Lao Tzu Old Master Thoughts From The Tao-Te Ching Analysis
Paige Eberle
Professor Powell
English 105
1 September, 2011
Tao Te Ching
Underneath the mysterious language, numerous paradoxes, and ambiguity of the Tao Te Ching lies a helpful, concise passage and interesting way of life. Its complex yet simple verses can give one great insight on moral behavior and righteousness, how to live life simply, face and deal with struggles in both society as a whole and our daily lives, and how civilization should be governed. Written by Lao Tzu, meaning Old Master, Thoughts from the Tao-Te Ching is just a small excerpt from the 81 chapter philosophical document. The central teachings of this chapter include compassion, simplicity, and patience in order to be “at one” with the Tao and seek enlightenment. …show more content…
The poetic verses written in this chapter are written with a great deal of contemplation and symbolism all of which refer back to one of the three main themes. The way in which Lao expresses his ideas is sincere, simple in words yet complex in meaning, but to the point that his thoughts and ideas are valid enough to believe. The verses necessitate patience, understanding, and compliance in order to analyze their complex meaning.
Lao Tzu puts a large emphasis on how a ruler should govern, in that a leader should be concerned with the lives of his people and not use much force. He states, “When the Master governs- the people are hardly aware that he exists.”(Stanza 17). He goes on to say “If you don’t trust the people, you make them untrustworthy.”(Stanza 17). These two of many lines about governing in the Tao, support his claim about little control and the importance of the people. Lao Tzu strongly emphasizes the need for the rulers to apply them throughout all aspects of their lives. He is simply stating that a Master should rule with such moderation that the people hardly realize he is ruling. In order to understand one’s people, a leader must be committed and loyal. He must take time to get to know the people so that their ideas coincide. “If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.”(Stanza 66). Governments that are alienated from the people and manipulative do not allow the people to live freely and manage their own affairs are bad governments. Leadership and government according to the Tao causes less rebellion, honesty, liberty, appreciation, and satisfaction. “If you want to be a great leader, you must learn to follow the Tao. Stop trying to control. Let go of fixed plans and concepts, and the world will govern itself.” (Verse 58).The previous verse implied that to be a ruler one must follow the Tao, which is to live simply. He must also be patient and let fixed plans go, just let the natural flow of life happen. Lao-tzu emphasizes that good leadership involves having enough patience to wait for natural patterns of life to complete their cycles, and trusting that balance will emerge from those cycles. Wise leaders put power in the hands of the people by providing them with what they need and having the willingness to let the world flow freely.
Not only is government a main concept in this chapter, but so is simplicity. Lao makes the claim that materialism and wealth are meaningless, and they only hinder one from reaching enlightenment. Simplicity is not just in living, but in ones thoughts and actions as well. Possessions and money are the root of all evil. The Tao considers wealth senseless, in that it only leads to competition and indulgence. The following quote proves how simplicity should be used in leadership, “If you want to learn how to govern, avoid being clever or rich. The simplest pattern is the clearest. Content with an ordinary life you can show all people the way back to their own true nature.” A life of simplicity is one without confusion, greed, and desire. By setting an example to the community, they too will apprehend the concept of simplicity and learn that life is much better without the heavy burden of materialism.
Another large portion of the Tao is action through non-action, which is considered another form of simplicity. By practicing not-doing, one can attain true happiness in life. Non-action means eliminating actions that are unnecessary and un-called for. “The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done. If people would center themself in this, people would be content with their simple everyday lives, in harmony and free of desire. When there is no desire all things are at peace.”(Stanza 37) People should take things as they come in life and they will live a life full of happiness and pleasure. When a person rids themselves of desire, they can have peace with themselves because their want for things no longer exists. The stress of desire is eliminated and harmony can be reached. According to the Tao, if you let things take their natural course, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.
The concept of patience plays a major role in Lao Tzu’s teachings as well. It is the ability to halt action and give things a chance to settle naturally. He feels that a person must have equal patience with themselves, friends, and enemies. “The master does nothing, yet he leaves nothing undone. The ordinary man is always doing things, yet many more are left to be done.” (Stanza 38). This claim explains the meaning of patience in that you should ignore your own ambitions and goals because you lose patience if your expectations are not met. If you have your own goals then you will also have difficulty remaining patient. One will learn patience when they can overcome their ego and accept the present. Riding oneself of selfish involvement can create calmness needed to solve difficult problems. A quote that supports patience and ignoring one’s drive to achieve unrealistic goals is “The world is sacred, it can’t be improved. If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it.”(Stanza 29) If one has patience and resists tampering with things that can’t be changed or achieved, one will attain fulfillment rather than disappointment. A claim made in verse 61 also relating to patience and understanding is stated quite simply, "When he makes a mistake he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it." If everyone were to embrace this quote and live by it, the change would be profound. Due to ego and fear of a tarnished reputation, people are afraid to admit their mistakes. People don’t realize that by admitting and fixing a mistake could increase integrity with others due to their ability to take accountability for their actions. Having patience with ourselves and others when either makes a mistake could eliminate many differences and lead to a gain in respect. If our nation decided to live by such an idea and became solely concerned with its own people rather than meddling in other affairs we would be at peace.
