Taoism and Lao Tzu
To truly appreciate Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, especially this chapter/verse, we should look to what brings a confluence or coming together as guidance on proper statecraft—the right way to govern a state. Lao Tzu describes the great state as a watershed, a meeting point, or what I like to call a melting pot—a metaphor for the blending of diverse cultures and ethnicities from around the world.
Once again, we encounter words that aren’t part of our everyday vocabulary. It’s like shaping our lives within shared boundaries that help steer the direction we choose to take. Writing in such a broad scope of history I think it’s good to try to appeal to as large audience as possible. As the storyteller getting to the bottom of things is important to tell the most accurate and compelling story.
We often see confluence as the merging of two or more elements, while a watershed is viewed as a moment or period marking a major turning point in a situation. What truly matters is our perspective, which shapes how we engage in critical thinking and making good choices.
Generally, a watershed moment is when various elements or ideas converge. Today, we might call this a paradigm shift—something that changes our perspective and potentially the outcome.
In practical terms, a watershed is when groundwater comes together and flows in a specific direction. Lao Tzu describes it as the mother of all things, or the feminine, yin, that nourishes, conveys, and shares its strength.
The female often prevails over the male through her tranquility. By staying calm, she remains grounded, beneath all else. To truly appreciate and understand the development of what became Taoism in the five centuries after Lao Tzu’s life in the sixth century BC.
One must approach the Tao with the wisdom this insight brings, allowing it to take root within before letting it grow outward. The wisdom of Lao Tzu extends beyond governing the state, it also applies to the individual and how we are meant to live with others in the community.
Chapter/verse sixty-one of the Tao Te ching says,
“When a large state is beneath a small state, it ends up taking over the smaller one. Likewise, when a small state is beneath a large state, it gets taken over by the larger one. So, some gain control by being in a lower position, while others are overtaken for the same reason.
Therefore, the great state’s only desire is to unite and lead other, while the smaller only desire is to join and serve others. For both to succeed and get what they want, the greater needs of all should be underneath the intention of all”.
After referring to several commentaries, I like Ho-Shang Kung’s that says,
“To lead a great state, we should be like the sea: we should be at the bottom of a watershed and not fight even the smallest current. A great state is the meeting place of the high and the low.
The female refers to everything yin – weak, humble, yielding, that doesn’t lead.”
This idea that a woman does not lead is interesting. Lao Tzu must remember a famous woman shaman, Lady Fu Hao. Lady Fu Hao of the Shang Dynasty was a significant historical figure from the Shang dynasty who is often associated to shamanism. She was a military leader both as a shaman and priestess. Her advice was important in Shang military campaigns, as shown in tortoise shell oracle bones show her importance. The discovery of her tomb in the 1970’s reflects her status in life.
This opinion that speaks against women being unable to lead is contrary to what Lao Tzu would have known even within his own family dating back hundreds of years. Historical records show some of the most respected shaman and military leaders were women dating back to the Shang dynasty.
Verse 61 – Harmony finding the Way
Bringing harmony to all around him, the sage is reminded of cooking a small fish.
Too much attention and the fish turn to mush, too little and it soon burns. Harmony can only flourish when each is allowed to find its own way. Some fish will become mush and others will burn. But in the end, if it is to be eaten a consensus or middle ground will be found.
In governing the world by following the Tao, the sage displays no powers. Just as the world learns to eat fish, he remains inactive or seemingly behind the scenes. He governs but does not act his virtue remaining intact with harmony always finding its way.
As the sage is the essence of virtue disharmony can never enter the picture. Neither can the people do him harm, nor him harm others, as he too finds the world’s middle and a place for everyone at the table.
61. 和谐寻道
圣人把和谐带给他周围的人，如同烹调小鱼。由于小心过度，鱼煮成了糊状，分量太少，很快就
煮焦了。当允许众人寻找自己的道时，和谐才能够实现。有些鱼将变成糊状，但是，如果最终将鱼吃了，我们就可以找到共识或妥协。
用道来治理世界，圣人不显示权力，正如世人学习吃鱼。圣人保持无为，或隐身幕后，无为而治。他的大德完整无损，总是让和谐寻找道。
因为圣人是大德的精髓，不和谐永远不会出现。众人不会伤害圣人，而圣人也不会伤害众人，因为圣人也要寻找世上的中庸，并为每人安排适当的位置。
Leave a Reply