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Each week we address one chapter of the Tao Te Ching. The Tao Te Ching can be obscure, especially if you think you're supposed to understand what it's saying! We find it easier and more instructive to simply contemplate how the chapter resonates with your personal experience. Becoming more aware at this fundamental level simplifies life. This approach conforms to the view that true knowing lies within ourselves. Thus, when a passage in the scripture resonates, you've found your inner truth. The same applies for when it evokes a question; questions are the grist for self realization.
Chapter 68
One who excels as a warrior does not appear formidable;
One who excels in fighting is never roused in anger;
One who excels in defeating his enemy does not join issue;
One who excels in employing others humbles himself before them.This is known as the virtue of non-contention;
This is known as making use of the efforts of others;
This is known as matching the sublimity of heaven. -
[Note: I italicize phrases I borrow from the chapter, and link to phrases I borrow from other chapters to help tie chapters together. While making it more tedious to read,
the Tao Te Ching is best pondered in the context of the whole.Contention is stressful - what to do, what to do? It boils down to that natural dynamic - fight (contend), or flight (content...well, at least briefly). When I feel cornered, I'll contend. If not, I'll begin turning back until I feel safe and sound.
Emotion is the 'culprit' in this chapter. Appearing formidable is a symptom of insecurity and fear. Roused in anger creates massive blind spots, where all we see is 'red' instead of the Achilles heel of our opponent. Join issue is competition (contention) where we feel emotionally pushed and pulled to interact and often end up roused in anger. Finally, the inability to humble oneself is a symptom of clinging to self image, which is in turn a symptom of insecurity. Geez, all these symptoms... but I feel fine doc - really!
As animals, we have precious little control over these emotional 'liabilities' (despite our free will fantasies). Indeed, need (for pleasure) and fear (of pain) drive life - it's biology, plain and simple. When we feel insecure deep down within our psyche our actions reflect that, one way or the other. Sure, we can put on an 'act', but even the 'act' reveals what lies within to those who know what to look for...
There in may lie the benefit of this chapter. Understanding what to look for in ourselves and others. As a bonus, the deeper we understand, the more our matching the sublimity of heaven happened to us naturally. Struggle is unnecessary! And that is the best new of all.
The Chinese literally goes like this, which I enjoy...
excellent practitioner not fierce
excellent warrior not angry
excellent victor not participate
excellent employer becomes lower
is called non contention virtue
is called using people power
is called joining heavens ancient utmost
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