I’ve been fascinated by the Tao Te Ching for many years. I found great solace in how it speaks to the simplicity of living in harmony with the universe. Over time, I’ve felt a deep connection between its teachings and the world of rhythm, particularly in drumming. As I embarked on my own adaptation of the Tao Te Ching, I’ve sought to capture the essence of “The Way”—the Tao—and translate it into the language of rhythm, sound, and the drumming journey – The Inner Drummer!
This adaptation, built upon numerous public domain translations of the text, is a personal exploration of how the Tao’s ancient wisdom can guide the art of drumming. It is an invitation to consider rhythm not just as a technique or skill, but as a way of being, a flow that exists beyond the noise of ego, and an expression of our deepest connection to life itself.
I hope this work encourages you to reflect on your own rhythm and helps you deepen your journey into not only drumming but also into the Tao of the Drum—the rhythm that pulses through all things, that transcends boundaries, and that ties us to the present moment. Here, the drum becomes not just an instrument but a medium for embodying the Tao, for surrendering to the flow of life and allowing the music to come through us, rather than from us.
Don’t try to impress
In the realm of the Inner Drummer, the need for external recognition falls away. Drumming isn’t about impressing others; it’s about aligning with your own truth, and expressing what flows through you. The Inner Drummer plays not for applause, but because the rhythm is a natural extension of their being. When you let go of the desire to impress, you open the door to authenticity, allowing the rhythm to express itself unencumbered by ego.
Let the audience be free from judgments
The Inner Drummer knows that judgment creates distance between self and world. By letting go of the urge to judge or be judged, the music exists in its pure form, untainted by expectations. The audience is invited to experience the rhythm as it is, without any attachment to preconceived notions. This freedom from judgment allows the rhythm to move through the space, unobstructed and pure, just as it was meant to be.
Don’t brag about what you’ve done
The Inner Drummer practices humility, understanding that their music is not theirs alone but part of a larger, universal rhythm. The achievements of the drum are not for boasting… be humble some might say. When you release the need to talk about what you’ve accomplished, the rhythm becomes not about “look what I can do,” but rather “look what the rhythm can do through me.” With this true strength arises—strength that comes from the quiet knowing that the rhythm speaks for itself.
And no one will try to bring you down
When you no longer identify with your ego, there is no fear of being brought down. The Inner Drummer is rooted in inner peace and understanding, living harmoniously with the world around them. There’s no need for competition or comparison. The rhythm flows freely, unimpeded by the judgments or criticisms of others, because it is rooted in a place of stillness and authenticity.
Don’t play for just money
The Inner Drummer understands that rhythm is sacred, not a transaction. While money may be necessary in the world we live in, it shouldn’t get in the way of the music. Drumming for the sake of rhythm itself, not for gain, aligns you with the flow, where true abundance comes from surrendering to the music and allowing it to be a vehicle for connection and expression. In this detachment, the rhythm becomes more than just a means to an end—it becomes a spiritual practice.
And keep your art pure
Purity in art arises when the Inner Drummer is connected to the essence of the rhythm, free from external distractions or desires. When we align with the rhythm without embellishments or agendas, the music expresses itself clearly and powerfully. In the Tao of the drum, purity is about simplicity and being present. The Inner Drummer creates space for the natural flow of rhythm to emerge, and in that space, the sound is pure and unforced.
The Inner Drummer’s world is tranquil
The world of the Inner Drummer is one of profound peace. Their mind is calm, their body moves effortlessly with the rhythm, and their playing reflects the stillness of their inner state. In this quietness, the rhythm finds its natural place. The mind is not cluttered with worries or distractions, and the drum is not an object to be controlled, but a means to express the tranquil flow of the present moment.
Their mind is calm
The calm mind is what allows the rhythm to flow without obstruction. When the mind is still, we are able to hear and feel the subtle pulse of the rhythm that is always present. In this stillness, we do not impose our will on the music; rather, we allow it to unfold naturally. A calm mind enables the Inner Drummer to play not out of force, but out of presence, and it is from this place of peace that the rhythm is born.
Their playing is enough
There is no need to do more than what is already present. Their playing is enough because it is rooted in simplicity and acceptance. The Inner Drummer does not need to prove anything or strive for more. The rhythm they create is an expression of the universe, flowing effortlessly from within. Every beat, every sound, is part of the whole, perfect as it is. This acceptance of the present moment is what makes the playing enough.
Their aspirations are modest
The aspirations of the Inner Drummer are grounded in humility. They do not seek fame or accolades but rather seek to deepen their connection with the rhythm itself. Their journey is about becoming more attuned to the natural flow of sound and energy. In their modesty, they do not strive for recognition but for inner peace and harmony with the rhythms of life. Through this quiet humility, their music resonates deeply, creating space for others to connect with the beat.
And rhythms are strong
The rhythms of the Inner Drummer are strong, not because of effort or force, but because they are in alignment with the natural flow of energy. They are not trying to impress or dominate; their strength comes from their deep connection to the present moment and the rhythms of the world around them. The rhythm is steady and unwavering, like the pulse of life itself. This strength is felt, not in the volume or intensity of the sound, but in its unwavering presence.
As you play, be unknowing and without wanting
Play without attachment to the outcome. Don’t enter into the rhythm with the desire to achieve something specific or to prove something to themselves or others. To be “unknowing” is to surrender to the rhythm completely, allowing it to emerge without force or preconception. It is the act of playing without expectation, trusting that the rhythm will reveal itself in its own time and in its own way.
Let the rhythm flow unforced
The rhythm of the Inner Drummer flows without effort, like a river that moves naturally with the current. There is no need to control it or push it forward; it simply flows. This is the essence of Taoist flow—the surrender to the natural unfolding of events. Allow the rhythm to emerge from a place of ease, rather than struggle, trusting that the music will come as it should.
Drum without drumming
To drum without drumming is to transcend the act itself, to become one with the rhythm. The Inner Drummer plays without separation between self and sound, movement and beat. The drumming becomes a natural extension of who they are, a seamless flow where the individual is no longer separate from the music. It is a state of pure being, where the rhythm is not something you do, but something you are.
Everything is rhythm
The Inner Drummer knows that everything is rhythm—life itself, the movement of the body, the sound of the heart beating. Everything is in constant motion, in constant rhythm. When we are fully aligned with the rhythm within us, we are aligned with the rhythm of the world. The drum is just one expression of this universal pulse, a reminder that the beat is always with us, in every moment, in every breath.