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As if reading James mind (or perhaps he was!), Professor Volker turned to James saying, " The paradoxes contained in the Tao Te Ching are part of the key to it. How can something be empty and all? How can a Master speak about the Tao, yet as Lao Tzu puts it: 'get their point across without saying a word.'?"

Karl continued, " I detect that you are beginning to gain understanding, because, perhaps I am performing the function of a Master and doing what Lao Tzu referred to as 'leading by clearing out preconceived notions from peoples' heads." Karl broke out in a mischievous grin as he said the last portion of his statement. "The Taoist alchemists believed that by ridding themselves of preconceived notions and tapping into the Tao that they could prolong life, enter other dimensions and manipulate the Tao itself by being one with it. If the teachings of Lao Tzu ARE true, then that would certainly be possible. Otherwise, the Tao is merely a pleasant, yet useful philosophy."

Turning once again to the board, Karl began writing: 'Assignment for next week: Give me a brief written statement of what the Tao means to you at this point of study. Write as if you were a modern Lao Tzu.'

Facing the class, he said, "At this point, before class is dismissed I will entertain any questions you may have."

"Absolutely! ... remember, content is more important than length. See you all next week."

(OOC - Just post the short writing here)

After a while Ilwen got bored and stood up, "doesn't look like anyones going to come today so I'll just leave and head some where else." he said as he grabbed his book and left the classroom.

>>>>English room.

Returning from the Teachers' Dorm the next week, Prof. Volker scrawls on the blackboard: 'Please place your written assignment from last week on my desk as you enter class.'

(OOC: post your "What Does the Tao Mean To Me" writing in this thread of the forum)

Taking a seat at the desk at the front of the class, waiting for the students to arrive, Professor Volker ponders: "I wonder what these inquisitive young minds have produced for me to read?"

James was thinking of forsaking his original plan and going into the classroom to turn in his paper but he decided against it. Today was the day he had to do this. He walked beyond the room and went to his own room again.

As Ilwen hopped into the classroom through the window he looked around while saying, "sorry if im interupting." then saw no one was in here. "hmm..oh well I'll just take a seat and take a nap till someone comes in here." he said as he went to a seat that was obviously unocupied and sat in it, then once he sat down he opened his book, that was still blank, and put it over his face while he began to take a short nap.

((OOC: sorry im not a teacher, just a student sweatdrop ))
Ilwen took his book off his face and looks at Cas,"and what miss, makes me look so old?" he asked wondering who she was. "also, I would like to know how you knew I was in here?" he asked, now sitting up and awake.

((np, lol .alright I will.))
Ilwen gave Cas a confused look,"grade book? no this is not a grade book see." he said opening his book and revealing the blank pages, then showed her the blank cover.