The Tao on Death

The older that I get and the older that my children get the more I think about my own impermanence. I don't like the idea of not being around for my children but such is life.

I think that this verse from the Tao Te Ching puts things in perspective very well.

Tao Te Ching
16

Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity.

If you don't realize the source,
you stumble in confusion and sorrow.
When you realize where you come from,
you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.
Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
you can deal with whatever life brings you,
and when death comes, you are ready.

Any thoughts on it's meaning?

It is like a finger pointing away to the moon... *slap* don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all that heavenly glory.

I translate it into the tao version of the serenity prayer, which is cool.

Yes, I think it's basically saying that when we clear our minds of all thoughts and distractions what is left is peace. This peaceful place is our default "state of mind".

When we die we return to this peaceful place so we shouldn't sweat the little stuff while we are here. Staying in touch with this "default state of mind" can help us to keep things in the proper perspective.