"What is life, if not a gamble?" - F. E. HigginsTao Te Ching is a goldmine of spiritual wisdom that can be applied to gambling specifically, and to life in general.
Let's look at several ways in which Tao Te Ching can be helpful to a gambler:
#1 - TRANSCEND THE EGO
The ego tends to be an obstruction, not a help, when it comes to gambling (or most other things, for that matter). A gambler who transcends his ego has a much better chance of winning. A gambler who is controlled by his ego, is fated to lose.
Tao Te Ching helps us to set our egos aside, and to operate from a much wider perspective and context - from the Unity that underlies all appearances and all physical phenomena.
#2 - UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE UNIVERSE
What is the nature of the Universe? How do things work? How does something happen or not happen? And how can I participate in the creation of my reality?
Tao Te Ching helps us understand the Universe, and our place within it. Appearances are not what they seem. There are times when we feel we know for sure that certain things will happen... and nothing happens. And at other times, we feel certain that something will never happen, not in a million years, and we experience it quickly and directly. Why is that? Tao Te Ching gives us important clues.
#3 - THE MASTER MODEL
What is the best way to live? What is the smartest way to go about our business?
Tao Te Ching presents a picture of the ideal man, a sage who has mastered the dynamics of the Universe. It simply calls him 'the Master', and teaches us that 'The Master is such and such, and looks at things this way and that way'. It is an interesting exercise to emulate this spiritual blueprint in one's own life.
#4 - OVERCOME DUALITIES
As gamblers, our lives perpetually spin around gain and loss, victory and defeat, success and failure.
Tao Te Ching helps us move beyond the these dualities and live balanced, at peace, and untouched by whatever outrageous turns of fortune we may be facing.
#5 - CHANGE SUFFERING TO ENJOYMENT
Let's face it - most gamblers suffer. And while this is what many of us might actually prefer (the ego is insane!), Tao Te Ching offers us a way out, entering the experience of joy, ease, and freedom in each moment, instead of grim insistence and dependence on outcomes (slavery!).
#6 - INSPIRATION, DIRECTION, AND GUIDANCE
Tao Te Ching points us in the direction of right practice - how to manage our minds, expectations, and ideas. Reading the text, absorbing it, you feel directly inspired to become the best version of yourself, and to continue evolving.
Tao Te Ching teaches us nothing less than the Art of Living. As most of us gamblers (and human beings) are rather clueless about that (the misery we feel is a testament to that), the wisdom in it offers tremendous value to those want something better, something more - gently flowing with the events that happen, in good humor and with grace, free, happy, and unrestrained. A happy gambler, if you will! So join me on this amazing journey!: )