Friday, December 6, 2013

Choice #4- Catherine Buttner


"The Tao" by Lao-Tzu


“Therefore the sage manages affairs without action and spreads doctrines without words.  All things arise, and he does not turn away from them.  He produces them but does not take possession of them.  He acts but does not rely on his own ability.  He accomplishes his task but does not claim credit for it.  It is precisely because he does not claim credit that his accomplishment remains with him.”  (Lao-Tzu).

This quote from Lao-Tzu illustrates some of the qualities that a person who exemplifies the Tao would have.   A person who is connected with the Tao does not need to use words to spread doctrines (i.e. proselytizing).  This is because the Tao is not boastful or arrogant.  It is a zen-like state.  By exemplifying the Tao, others will naturally be inclined to follow you.    The Tao places an emphasis on accepting things as they come, instead of trying to change or avoid things.  A person connected to the Tao would perform good deeds but not try to take credit for them, because the deeds should be attributed to the Tao.   If a person were to claim credit for his or her accomplishments, those accomplishments would become tainted by boastfulness or pride, which are both counter-productive to the Tao.

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