Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching Chapter 30 “Contrary to the Tao” (不道章) - Part 2 - Paraphrase
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, Chapter 30 "Contrary to the Tao" (不道章) Paraphrase by Derek Lin We paraphrase a chapter to demonstrate a complete understanding of the chapter by expressing the original meaning in our own words. The paraphrase: In ancient times, ministers who knew the Tao would advise the king against waging war, because they understood that a ruler who attacked others would eventually become the target of attacks. The same thing applies to everyone, not just kings. Anyone who attacks will eventually be attacked. When you harbor hate in your heart, it is as if you have set up camp for an army there, ready to wage war. The hatred damages you first, like thistles and thorns growing in the encampment, hurting your soldiers. After a battle has been fought, its effects remains. A conflict, regardless of outcome, leaves all of its participants worse off than before — even those who think they have won. Those who understand the Tao avoid conflicts whenever possible. If they must fight, they do the minimum necessary, and then stop without trying to dominate others. Although they can be extremely effective in achieving their objectives, they do so without bragging or flaunting. They know there is only illusory glory in what most people consider victories, so their accomplishments do not make them arrogant. Indeed, they regret having to fight out of necessity. It means they have mismanaged the situation in some way, because the ideal in the Tao is the win-win resolution of conflict — victory for all, without anyone having to attack or being dominated by anyone else. In nature and history, we have seen how an increase in strength and aggression leads into aging and decay. This is a pattern we can discern in living things as well as empires. It is contrary to the Tao because such things perish while the Tao lasts. Our goal is to follow the Tao, and continue on… in peace and harmony. ——————————————————— Derek Lin's Tao Resource Suggestions Derek Lin's Website: https://dereklin.com Taoism.net: https://taoism.net Tao Meeting (virtual): https://taoism.net/tao-meeting/ Derek Lin Books on Facebook: / dereklinbooks Tao Talks with Derek Lin on Facebook: / tao.talks Tao Talks with Derek Lin on YouTube: / @taotalkswithdereklin Derek Lin's Author Page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Derek-L... ——————————————————— Derek's books are available on Amazon.com in multiple formats. His audiobooks are available on Audible.com. Below are direct Amazon.com links. Be sure to share with those who may be open to Tao wisdom. Amazon reviews are always appreciated too. Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained: http://amzn.to/2m02hO6 The Tao of Tranquility: https://amzn.to/3BXrzQq The Tao of Wisdom: https://amzn.to/3a2vyzg The Tao of Daily Life: https://amzn.to/2mjPjLT The Tao of Success: https://amzn.to/2ljNhf3 The Tao of Joy Every Day: https://amzn.to/2lz8Fsc The Tao of Happiness: https://amzn.to/2myyAVK