The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom: Chapter 26 to Chapter 30
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Laozi’s Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching), as the earliest philosophical work in China, shines with the light of wisdom and has become a gem in the treasury of human intellect. However, this profound work, with its simple words yet deep meanings, often leaves readers feeling perplexed. For many, understanding the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) is a gradual journey of exploration.
To bring the wisdom of the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) closer to more people, I have divided the original content into 81 chapters and created 81 vivid and natural stories. Through a combination of text and illustrations, these stories further showcase the profound and concise ideas within the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching). It is my hope that this approachable method will help readers connect with its teachings on a deeper level.
For example, the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) states: “The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things and does not compete with them.” This short statement reflects the nature of the Tao and its superior virtue. In the story The Secret of the Stream, a small stream, with its humble and generous attitude, silently nourishes the earth and helps the villagers without complaint. An elder in the village explains that the stream remains quiet because it understands humility and avoids contention. A clever boy learns the wisdom of “non-contention” from the stream and begins to treat others with tolerance, living in harmony with his friends and earning their affection. Ultimately, the entire village, inspired by the stream, understands the truth of “The highest good is like water”: helping others, remaining humble, avoiding conflict, and living a better life.
Each chapter presents a fundamental idea of the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) through a short story, demonstrating how its principles can be applied in daily life. It is my hope that readers, while savoring the stories, can awaken to the wisdom of the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) and embark on a meaningful journey of enlightenment.
Modern life is characterized by a fast pace, heavy work pressures, and various anxieties. Through the small stories inspired by the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching), one can gain wisdom, achieve inner peace, and find enduring joy.
Let us illuminate our lives with the light of Taoist virtue through these stories, allowing the natural principles of the Dao(Tao) and traditional philosophy to shine brightly in the glow of our times.
Meng Zhaoliang
Beijing, December 30, 2024
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 26: The Way of Stability and Movement, of Lightness and Heaviness
Original Text from Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“Heaviness is the root of lightness; stillness is the master of movement.
Therefore, the sage moves throughout the day without departing from the heavy burden.
Although he may hold great honor and be at ease, how can the ruler of ten thousand chariots make himself light and unburdened by the world?
Lightness leads to the loss of the root; haste leads to the loss of the master.”
1. “Heaviness is the root of lightness; stillness is the master of movement.”
Explanation: Heaviness is the root of lightness, and stillness is the master of restlessness. In other words, only through stability and calmness can one support lightness and activity.
Example: For example, when solving math problems, if you don’t think carefully (lack of stability), even though you work quickly (lightness), you might make mistakes. However, if you calm down and focus (stillness), you can work both quickly and accurately.
2. “Therefore, the sage moves throughout the day without departing from the heavy burden.”
Explanation: The sage (a wise person) moves throughout the day without departing from the foundation of stability.
Example: For instance, when you’re working on an important task, even if you’re busy, you should maintain a stable routine and mindset, without neglecting foundational preparations due to haste.
3. “Although he may hold great honor and be at ease”
Explanation: Even with honor and beautiful surroundings, the sage remains calm and detached.
Example: Imagine you’ve won an award, and many people are praising you. A wise person doesn’t become arrogant because of this, but remains humble and calm.
4. “How can the ruler of ten thousand chariots make himself light and unburdened by the world?”
Explanation: How can a ruler with ten thousand chariots make himself light and frivolous?
Example: If you’re the class president, you need to be steady and serious, rather than taking a casual approach to your responsibilities. Otherwise, you may lose control over the class and the respect of your peers.
5. “Lightness leads to the loss of the root; haste leads to the loss of the master.”
Explanation: If you’re too lighthearted, you will lose your foundation; if you’re too hasty, you will lose your position as a leader.
Example: If you’re always rushing to play and neglect your homework, it will eventually affect your grades. If you’re too reckless and don’t take things seriously, people may stop trusting you.
Short Story: The Steady Tree and the Swift Bird
In a beautiful forest, there was a tall tree and a small bird. The tree had deep roots and stood steadily no matter how strong the wind or rain. All the animals in the forest loved the tree, for its shade provided shelter, its fruit fed them, and its branches gave birds a place to nest. Everyone said, “The tree is the foundation of our forest, it makes us feel secure!”
