Constancy is important to grow closer to the Dao (Tao) and is major a theme throughout the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching). One may get closer to the Dao by simplifying their life, getting rid of unused possessions, meditating, and spending time in nature. This can help achieve peace of mind.
“Returning to the source is stillness. It is returning to one’s fate. Returning to one’s fate is eternal. Knowledge of the eternal is realization.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 16
Beginning
Constancy is important when beginning to learn about the Dao. Just like a mighty tree starts from a tiny seed, a tall building starts with the foundation, all journeys begin with the first step. Constancy starts us down the path to explore the Dao.
“A tree as wide as a man’s embrace grows from a tiny shoot. A tower of nine stories starts with a pile of dirt. A climb of eight hundred feet starts where the foot stands.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 64
Student of the Dao
The best student of the Dao has constancy. They listen to its way and follow its teachings. An average student listens but does not always follow. A poor student listens but laughs at the Dao.
“The superior student listens to the Way and follows it closely. The average student listens to the way. And follows some and some not. The lesser student listens to the way and laughs out loud.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 41
Knowledge, Virtue, and the Dao
Once one gains knowledge, that knowledge leads to the virtues of humility, simplicity and being guided by nature.
“Knowing honor, but clinging to disgrace, you become the valley of the world. Being the valley of the world, eternal virtue will be full in you, and you return to the state of uncarved wood.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 28
Eventually these virtues lead to peace of mind and the Dao itself.
“Knowledge of the eternal is all embracing. To be all embracing leads to righteousness, which is majestic. To be majestic leads to heavenly. To be heavenly leads to the way.”
Dao De Jing, 16
Once the connection with the Dao has grown, it will be found in all things in nature, no matter how large or small. This includes mountains, water, animals, insects, and plants.
“Seeing the small is called clarity. Holding on to the weak is called strength. Use the light to return to clarity. Then you will not cause yourself misery. This is called following the eternal.”
Dao De Jing, 52
Constancy is also important to stay connected with the Dao. Often people will almost reach their goal but not quite achieve it. The same applies to the journey of growing closer to the Dao.
“People fail at the threshold of success. Be as cautious at the end as at the beginning. Then there will be no failure.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 64
Conclusion
Constancy helps one explore and grow closer to the Dao. The best students will both listen and follow the Dao. As one grows more aware of the Dao, they will gain important virtues such as humility and simplicity. This allows one to see the Dao in everyday life.
Constancy: “steadfastness of mind under duress; a state of being constant or unchanging”
Merriam-Webster
Daoism 