Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Fifty Nine

“In caring for others and serving heaven,
There is nothing like using restraint.
Restraint begins with giving up one’s own ideas.
This depends on Virtue gathered in the past.
If there is a good store of Virtue, then nothing is impossible.
If nothing is impossible, then there are no limits.
If a man knows no limits, then he is fit to be a ruler.
The mother principle of ruling holds good for a long time.
This is called having deep roots and a firm foundation,
The Tao of long life and eternal vision.”

Restraint and virtue require consistent work, study and training. Firstly we have to learn self care and have patience, tolerance and compassion towards ourselves to develop that virtue so that we can extend it toward others.

The path is lifelong and has no end and no limits. To be a good ruler we have to be able to put the care of others before our own and offer support and care to the community.

Developing strong roots in the source will give our compassion long life and eternal vision way beyond our own lifespan.