The bird, however, loved to fly around and would often say to the tree, “Why don’t you move? Look how free I am, flying everywhere!” Every day, the bird rushed off to see the happenings in distant places. Sometimes it was in such a hurry that it didn’t even stop to eat, and it got so tired it nearly fell from the sky.
One day, a strong wind blew through the forest, and the bird tried to fly quickly to avoid the wind. But the more it flew, the more exhausted it became, and eventually, it had to rest on the tree’s branches. The tree smiled and said, “Bird, no matter how strong the wind is, I am not afraid because my roots are deep. Staying steady is more important than rushing around!”
The bird thought for a moment and felt a little embarrassed. “You’re right,” it said, “I’ve been rushing around so much that I forgot to rest properly. Steadiness and calmness are the most important things!”
From then on, the bird still loved to fly, but it no longer rushed. Instead, it learned to rest on the tree and plan its journeys carefully.
Moral
Just like the tree, only by establishing solid roots can one flourish with strong branches and leaves. Learning to be calm and steady ensures you won’t lose your direction. Impulsive and careless individuals often lose their foundation.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 27: Good deeds leave no trace, wisdom has no obstacles
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“Good deeds leave no trace; good words have no faults; good calculations do not require counting tools; good closure requires no bolts or bars, yet it cannot be opened; good bindings require no ropes or knots, yet they cannot be undone. Therefore, the sage always excels in rescuing others, and thus never abandons anyone; always excels in rescuing things, and thus never abandons anything. This is called following the light.
Thus, a good person is the teacher of the bad person; a bad person is the resource for the good person. If one does not value their teacher, nor love their resources, even great wisdom becomes confused. This is called the essential mystery.”
1. “Good deeds leave no trace; good words have no faults.”
Explanation: When doing good deeds, no marks are left, and when speaking, there are no mistakes. This means actions and words are done perfectly, leaving no negative impressions.
Example: When you do good deeds, you don’t need to boast or tell others, but they will know your actions speak for themselves. When speaking, your words don’t hurt anyone, everyone understands them, and they feel comfortable.
2. “Good calculations do not require counting tools”
Explanation: A person skilled in calculations doesn’t need tools (such as an abacus) to assist them.
Example: If you’re very good at math, you can quickly calculate in your head without needing paper or a calculator.
3. “Good closure requires no bolts or bars, yet it cannot be opened.”
Explanation: A person skilled at closing doors doesn’t need locks or bars but can close the door securely, making it impossible to open.
Example: If you can close a door so well that no one can open it, it shows you have great skill, like planning things so perfectly that no one can disturb them.
4. “Good bindings require no ropes or knots, yet they cannot be undone.”
Explanation: A person skilled at tying knots can fix things tightly without needing ropes, and no one can untie them.
Example: If you can secure two items together without a rope, and no one can separate them, it means you are very methodical and reliable in your approach.
5. “Therefore, the sage always excels in rescuing others, and thus never abandons anyone; always excels in rescuing things, and thus never abandons anything. This is called following the light.”
Explanation: Wise people are always helping others, so they never abandon anyone; they help things and never give up on them. This is called true wisdom.
Example: If you see someone in trouble, you help them without leaving them behind; you also value everything and never waste things.
6. “Thus, a good person is the teacher of the bad person; a bad person is the resource for the good person.”
Explanation: A person who is good at something is a teacher to those who struggle, and those who aren’t skilled provide resources to help the good person.
Example: If you’re good at studying, you will help others who have difficulties. Similarly, people who aren’t as skilled can still offer help by giving new perspectives and ideas.
7. “If one does not value their teacher, nor love their resources, even great wisdom becomes confused. This is called the essential mystery.”
Explanation: Not valuing your teacher and resources too much may cause even a wise person to lose direction. This is the essence of wisdom.
Example: Even though you are very smart and can make decisions on your own, you must also know when to listen to others and learn from them rather than rely solely on yourself.
Short Story: The Wise Grandfather and the Secret of the Village
Once, there was a quiet village with a wise old grandfather. Although he seemed ordinary, the villagers found him special because he always seemed to solve problems and help others without even trying.
One day, Xiao Ming lost the key to his house and was worried because the door was tightly locked. The grandfather passed by, smiled, and said, “Don’t worry, try this stone.” Xiao Ming tried, and the door opened. Curious, Xiao Ming asked, “How did you know?” The grandfather said, “By observing carefully, the answer is often right in front of you.”
