Tao Te Ching 69

 Tao Te Ching 69

There is an old saying: It is better to become passive in order to see what will happen.  It is better to retreat a foot than to advance only an inch.

This is called being flexible while advancing, pushing back without using force, and destroying the enemy without engaging him.

There is no greater disaster than underestimating your enemy.

Underestimating your enemy means losing your greatest assets.

When equal forces meet in battle, victory will go to the one that enters with the greatest sorrow.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching 68

 Tao Te Ching 68

The best warriors do not use violence.

The best generals do not destroy indiscriminately.

The best tacticians try to avoid confrontation.

The best leaders become servants of their people.

This is called the virtue of non-competition.

This is called the power to manage others.

This is called attaining harmony with the heavens.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching 67

 Tao Te Ching 67

The world talks about honouring the Tao, but you can't tell it from their actions.

Because it is thought of as great, the world makes light of it.

It seems too easy for anyone to use.

There are three jewels that I cherish: compassion, moderation, and humility.

With compassion, you will be able to be brave, with moderation, you will be able to give to others, with humility, you will be able to become a great leader.

To abandon compassion while seeking to be brave, or abandoning moderation while being benevolent, or abandoning humility while seeking to lead will only lead to greater trouble.

The compassionate warrior will be the winner, and if compassion is your defense you will be secure.

Compassion is the protector of Heaven's salvation.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching 66

 Tao Te Ching 66

Rivers and seas are rulers of the streams of hundreds of valleys because of the power of their low position.

If you want to be the ruler of people, you must speak to them like you are their servant.

If you want to lead other people, you must put their interests ahead of your own.

The people will not feel burdened, if a wise person is in a position of power.

The people will not feel like they are being manipulated, if a wise person is in front as their leader.

The whole world will ask for her guidance, and will never get tired of her.

Because she does not like to compete, no one can compete with the things she accomplishes.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching 65

 Tao Te Ching 65

The ancient Masters who understood the way of the Tao, did not educate people, but made them forget.

Smart people are difficult to guide, because they think they are too clever.

To use cleverness to rule a country, is to lead the country to ruin.

To avoid cleverness in ruling a country, is to lead the country to prosperity.

Knowing the two alternatives is a pattern.

Remaining aware of the pattern is a virtue.

This dark and mysterious virtue is profound.

It is opposite our natural inclination, but leads to harmony with the heavens.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching 64

 Tao Te Ching 64

Things are easier to control while things are quiet.

Things are easier to plan far in advance.

Things break easier while they are still brittle.

Things are easier hid while they are still small.

Prevent problems before they arise.

Take action before things get out of hand.

The tallest tree begins as a tiny sprout.

The tallest building starts with one shovel of dirt.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single footstep.

If you rush into action, you will fail.

If you hold on too tight, you will lose your grip.

Therefore the Master lets things take their course and thus never fails.

She doesn't hold on to things and never loses them.

By pursuing your goals too relentlessly, you let them slip away.

If you are as concerned about the outcome as you are about the beginning, then it is hard to do things wrong.

The Master seeks no possessions.

She learns by unlearning, thus she is able to understand all things.

This gives her the ability to help all of creation.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching 63

 Tao Te Ching 63

Act by not acting; do by not doing.

Enjoy the plain and simple.

Find the greatness in the small.

Take care of difficult problems while they are still easy; do easy things before they become too hard.

Difficult problems are best solved while they are easy.

Great projects are best started while they are small.

The Master never takes on more than she can handle, which means that she leaves nothing undone.

When an affirmation is given too lightly, keep your eyes open for trouble ahead.

When something seems too easy, difficulty is hiding in the details.

The Master expects great difficulty, so the task is always easier than planned.

Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching 62

 Tao Te Ching 62

The Tao is the tabernacle of creation, it is a treasure for those who are good, and a place of refuge for those who are not.

How can those who are not good be abandoned?

Words that are beautiful are worth much, but good behaviour can only be learned by example.

When a new leader takes office, don't give him gifts and offerings.

These things are not as valuable as teaching him about the Tao.

Why was the Tao esteemed by the ancient Masters?

It is not said: 'With it we find without looking.  With it we find forgiveness for our transgressions.'

That is why the world cannot understand it.

Lao Tzu