April 18th

Numbers


One gives birth to two, two gives birth to three,
Three gives birth to the ten thousand.
One hundred and eight counts make one cycle,
Constant turning creates all things.

Today is the one hundred and eighth day. Why are numbers so important to those who follow Tao? Even today, when numbers are more commonly yoked to the service of finance and engineering, there are those who revere numbers with the cheap version of mysticism -- superstition. Numbers form a closed world with mysteries to explore and exploit if our understanding is deep enough.Followers of Tao emphasize certain numbers : One is the unity of Tao. Two is duality. Three is the unevenness that will generate movement. Four is the seasons. Five elements generate the world. Six parts of the body are the arms, legs, head, and trunk. Seven is the day of the waxing moon by the lunar calendar. Eight is the number of divination. Nine is the number of life. Ten is heaven's cycles.
There are twenty-four periods in a year, each with its own characteristics. Thirty-six is six squared. One hundred and eight is three cycles of thirty-six and represents a greater cycle, although there are even more esoteric connotations attached to it.
Numbers are only symbols, a way for human beings to project order upon the universe. They are a language more precise than words. But does Tao talk? Numbers are important to master, but take care to look beyond language and numbers to the true reality that they foreshadow.

Personal Interpretation

Numbers are more precise than words. They can communicate truths more efficiently. There isn't a number barrier the way there is a language barrier. Once the language of numerals is learned, it can be applied to a wide range of situations. Numbers often come to be linked with spiritual concepts. Taoism emphasizes the importance of certain number. Each presents a way of envisioning one of the fundamental truths of the Universe. One is the unity of all things. Two is the duality that defines all that is. Four is the number of repeating seasons. Five is the number of elements which shape our world.

In the end, we care less for the numbers than what they represent, and that's the important thing to remember. Numbers are not to be revered for their own sake. They provide a glimpse into that which is worthy of our notice.

Some have a superstitious relationship with numbers. Think of the stigma associated with Friday the 13th if you need an example of this tendency. Superstition has no place in the study of Tao. It keeps us ignorant and frightened rather than expanding our worldview. Symbols like numbers can have import for us, if we can look beyond them.