Tao Te Ching Was Written

Tao Te Ching was written in China about 2,500 years ago at approximately the same time when Buddha spoke on the Dharma in India and Pythagoras taught in Greece. It is probably the most influential Chinese book of all times. Its 81 chapters have been translated into English more times than any other Chinese document. The Tao Te Ching provides the basis for the philosophical school of Taoism, an essential pillar of Chinese thought. It teaches there is one undivided truth at the root of all things. It literally means:

= tao

(the way)

= te

(strength/virtue)

= ching

(scripture)

Both the poetic form and the message portrayed in The Tao Te Ching verses are still very applicable. Although it was written so long ago, it still has considerable meaning for humanity today, if not even more than in the past, due to the growing complexity of a technological world.

As an example is verse 22. Twenty-Two translated by Lao Tsu, Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English.

Yield and overcome;

Bend and be straight;

Empty and be full;

Wear out and be new;

Have little and gain;

Have much and be confused.

Therefore wise men embrace the one

And set an example to all.

Not putting on a display,

They shine forth.

Not justifying themselves,

They are distinguished.

Not boasting,

They receive recognition.

Not bragging,

They never falter.

They do not quarrel,

So no one quarrels with them.

Therefore the ancients say, "Yield and overcome."

Is that an empty saying?

Be really whole,

And all things will come to you.

Stylistically, the verse uses a number of figures of speech. At the beginning is a series of antithesis or contrasting constructions as well as repetition of the word "be": "Yield and overcome"; "Bend and be straight"; "Empty and be full"; "Wear out and be new"; "Have little and gain." This whole part of the verse is also a tautology, saying the same thing with different words. The words also evoke images: The bending tree or plant, the full bucket of water, the warn out clothes.

These words in the beginning of the verse are also similar to "ying" and "yang." Yin originally meant "shady, secret, dark, mysterious, cold." Yang in turn meant "clear, bright, the sun, heat," the opposite of yin. From these basic opposites, a complete system of opposites was elaborated. Yin represents everything about the world that is dark, hidden, passive, receptive, yielding, cool, soft, and feminine. Yang represents everything about the world that is illuminated, evident, active, aggressive, controlling, hot, hard, and masculine. Taoism takes the doctrine of yin and yang, and includes it in its own theory of change. It sees all change as one opposite replacing the other

The verse continues with more repetitions of the word "not." Next are three words that mean the same, "put on a display," "boast," and brag." Then a few of the same words are used in two rows: "quarrel, quarrels"; "says, saying." Once again, it is back to the opposites "yield and overcome" and a play on words "Is that an empty saying? Be really whole."

Finally comes the surprising climax or paradox. If one yields, bends, is empty, wears out, has little, does not put on a display, does not boast, does not brag, and does not he/she will be whole and things will come to her/him.

For most of all, the verse is a prime example of the Tao Te Ching paradox. How can a person overcome by yielding? How can someone bend and be straight? How can something become full when it is empty? Be new when worn? Gain when having little? How can a person be confused when having much?

This is a concept that is very difficult for Westerners to understand, especially those with type A behavior. In sports terms, to which most Americans can relate, it is the idea of passing backward in soccer in order to move forward with the ball. Also, in arguments, it is making a concession to keep the communication going. In labor disputes, it is compromising to find a middle ground. Many times one has to yield, back down, empty oneself before overcoming, feeling straight, filling up.

James Autrey wrote, Real Power: Business Lessons from the Tao Te Ching that covers a prime way that this paradoxical thought of Tao Te Ching can be understood by the modern manager -- as a means of gaining the most valued and elusive prize in business: power.

Autrey responds to the questions, What exactly is power, and where does it come from? Does power automatically come with authority? Does it come from one's superiors, or do people create it for themselves? And why is it so difficult to hang on to? Real Power illustrates the paradox in winning at work: that power begins only when managers learn to let go of the illusion of control in order to empower others. Real power understands that employees already have power in their skills, their commitment to the job, and their passion for the work. Real power comes from creating an environment where that power can be expressed in order to produce the best results for everyone.

Another translation of this verse ends with the phrase, "when the ancient masters said 'if you want to be given everything give everything up,' they weren't using empty phrases only in being lived by the tao can you be truly yourself." Unfortunately, Americans increasingly are putting more importance in the material things they have and deesire -- huge homes, new cars, electronics, stylish clothes, trips -- than that what should have more meaning -- the spiritual, love, family, friendship, health, self-esteem and gratitude.

When people become very ill or severely depressed and then are lucky enough to once again feel healthy and mentally balanced, they often see life much differently. They see where priorities truly lie. They have reached this point noted by Tao, "give up everything to gain everything." One cannot feel spiritually whole (regardless of what one's beliefs are) until dropping the pretensions and falsehoods and yielding to a much greater power.