Further Thoughts Along the Journey - Verse 22 - The Way of the Sage

     In this most profound testament to living the Tao-centered life, Lao-Tzu sets before us plainly and simply the way of the sage.

     Upon reading it for the first time, it is beautiful and perplexing, paradoxical. Deeper study has me comparing it to my own life, proving its veracity in remembered circumstances and responses.

     Its truths become known as I contemplate my life thus far and layer upon layer of superfluous activity and futile striving falls away and the true essence of the Tao shines through - a rock upon which to build a life.

    "Yield and remain whole
      Bend and remain straight
      Be low and become filled
      Be worn out and become renewed
      Have little and receive
      Have much and be confused
      Therefore the sages hold to the one as an example for the world
      Without flaunting themselves -- and so are seen clearly
      Without presuming themselves -- and so are distinguished
      Without praising themselves -- and so have merit
      Without boasting about themselves -- and so are lasting

      Because they do not contend, the world cannot contend with them
      What the ancients called "the one who yields and remains whole"
      Were they speaking empty words?
      Sincerity becoming whole, and remaining to oneself"

This 22nd verse quoted from Tao Te Ching, Translation and Annotation by Derek Lin.