The third teaching and major point found within this text is compassion.
One must be able to admit and accept their own flaws and be loving towards their enemies whom also contain imperfections. Humans need to give up the concept that we have enemies in front of us, and learn to get past the differences. This claim is supported by “Therefore the Master concerns himself with the depths and not the surface, with the fruit and not the flower” (Stanza 38). Compassion is about looking internally and putting others before ourselves. We as humans need to attain compassion for others and see ones beauty for what’s on the inside rather than outside. Rather than fighting with others, we need to work on ourselves for personal growth and reconcile with people. We need not concern ourselves with the enemy or perceive that individual as such, for they are people just like us. The importance of compassion also plays a role in war, “His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. He doesn’t wish them personal harm. Nor does he rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?” (Stanza 31). This quote is stating that we are all humans despite our differences. War is only an option in the direst necessity, and when entering war we must have compassion for the other side. We must not rejoice in victory because killing is not good in any
way. The structure of Lao Tzu’s writing was essential in tying back to the main ideas in the chapter. The use of poetic verse provides one with a sense of musicality and softness, yet uses a sense of diligence to make its point. The form of writing makes it very direct and appears to be very simplistic in structure. His words, although they may seem simple to the eye, to the mind they are very complex in thoughts and beliefs. The words may be short in length, but they are very long in meaning. With just one simple sentence Lao Tzu can imply a great deal of ideas to the reader, such as not to interfere with things, and to let the world go on naturally and free of interruption. From the first chapter of the Tao-Te-Ching, the reader can grasp a small portion of Lao’s ideas. Many feel that his way of life is completely unrealistic or impractical. The point of this writing is not to force one into following the Tao if one does not want to; rather to show the importance of simplicity, compassion, and patience in our universe. If everyone implemented those qualities into their life, according to the Tao, one would seek a life of true happiness and true fulfillment.
Professor Powell
English 105
1 September, 2011
Tao Te Ching
Underneath the mysterious language, numerous paradoxes, and ambiguity of the Tao Te Ching lies a helpful, concise passage and interesting way of life. Its complex yet simple verses can give one great insight on moral behavior and righteousness, how to live life simply, face and deal with struggles in both society as a whole and our daily lives, and how civilization should be governed. Written by Lao Tzu, meaning Old Master, Thoughts from the Tao-Te Ching is just a small excerpt from the 81 chapter philosophical document. The central teachings of this chapter include compassion, simplicity, and patience in order to be “at one” with the Tao and seek enlightenment. …show more content…
The poetic verses written in this chapter are written with a great deal of contemplation and symbolism all of which refer back to one of the three main themes. The way in which Lao expresses his ideas is sincere, simple in words yet complex in meaning, but to the point that his thoughts and ideas are valid enough to believe. The verses necessitate patience, understanding, and compliance in order to analyze their complex meaning.
Lao Tzu puts a large emphasis on how a ruler should govern, in that a leader should be concerned with the lives of his people and not use much force. He states, “When the Master governs- the people are hardly aware that he exists.”(Stanza 17). He goes on to say “If you don’t trust the people, you make them untrustworthy.”(Stanza 17). These two of many lines about governing in the Tao, support his claim about little control and the importance of the people. Lao Tzu strongly emphasizes the need for the rulers to apply them throughout all aspects of their lives. He is simply stating that a Master should rule with such moderation that the people hardly realize he is ruling. In order to understand one’s people, a leader must be committed and loyal. He must take time to get to know the people so that their ideas coincide. “If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.”(Stanza 66). Governments that are alienated from the people and manipulative do not allow the people to live freely and manage their own affairs are bad governments. Leadership and government according to the Tao causes less rebellion, honesty, liberty, appreciation, and satisfaction. “If you want to be a great leader, you must learn to follow the Tao. Stop trying to control. Let go of fixed plans and concepts, and the world will govern itself.” (Verse 58).The previous verse implied that to be a ruler one must follow the Tao, which is to live simply. He must also be patient and let fixed plans go, just let the natural flow of life happen. Lao-tzu emphasizes that good leadership involves having enough patience to wait for natural patterns of life to complete their cycles, and trusting that balance will emerge from those cycles. Wise leaders put power in the hands of the people by providing them with what they need and having the willingness to let the world flow freely.
