As I researched different belief systems, I found this story of the Vinegar Tasters (based on the painting by the same name). This painting describes a metaphorical meeting between Confucius, Buddha, and Lao Tzu. These are the three men credited for founding the three major belief systems in China: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The three men were tasting vinegar by dipping their fingers in a vat of vinegar, which was common in China during this period. Each man’s reaction demonstrated his philosophy of life.

Confucius spit out the vinegar. He asked, “Why would anyone taste something so vile?” Confucianism is comprised of rules of conduct to correct moral decay and degeneration. Much of China today still follows many of Confucius’s teachings, similar to the Old Testament Book of Proverbs.

Buddha swallowed the vinegar and suffered through the taste. He stated that life is full of suffering. Just as he suffered through the taste of the vinegar, we suffer through life due to our desires and attachments.

Lao Tzu tasted the vinegar and smiled. Lao Tzu smiled, notbecause the vinegar was pleasant, but because it tasted just as it should taste – acceptance! Lao Tzu accepted the vinegar for what it was, already perfect – not needing his approval, disapproval, or effort to correct or fix in any way.

This painting reminded me of the story, “Acceptance Was the Answer” in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. The more I read about Taoist philosophy, the more I saw the application of principles I had learned in recovery. I started seeing AA Slogans like “all is as it should be” and “let go and let God,” demonstrated in numerous Taoist texts.

I knew I had found what I was looking for in Taoist philosophy. Taoism’s primary text is the Tao Te Ching – Loosely translated as “the book of the Way of Virtue.” The Tao Te Ching (pronounced Dow-De-Ching) is the second most published manuscript globally, second only to the Bible.

Through years of studying the Tao Te Ching, I have found a practical spirituality that has helped me apply the Twelve Steps to all areas of my life, especially surrendering more of my will and life’s cares.

Recently, I felt inspired (no doubt, from my years of connecting with the Tao) to share my experience applying the Tao Te Ching to my life in recovery. This interpretation of the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching is the result.

Keep in mind this is not a translation of the Tao Te Ching – only my interpretation through the lens of my experience.

I hope these verses will help anyone struggling to find a “God of their own understanding” and enhance your ability to surrender to a Power Greater than yourself. You can use these verses in your daily meditations or at any time you are looking for comfort, guidance, or inspiration. They work for me, and I hope they work for you too.

Buddy C.
Atlanta, Ga
March 2021