Chapter Eight

(As you may have noticed I will not be posting the chapters in order. Every morning I read at random as I am seeking tranquility to immerse myself in for the day. Sorry, I just like to be surprised that way. )

Chapter 8
The supreme good is like water,which nourishes all things without trying to.It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus it is like the Tao.
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete,everybody will respect you.

The very first statement of this chapter is to me one that in practice becomes quite joyously obvious. When you are making big decisions selflessly and wisely you will in actuality be directly effecting the world around you. You would be putting into action the simple but powerful principle of benefiting all by doing good. By making wise choices selflessly you inevitably benefit all with for greater good. One who consciously operates his/her life by this principle will always, on one level or another, have the greater good in mind. This person is aware of how powerful one individual's influence can be for either negative or positive. They are conscious of there own power to create change in the world around them and they understand that one simple act of kindness (or malice) can and will go along way.

The second statement if this chapter points out how the wise are comfortable with taking a position of humility when necessary for accomplishing that which benefits all for the greater good despite the level of discomfort he/she must endure, despite the lack of respect, and even despite the lack of gratitude. One who has the self composure to meekly endure those times of "low places that people disdain" even for the good of the very ones who disdain them will always have my deepest respect and gratitude.

Moving on to the second set of verses here we find the learned wisdom of Lu-Tzu directing us to live practically. "Live close to the ground" I assume you might put into other words- "Keep you head out of the clouds" or "Keep your mind firmly grounded on reality".

"In thinking. keep to the simple" I like this statement a lot because it is SO needed in today's first world media of talking heads and analyst and self-proclaimed experts of all manner of things. Keep to the simple. There is no need to over complicate a matter with over thinking, over-analyzing, or too much insertion of your own opinion. Simply state the facts, simple consider them, then simply speak or act.

Next we have "In conflict, be fair and generous" Another indication that humility is a virtue becoming to the gentle master of his own ambitions. And I believe one who puts this thought into action will find his conflicts resolved faster and smoother.

"In governing, don't try to control." Ahhhh how I wish many leaders I knew growing up had received this thought with a teachable heart. Governing is like conducting a symphony. Notice when you watch a conductor how he gently but assertively directs his musicians. You never see him standing over the violinist wrapping his head with his stick and shouting "I want you to play it this way!"
He never makes them do their work, he guides them. He leads them and they follow.

"In work, do what you enjoy." This is my favorite bit of wisdom in this passage.
Coming from a working class background where work is a means of survival not at all to be considered a treat or an indulgence this line is a bright light to me. As I grow personally I am more and more convinced that this is the most basic and most needed of all credos to follow. We live but a few years and most of the time is spent working to provide for oneself so we can continue on in our current state, if we are lucky. Why not, I pray you explain, should those years of otherwise bitter toil be spent engaging in a craft, a trade, yay even a passion that you were born for as a means of that survival? Why should life ever be lived any other way? For me there is no other way. If I cannot provide the necessary means of living through my hearts work than I will put my hand to work doing good elsewhere as a means of living. The rest of my time will be spent doing the good of my heart- fulfilling my talents and passions with the intent to benefit the greater good.

"In family life, be completely present." If this line needs explanation than you are in serious need of counseling. I will say however: Don't let your life or loved one's life pass you by without mending any torn relations. Seize you time on this planet to benefit their greater good in every way necessary. For all you know next time you may be the one in need of their selfless choices to benefit the greater good and you will have already sown your good seed that will be remembered by a loving hand in your darkest hour.

The last verse I will let you re-read if you need to. This verse deals with self identity and respect. I can say from experience that this is a very true statement. One must be content with him/herself in order to be good at being oneself. How are people going to respect one who doesn't respect him/herself? How are you going to be effective as an individual if you do not have even the gumption to be true to your own nature and personality? Be assertive in what makes you, you. Don't EVER apologize for being yourself. People will notice and even envy you for it but they will always respect you.