mitchell, Harperenial Modern Classics, Harper CollinsPublishers, 1988
*Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2007
*Tao Teh Ching, Zen Teachings on the Taoist Classic, by Takuan Soho, translated by Thomas Cleary, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London, 2010
*Tao Te Ching: The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained, Lao Tzu (author) Stefan Stenudd (author), Arriba (February 6, 2011)
*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
*Tao The Ching, Lao Tzu, Translated by John C.H. Wu, Shambhala Publications, Boston & London 2003
*Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching. translated D.C. Lau, Penguin Books, 1963
*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 - a translation for the public domain by Gia-Fu Feng, 1972 https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Code:sm,jhmd,jc,rh/section:80
* “Everyday Tao” by Deng Ming-Dao, HarperSanFrancisco, HarperCollinsPublishers, 1996
* “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
"YouTube – Wonder Woman 1984 - Official Trailer." YouTube. Warner Bros. Pictures, Sunday, December 8, 2019
*“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,
* Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins (Director). Alan Heinberg (Screenplay) Wonder Woman (2017). United States: Warner Bros.
“Sometimes, one fighter is all it takes – or hadn’t you noticed? *
* “Paradise Burning”, Wonder Woman: Forgotten Legends, published by DC Comics, 2018. Originally published in magazine form Wonder Woman #318, DC Comics, Aug 1984
“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 is smart to be strong. It is big to be generous. But it is sissified according to exclusively masculine rules, to be tender, loving, affectionate, and alluring. "Aw, that's girls’ stuff!" snorts our young comics reader. "Who wants to be a girl?" And that is the point. Not even girls want to be girls so long as our feminine archetype lacks force, strength, and power. Not wanting to be girls, they do not want to be tender, submissive, peace-loving as good women are. Women's strong qualities have become despised because of their weakness. The obvious remedy is to create a feminine character with all the strength of Superman plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman.” *
*William Moulton Marson, The Secret History of Wonder Woman, by Jill Lepore, Vintage Books, Random House LLC (October 2014)
Emotions of Normal People also elaborated on the DISC Theory. Marston viewed people behaving along two axes, with their attention being either passive or active, depending on the individual's perception of his or her environment as either favorable or antagonistic. By placing the axes at right angles, four quadrants form, with each describing a behavioral pattern:
· Dominance produces activity in an antagonistic environment
· Inducement produces activity in a favorable environment
· Submission produces passivity in a favorable environment
· Compliance produces passivity in an antagonistic environment.
Marston posited that there is a masculine notion of freedom that is inherently anarchic and violent, and an opposing feminine notion based on "Love Allure" that leads to an ideal state of submission to loving authority.
Integrity
Wonder Woman follows a code that is ancient and based on "a man is only as good as his word." To her if you say one thing and do another you are not very honorable or have integrity. To Diana, a person’s actions and words or beliefs should be the same. That is how integrity is measured.
Batman “One, dating within the team always leads to a disaster. Two, You’re a princess from a society of immortal warriors and I’m a rich kid with issues…lots of issues. And Three, if my enemies knew I had someone special they wouldn’t rest until they got to me through her.”
Wonder Woman “Next!” *
* “This Little Piggy”, Justice League Unlimited, Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, Release date August 28, 2004
The essayistic blog has grown into examining Wonder Woman’s journey to becoming a sage. Using Lao Tzu philosophy, the Tao te Ching, I am attempting to find spiritual meaning to Diana’s story.