Chapter 9

Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.

Know when enough is enough. Even a useful action becomes pointless if taken too far.

Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people's approval
and you will be their prisoner.

Anything that you hold fast to ultimately becomes a trap, whether it be an idea or an object. If you pursue money, even when you have enough it becomes very difficult to stop that pursuit. Worrying about the approval of others is an even worse trap, as fashions change so rapidly. What was expected one day becomes a horrid faux pas the next.

Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.

Know when you've accomplished your goal, and stop. When you've reached the bottom, stop digging. When you're on the summit, stop climbing. When the bowl is full, stop filling.