Daodejing Chapter 62 asserts that the way is open to everyone, regardless of whether they are deemed to be “good” or “not good.” It neither judges anyone who wishes to embrace it, nor does it offer preferential access for the morally virtuous. …

The way is the sanctuary for the myriad things. It provides treasure for the good, Refuge for the not good. Fine words can win respect. Fine deeds can win admiration. Even if someone is not good, Why abandon them? When the son-of-heaven was enthroned, And the three dukes were installed, Instead of presenting them with jade…

When the Daodejing was written during the Spring and Autumn period, the crumbling Zhou empire comprised a patchwork quilt of feudal states of all shapes and sizes. The larger states like Qi, Jin, and Chu were constantly looking to expand their territories to boost their wealth and military might, while…

A large state lies downstream. It is where everything converges. It is the female of the world. The female invariably prevails over the male through stillness. In her stillness, she lies beneath. By lying beneath a small state, A large state wins over the small state. By lying beneath a large state, A small state wins…

Chapter 60 of the Daodejing uses the metaphor of cooking a small fish to illustrate the need for a ruler of a large state to govern with a light touch to maintain social stability and balance. Section 1 Governing a large state is like cooking a small fish. The metaphor in the…

Governing a large state is like cooking a small fish. When the way prevails over the world, Demons lose their spiritual powers. What powers the demons still possess, No longer harm the people. Not only do the demons no longer harm the people, But the ruler also does not harm the people. Since these two do…

By highlighting the qualities required to become an effective ruler of a state, Chapter 59 of the Daodejing also provides pointers on the personal traits and mindset that we all need to develop to lead a long and fulfilling life. The passage underlines the importance of prudence, preparation, and resilience…

In ruling the people and serving heaven, Nothing beats prudence. Only with prudence can you be ready early. To be ready early brings abundant inner power. Abundant inner power means you can overcome any difficulty. Once you can overcome any difficulty, you know no limits. Once you know no limits, you possess the state. Once you…

Chapter 58 of the Daodejing examines the relationship between governance and the behavior of the governed, as well as the often-paradoxical nature of fortune and misfortune. Here’s a breakdown: Section 1 When the government is dull and vague, The people are honest and simple. When the government is repressive and intrusive, The…