Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Thirty Six

“That which shrinks
Must first expand.
That which fails
Must first be strong.
That which is cast down
Must first be raised.
Before receiving
There must be giving. 

This is called perception of the nature of things.”

One cannot exist without its opposite and it’s the nature of the universe to pass from one to the other. When we can see this working we can see its true nature.

“Soft and weak overcome hard and strong. 

Fish cannot leave deep waters,
And a country’s weapons should not be displayed.”

The power of softness and apparent weakness can then be recognised, the power of understanding the right environment and not displaying your power.