Taoism and Lao Tzu
Something Lao Tzu teaches us through seeing how all the pieces come together in shaping a well-rounded person is that we should try to understand that in many cases it is our weakness that should prevail. What appears to be counter intuitive, or counter to what intuition would lead us to expect. Then first, we must ask okay, how would we define our intuition?
It is the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning, or even a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning. I would add to something we have always known and maybe forgotten.
To what many would say lead to understanding the true essence of wu wei and why many feel the soft motions of Tai Chi helps us to focus on what becomes important to us. Even when kung fu can be seen as the innermost expression of self that can be seen as both everything and nothing at the same time.
So that when Lao Tzu says in the Tao Te Ching in number thirty-six:
“What you would shorten you should therefore lengthen and what you would weaken you should therefore strengthen” and “What you would topple you should therefore raise and what you would take you should therefore give”. He tells us that “this is called hiding the light as the weak is seen conquering the strong. Saying that fish can’t survive out of the deep and that a state’s greatest tool is not meant to be shown”.
This ties into the idea that knowledge and wisdom from past experiences and memories are meant to naturally guide our thinking before we move forward. We’re not meant to act in isolation, ignoring what has come before us that propel us to our highest endeavor.
Everything in nature carries an inherent memory of the past, recognizing the timeless truths of cause and effect. We are meant to act through intuition and instincts. So, when we say weakness can overcome what seems like strength, it’s because knowing what we know makes everything equal in nature, allowing our weaknesses to prevail.
Often, when we look beyond our current situation to the challenges or problems we face, we search within ourselves for the path of virtue that treats all sides fairly. Without even realizing it, we draw on our memories to find the answer that feels right for both us and the situation. What we often see as our weaknesses are not weaknesses at all.
Weaknesses sometimes appear to be submissive and weak only because we think they need to remain hidden from the light. Just as the fish stays low in a deep pool out of harm’s way. It’s about finding a gentle, subtle light that quietly emerges, not seeking attention, but shining within us to guide the way forward. Without these so-called weaknesses, we might never truly succeed.
Verse 36 – Hoping Weakness Prevails
What you would shorten you should lengthen instead. What you would weaken you should spend your time strengthening.
What you would topple, you should raise and what you would take you should spend your time giving.
Most importantly do not abandon your weaknesses as it will be through your weaknesses that your strengths will prevail and endure.
The sage hides his light so it can be kept safe and secure. While cultivating the Tao he speaks softly and with care. Just as a fish cannot survive out of water, the sage’s greatest asset is not meant to be seen but should remain in humble and non-intimidating surroundings. Keeping still as in a deep pool he remains unknown to the world.
36. 祈求柔弱
你欲截短，实应加长。你欲减弱，实应增强。你欲下去，实应上来；你欲攫取，实应给予。
最重要的是，不要抛弃柔弱，唯有柔弱，才有力量。
圣人为了安全和无虑起见，收藏了他的光辉。当进行道的修炼时，圣人说话柔和谨慎。正如鱼离不开水，圣人的最大财富不是用来给人看的，但是应该留在谦恭平和的环境之中。保持宁静，就象藏在一个深池，圣人不为世人所知。
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