Clues from Tao

What wisdom can be found in ancient texts that still could be valid today? I have interpreted two verses from the Tao Te Ching to illustrate its timelessness.

Credits to Mike Singleton published on Pixabay

In its simplicity, it describes how the wise who follow the path cherished by Tao act and how people who choose to follow the path of the ego act. My interpretation is entirely my own and takes several expressions that experts in the Tao Te Ching may consider incorrect or too frivolous.

The highest position one can reach is to become a ruler, master or leader. I prefer to use the word leader because the insights work on all levels. The basis is that one leads from a natural goodness and compassion for others. A goodness and compassion that encompasses the whole. The one who leads builds his way of leading on what is genuine and does not mean that one should provide himself with good at the expense of others or anything else. The leader is not only interested in the flowers but also respects the fruits and roots, the whole of living things.

Those who choose to follow the path of the ego act differently when they put their own well-being before the whole. Even someone who is discreetly law-abiding still has their own benefits or reputation in focus. A determined leader acts in such a way that they become the one or part of the group who gets to make laws that others must follow. If compliance is poor, the leader does not hesitate to use power to push it  through. The next step is to use morality as a means of persuasion and if that does not work satisfactorily from the leader's perspective, the importance of having a clear conscience comes into the picture. Finally, the aspect of justice comes into play.

All of that might look ok but if the thought behind is ego, control or power it is actually a bad thing.

To meet the needs of the ego without taking into account the whole and the idea of ​​service is to leave the balanced path, the path of Tao.

When leaders and individuals follow the intentions of wu-wei and act accordingly, every creation will feel good. It is so simple: Walk on the path where no one demands anything for themselves, only then can there be peace and tranquility.

Be conscious

Ulf