Lao-tzu teaches us that the dark can always become light and contains within itself the potential for growth and long ife, while the light can only become dark and brings  with it decay and early death. Lao-tzu chose long life. Thus he chose the dark. The word that Lao-tzu chose to represent this vision was Tao.

There are two poles around which the Taoteching turns: the Tao, the dark, the body, the essence, the Way; and Te, the light, the function, the spirit, Virtue. In terms of origin, the Tao comes first. In terms of practice, Te comes first. The dark gives the light a place to shine. The light allows us to see the dark. But too much light blinds. Lao-tzu saw everyone chasing the light and hastening their own destruction. He encouraged people to choose the dark instead of the light, less instead of more, weakness instead of strength, inaction instead of action. What could be simpler?

Here, as regard to Language acquistion, What can we learn from the Tao?

 I would like to share with you all about my recent years' experiences, in terms of Language acquistion and Tao study.

Derek

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