Taoism and Lao Tzu
For the Taoist sage of old, the ideal was always something elusive, an inner quality that drifted in and out of what we know as time and space. Filled with energy, he embraced the Tao, often amid chaos, where he could bring a positive influence on the world around him.
This is where a transformation happens, bringing Lao Tzu’s teachings to life. It’s the constant push and pull between what’s real and imagined, between what we can see with our own eyes in the physical world and what’s real but beyond sight or sensation. The key has always been to see the common good beyond the singular purpose of one’s ego.
As Lao Tzu traveled from city to city he would often be seen as someone with great wisdom who could see through events to envision what possible outcomes may occur and try to steer leaders to go there. Central to that was to assist rulers with the Way. To not use violence or weapons as the results could easily backfire. I especially liked the image here in Chapter/Verse thirty that says, “In places where armies are stationed, thorns and brambles will grow”.
Commentaries over the centuries have always illustrated the common themes of the detriment of the human ego taking precedence over what can be seen as the common good. I think this frustration is what drove both Lao Tzu and Confucius to see the folly of a person putting what they see as personal interest and fleeing for safety when good advice goes unheeded.
I especially like the commentary here of Sung Ch’ang-Hsing, a Taoist master and seventh patriarch of the Dragon Gate sect of the Golden Lotus lineage who says,
“A kingdom’s ruler is like a person’s heart: when the ruler acts properly, the kingdom is peaceful. When the heart works properly, the body is healthy. What enables them to work and act properly in the Tao. Hence use nothing but the Tao to help a ruler.”
I also like Su Ch’e’s commentary (1039-1112), who was a great writer of prose of the T’ang and Sung dynasties, who says,
“Those who possess the Tao prosper and yet seem poor, become full and yet seem empty. What is not virile does not become old and does not die. The virile die. This is the way things are. Using an army to control the world represents the height of strength. But it only hastens old age and death.” Virile or virility generally means having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive (typically used referring to a man.
Before we go on with Verse number 30 of 81, it’s worth noting that the title of the book we’re adding commentary to—Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching—is my own version, titled “Thoughts on Becoming a Sage: The Guidebook to Leading a Virtuous Life.” It’s important to note that Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching in the sixth century BC, while I wrote mine in May and June of 2000 and published it in China in 2006.
Verse 30 – Winning when you have no choice
The Tao teaches us to win with our integrity intact. To let our spiritual fortunes guide the way.
To be so caught up in the final outcome that it is only natural that events and success will follow. That the foremost law of the universe is that we reap what we sow and that what we cultivate comes back to rule the day.
In keeping with your role as remaining at the foremost point of mediation you have come to a few basic tenants. First is an understanding of what it takes to win without using force. That it is better to win, then stop – letting common sense prevail.
Next to win with your humility intact letting everyone take credit for the outcome. Third, to win without being cruel to another, giving them the victory as well. And finally, to win when you have no choice.
Ultimate victory occurring when you appear to prosper but remain poor. Become full yet seem empty. Keep virility at arm’s length thus remaining forever young and allowing death to make no appearances.
The knowing sage ages without growing old.
30. 依靠诚实取胜
道教导我们如何赢得诚实，让我们的精神之运引路。因为你坚持不懈的努力，成功自然就会跟随
而来。宇宙最重要的规律是，种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆；善有善报，恶有恶报。
站在斡旋的顶峰，你应该牢记如下几点。第一，知道怎样不使用武力去赢。最好赢了以后就停下来，让常识获胜。第二，赢得仁慈公平，为每个人都记上一份功劳。第三，双赢，不要残酷斗争，无情打击。最后，在别无选择的情况下才赢。
最后的胜利出现在当你万事顺利，但仍然贫穷之时，感到充实但仍然空虚之时。充满活力，永葆青春，不让死神降临。
聪颖的圣人长生不老。
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