Dao De Jing 67 – Dao not like anything, three treasures

Jun 26, 2012

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Derek

in Chinese Philosophy, Daoism, Online Class, Spiritual Cultivation

The world called this Dao to be big, but it does not look like anything described.

-> When we think of big, we think of some thing describable and definable.

Because of its big, it does not look like anything.

If it looks like anything, it would be small long time ago!

-> When it looks like something, it is limited to the description of the something, and therefore is not the ultimate big.

* * *

I have three treasures, hold and keep them.

First is kindness, second is economy, third is not in front of the world.

-> Why? see below.

Kind and therefore can brave; economy and therefore can widespread; not in front and therefore can lead.

-> When we stand up for kindness, it is bravery aligned with truth; when we stand up for recklessness, it is bravery without purpose or direction. When we can save, we can spend. When we know humility, we can lead without getting lost.

Now (people) seek brave without kindness; widespread without economy; lead without staying in the back; die soon!

-> reckless bravery, unsustainable spending, arrogant leadership. What else except destruction can they lead to?

Fight with kindness and one will win in war, defend with kindness and one will hold his ground.

Heaven will save it, and protect it with kindness.

-> Align with kindness and one life will be protected by it.

* * *

Chapter 67 Discussion:

The Dalai Lama’s religion is kindness. And so did Laozi taught. An important quality towards mastering oneself and the world, one need to cultivate kindness. Be kind to our self, be kind to our loved one, be kind to our enemies, and to our fellow members of the world. Be kind to our essence-energy-spirit, be kind to our body-mind-spirit. Jesus taught love, Buddha taught compassion, Confucius taught benevolence, and Laozi taught us kindness. Learn economy as a practical way to life and cultivation. Learn how to save so that we have something to spend. Manage our money, manage our energy, and manage our life. Lastly learn humility so we can live our lives embracing our limits, lead at the front yet supporting everyone from behind. These are what Laozi suggested.

Bilingual version of Ch67: http://www.lisiming.net/chinese-philosophy/daoist/daoist-philosophy/dao-de-jing-core-33-chapters/ddj55-79/

economy humility kindness treasures

Comments

2 responses to “Dao De Jing 67 – Dao not like anything, three treasures”

妮基

2012-07-02

Managing money is easy and straightforward, but how does one learn to manage one’s energy? When you write ‘energy’ are you referring to Chi (Qi)?

Reply
1. derek
  
  2012-07-02
  
  Yes, we need to learn to manage our energy too. Energy, or qi, is the raw material for human life. We are born with certain level of energy, and are constantly acquiring and using energy in our life. If we use too much, reserve is low, and the whole performance of our body weaken. When we use prudently, stay awared of our energy level, learn to rest when needed, acquire and save appropriately, cultivate and transform, we can manage our energy well, maintain the body system in good shape, while continue our practice and cultivation. I.e. essence is full, energy abundant, and spirit bright. Just like managing money, therefore, we need to learn manage our energy.
  
  Reply