Tao Te Ching Part Twenty Two 

 

“Yield and overcome;
Bend and be straight;
Empty and be full;
Wear out and be new;
Have little and gain;
Have much and be confused. 

Therefore the wise embrace the one
And set an example to all.
Not putting on a display,
They shine forth.
Not justifying themselves,
They are distinguished.
Not boasting,
They receive recognition.
Not bragging,
They never falter.
They do not quarrel,
So no one quarrels with them.
Therefore the ancients say, “Yield and overcome.”
Is that an empty saying?
Be really whole,
And all things will come to you.”

Have a ‘soft front’, be polite and courteous, yield and accept the inevitable, want nothing and you’ll want for nothing.

This passage is excellent guidance on how to merge with the Tao and live a peaceful and harmonious existence. If we’re humble, don’t brag, aren’t flashy, don’t seek recognition and don’t quarrel, others will recognise our insight, wisdom and peaceful existence.

For martial artists this is the true meaning of Tai Chi and makes us a ‘peace keeper’ rather than a ‘fighter’.