The Way of Water in the Tao Te Ching overcomes rigidity with softness and governs by inaction

Mondo Culture Updated on 2024-03-04

In ancient Chinese philosophy, there is a classic book known as the "King of All Classics" - the Tao Te Ching. This philosophical work, written by Lao Tzu, the founder of the Taoist school, has become an important part of Chinese culture with its profound thoughts and refined words. In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu uses "water" as a metaphor to expound a philosophy of life that overcomes rigidity with softness and rule by inaction.

"The world is weaker than water, and the strong can win, and it is not easy. ”This sentence reveals a profound truth for us: in nature, water is undoubtedly the weakest substance. However, it is this seemingly delicate substance that has the power to penetrate hard rock and wash through mountains and valleys. This strength does not come from the toughness of the water, but from its flexibility and persistence. Water overcomes rigidity with softness, responds to all changes with unchanged, and finally wins.

In the same way, in social life, we often see examples of the victory of weakness over strength. Those who face life's challenges with a gentle and humble attitude are often able to resolve difficulties and earn the respect and trust of others. Those who are too strong and stubborn are often prone to difficulties and even failure. Therefore, Lao Tzu advocated that people should learn to overcome rigidity with softness, resolve contradictions with soft strength, and achieve harmonious coexistence.

"The weak is better than the strong, the soft is better than the strong, the world knows everything, and nothing can be done. ”This quote further emphasizes the power of weakness. However, in real life, many people tend to ignore this. They are too focused on strength and strength, but they neglect the importance of gentleness and wisdom. This one-sided pursuit often leads to failure and frustration. Therefore, we should always remind ourselves to learn to use the strength of weakness, to overcome the rigid with softness, and to advance with retreat.

This thought of Lao Tzu is not only a guide for personal behavior, but also an enlightenment for the governance of the state and society. How can harmony and stability be achieved in a world full of contradictions and conflicts?The answer given by Lao Tzu is: to overcome rigidity with softness, and to rule by inaction. This means that the governor should follow the laws of nature, respect the will of the people, and resolve conflicts with a gentle and tolerant attitude to promote social progress. Instead of suppressing the people by forceful and violent means, this will only exacerbate contradictions and conflicts, leading to social unrest and unrest. Tao Te Ching Revelation

This idea of overcoming rigidity with softness also applies to personal growth and career success. On the road of life, we will inevitably encounter various difficulties and challenges. In the face of these difficulties, we should remain calm and firm, and use soft strength to resolve the difficulties and achieve self-transcendence. Instead of being too impatient and anxious, this will only make us lose direction and confidence.

The "Way of Water" in the Tao Te Ching provides us with a new perspective and way of thinking. It reminds us that weakness is not weakness, but a hidden strength. Only by learning to overcome rigidity with softness and retreat as advance, can we go further and more steadily on the road of life. At the same time, this kind of thinking also provides us with wisdom and enlightenment: in the process of pursuing personal growth and social progress, we should respect the laws of nature, conform to the will of the people, resolve conflicts and achieve harmonious coexistence. In this way, we can create a better future.

Fei Wenzhong. 2024-03-04 in Suzhou Kongdeju.

Interpret the wisdom and truth in the Tao Te Ching.

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