Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Sixty  “Ruling the country is like cooking a small fish. Approach the universe with Tao, And evil is not powerful, But its power will not be used to harm others. Not only will it do no harm to others, But the sage himself will also be protected. They do not hurt each other, And the Virtue in each one refreshes both.” Ruling the country is like cooking a small fish, if we poke it too much we’ll ruin it. If we approach it from nature, it negates the power of evil. Acting naturally and ruling with a light hand … Continue reading They Do Not Hurt Each another

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 … Continue reading Caring For Others

Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Fifty Eight  “When the country is ruled with a light hand The people are simple. When the country is ruled with severity, The people are cunning.  Happiness is rooted in misery. Misery lurks beneath happiness. Who knows what the future holds? There is no honesty. Honesty becomes dishonest. Goodness becomes witchcraft. Man’s bewitchment lasts for a long time.  Therefore the sage is sharp but not cutting, Pointed but not piercing, Straightforward but not unrestrained, Brilliant but not blinding.” As I said in previous chapters, the more rules and laws we make only makes it worse and confusing. It’s important to govern with a light touch … Continue reading The People Are Simple

Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Fifty Seven “Rule a nation with justice. Wage war with surprise moves. Become master of the universe without striving. How do I know that this is so? Because of this!  The more laws and restrictions there are, The poorer people become. The sharper men’s weapons, The more trouble in the land. The more ingenious and clever men are, The more strange things happen. The more rules and regulations, The more thieves and robbers.  Therefore the sage says: I take no action and people are reformed. I enjoy peace and people become honest. I do nothing and people become rich. I have no desires and people return to the … Continue reading Master Of The Universe

Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Fifty Six  “Those who know do not talk. Those who talk do not know.  Keep your mouth closed. Guard your senses. Temper your sharpness. Simplify your problems. Mask your brightness. Be at one with the dust of the Earth. This is primal union.  He who has achieved this state Is unconcerned with friends and enemies, With good and harm, with honor and disgrace. This therefore is the highest state of man.” If we have internalised the Tao, there’s no point trying to explain to others unless we’re asked, the best thing to do is to continue working on ourselves. The best way to … Continue reading Those Who Know Do Not Talk

Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Fifty Five  “He who is filled with Virtue is like a newborn child. Wasps and serpents will not sting him; Wild beasts will not pounce upon him; He will not be attacked by birds of prey. His bones are soft, his muscles weak, But his grip is firm. He has not experienced the union of man and woman, but is whole. His manhood is strong. He screams all day without becoming hoarse. This is perfect harmony.  Knowing harmony is constancy. Knowing constancy is enlightenment.  It is not wise to rush about. Controlling the breath causes strain. If too much energy is used, exhaustion follows. This is … Continue reading Perfect Harmony…

Explanation Of The Tao Te Ching Part Fifty Four “What is firmly established cannot be uprooted.What is firmly grasped cannot slip away.It will be honored from generation to generation.  Cultivate Virtue in your self,And Virtue will be real.Cultivate it in the family,And Virtue will abound.Cultivate it in the village,And Virtue will grow.Cultivate it in the nation,And Virtue will be abundant.Cultivate it in the universe,And Virtue will be everywhere.  Therefore look at the body as body;Look at the family as family;Look at the village as village;Look at the nation as nation;Look at the universe as universe.  How do I know the … Continue reading Cultivate Virtue In Yourself