Despite its numerous incarnations across continents, the complete Tao has never existed in one place as a single text. After evidence of its existence was discovered among some dust-covered texts in a subchamber of the Cairo Museum, scholars were led to locating and compiling the disparate elements of a text which had been "hidden" in numerous publications throughout antiquity. Thus began the arduous task of piecing together this unique work. It was often likened to constructing a massive jigsaw puzzle the pieces of which had been scattered in a million places in a corn field. The monumental discovery and reconstruction of the Tao raises many questions: How has this arcane knowledge been transmitted from generation to generation? Was there ever a secret sect of so called "Tao Masters" who possessed the full unedited texts? Or, has it simply been through chance that individuals have stumbled upon a combination of actions and thoughts which have led to their success? Is the Tao simply common sense which can be deduced by any rational thinking human being? Or, as some have postulated, is it an example of what is called Instinctual Knowledge which, like the instinct in lower animals, passes mysteriously from generation to generation? Answering these questions and putting the Tao in historical context in relation to other great works across several continents, beliefs, languages and cultures, and human understanding, awareness and consciousness is an extremely difficult, if not impossible task. At this stage, it may never be known how and where the text originated. But what is of greater importance is the effectiveness of the knowledge contained therein. The Tao is a compendium of truths which, applied appropriately, is believed to create extraordinary success in any endeavor. Its origins coincide with the earliest known human writing in 3300 BC. It has experienced resurgences and rebirths, in various forms and identities, just prior to every major cultural, economic and industrial revolution in Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Despite major advancements in communication (ie. paper, the printing press, etc.) it has existed under the cloak of secrecy, and has defied attempts to maintain it in written form for the masses.... until now. Every generation's hope lies in its unhindered access to the best of all preceding generations. The challenge is to find the ever deepening meaning behind the Tao Master's poetic responses.
Mastering The Minds of Men
The average of men seek a master to be told when, and what they should do
And lo if you master the ways of all men their very rights they will surely hand you
The average of men will say freedom is the thing that they most wish to gain
But the average of men will decisions avoid so as slaves they will always remain.