03 October 2007

Chapter 8

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.



A lot of the Tao te Ching really doesn't need much comment. Water, or the Watercourse Way, is a common image for Tao. Water follows the path of least resistance, down to the low spots. It doesn't seek to elevate itself.

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.



Good advice. ^/^

When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.



Most people don't have even the slightest clue who they really are, deep down. They have a bundle of ideas and reactions that they think of as themselves, but those are just ripples on the surface of the water.

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