Not only is government a main concept in this chapter, but so is simplicity. Lao makes the claim that materialism and wealth are meaningless, and they only hinder one from reaching enlightenment. Simplicity is not just in living, but in ones thoughts and actions as well. Possessions and money are the root of all evil. The Tao considers wealth senseless, in that it only leads to competition and indulgence. The following quote proves how simplicity should be used in leadership, “If you want to learn how to govern, avoid being clever or rich. The simplest pattern is the clearest. Content with an ordinary life you can show all people the way back to their own true nature.” A life of simplicity is one without confusion, greed, and desire. By setting an example to the community, they too will apprehend the concept of simplicity and learn that life is much better without the heavy burden of materialism.
Another large portion of the Tao is action through non-action, which is considered another form of simplicity. By practicing not-doing, one can attain true happiness in life. Non-action means eliminating actions that are unnecessary and un-called for. “The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done. If people would center themself in this, people would be content with their simple everyday lives, in harmony and free of desire. When there is no desire all things are at peace.”(Stanza 37) People should take things as they come in life and they will live a life full of happiness and pleasure. When a person rids themselves of desire, they can have peace with themselves because their want for things no longer exists. The stress of desire is eliminated and harmony can be reached. According to the Tao, if you let things take their natural course, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.
The concept of patience plays a major role in Lao Tzu’s teachings as well. It is the ability to halt action and give things a chance to settle naturally. He feels that a person must have equal patience with themselves, friends, and enemies. “The master does nothing, yet he leaves nothing undone. The ordinary man is always doing things, yet many more are left to be done.” (Stanza 38). This claim explains the meaning of patience in that you should ignore your own ambitions and goals because you lose patience if your expectations are not met. If you have your own goals then you will also have difficulty remaining patient. One will learn patience when they can overcome their ego and accept the present. Riding oneself of selfish involvement can create calmness needed to solve difficult problems. A quote that supports patience and ignoring one’s drive to achieve unrealistic goals is “The world is sacred, it can’t be improved. If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it.”(Stanza 29) If one has patience and resists tampering with things that can’t be changed or achieved, one will attain fulfillment rather than disappointment. A claim made in verse 61 also relating to patience and understanding is stated quite simply, "When he makes a mistake he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it." If everyone were to embrace this quote and live by it, the change would be profound. Due to ego and fear of a tarnished reputation, people are afraid to admit their mistakes. People don’t realize that by admitting and fixing a mistake could increase integrity with others due to their ability to take accountability for their actions. Having patience with ourselves and others when either makes a mistake could eliminate many differences and lead to a gain in respect. If our nation decided to live by such an idea and became solely concerned with its own people rather than meddling in other affairs we would be at peace.
The third teaching and major point found within this text is compassion.
One must be able to admit and accept their own flaws and be loving towards their enemies whom also contain imperfections. Humans need to give up the concept that we have enemies in front of us, and learn to get past the differences. This claim is supported by “Therefore the Master concerns himself with the depths and not the surface, with the fruit and not the flower” (Stanza 38). Compassion is about looking internally and putting others before ourselves. We as humans need to attain compassion for others and see ones beauty for what’s on the inside rather than outside. Rather than fighting with others, we need to work on ourselves for personal growth and reconcile with people. We need not concern ourselves with the enemy or perceive that individual as such, for they are people just like us. The importance of compassion also plays a role in war, “His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. He doesn’t wish them personal harm. Nor does he rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?” (Stanza 31). This quote is stating that we are all humans despite our differences. War is only an option in the direst necessity, and when entering war we must have compassion for the other side. We must not rejoice in victory because killing is not good in any
way. The structure of Lao Tzu’s writing was essential in tying back to the main ideas in the chapter. The use of poetic verse provides one with a sense of musicality and softness, yet uses a sense of diligence to make its point. The form of writing makes it very direct and appears to be very simplistic in structure. His words, although they may seem simple to the eye, to the mind they are very complex in thoughts and beliefs. The words may be short in length, but they are very long in meaning. With just one simple sentence Lao Tzu can imply a great deal of ideas to the reader, such as not to interfere with things, and to let the world go on naturally and free of interruption. From the first chapter of the Tao-Te-Ching, the reader can grasp a small portion of Lao’s ideas. Many feel that his way of life is completely unrealistic or impractical. The point of this writing is not to force one into following the Tao if one does not want to; rather to show the importance of simplicity, compassion, and patience in our universe. If everyone implemented those qualities into their life, according to the Tao, one would seek a life of true happiness and true fulfillment.