Another time, the river in the village was blocked by a pile of stones, and no one could figure out how to fix it. The grandfather picked up a stick, gently moved the stones, and the water flowed smoothly. The villagers were amazed: “Why didn’t we think of that?” The grandfather smiled, “Sometimes, it doesn’t take complicated methods, just finding the key point.”
The grandfather was also very skilled at resolving conflicts. Once, Xiao Hua and Xiao Qiang fought over a cake. After hearing their quarrel, the grandfather took the cake, cut it in half, and said, “One half for each of you, each should taste the other’s feelings.” After tasting, they realized they could understand each other’s feelings and became good friends.
The villagers noticed that the grandfather’s good deeds always seemed invisible, but they made everything simpler. They asked him, “Why do you never complain about others or throw away broken things?” The grandfather replied, “Everyone has their purpose, and everything has its value. If you treat them with care, nothing is beyond repair.”
Gradually, the villagers learned the grandfather’s wisdom, no longer complaining, and not giving up on anyone or anything easily. They understood a principle: true kindness and wisdom don’t force themselves to leave a mark; they quietly make the world better.
Moral
Like the grandfather, true kindness and wisdom are silent, yet they can change everything. A kind person is a role model, and an unkind person motivates us to grow. By learning to cherish, we can uncover the mysteries of life.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 28: Knowledge and Action in Unity, Returning to Nature
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“Know the masculine, but keep to the feminine; be the valley of the world.
Being the valley of the world, one’s constant virtue will not depart, and they will return to the state of an infant.
Know the white, but keep to the black; be the model of the world. Being the model of the world, one’s constant virtue will not err, and they will return to the boundless.
Know the honor, but keep to the disgrace; be the valley of the world.
Being the valley of the world, one’s constant virtue will be sufficient, and they will return to simplicity.
Simplicity, when scattered, becomes a tool; the sage uses it to become the head of the government.
Therefore, the great process does not cut off.”
1. “Know the masculine, but keep to the feminine; be the valley of the world.”
Explanation: Understand what is powerful (masculine), but also know how to maintain gentleness (feminine). Keep a balance, like a flowing stream.
Example: Just as you know how to show your strengths (such as running fast), you also know when to quiet down and flow gently like a stream.
2. “Be the valley of the world. Being the valley of the world, one’s constant virtue will not depart, and they will return to the state of an infant.”
Explanation: If you remain soft and virtuous like a stream, you will be as pure as an infant, returning to your most natural state.
Example: When you stay sincere and kind, like a baby, you are carefree, and your heart remains pure.
3. “Know the white, but keep to the black; be the model of the world.”
Explanation: Understand what is light (white), but also know how to preserve darkness (black). This creates the correct model (pattern).
Example: Just as you know that studying is important, you also recognize that rest and play are equally crucial, maintaining a balanced life.
4. “Being the model of the world, one’s constant virtue will not err, and they will return to the boundless.”
Explanation: Maintain the right patterns of behavior, and always stay virtuous, and you will return to a state of limitless freedom.
Example: If you always act justly and honestly, everything you do will feel effortless and free, like the boundless sky.
5. “Know the honor, but keep to the disgrace; be the valley of the world.”
Explanation: Know what is honorable (honor), but also know how to accept disgrace. Maintain humility, like the valley floor.
Example: You know how to be proud of your achievements, but you do not let small failures make you feel inferior; instead, you continue to strive forward.
6. “Being the valley of the world, one’s constant virtue will be sufficient, and they will return to simplicity.”
Explanation: Like the valley floor, maintain humility and virtue, and you will return to a simple and original state.
Example: You do not pursue superficial glory, but seek inner peace and simplicity, returning to the basic state of nature.
7. “Simplicity, when scattered, becomes a tool; the sage uses it to become the head of the government.”
Explanation: When simplicity is scattered, it becomes useful tools; a sage (wise person) can use them to become a leader.
Example: Like a block of wood, if it remains simple, it can be turned into any tool you need. A wise leader can use resources effectively to lead well.
8. “Therefore, the great process does not cut off.”
Explanation: True greatness in management and action does not require force or division; it flows naturally and smoothly.
Example: Just like holding a cup of water, if you grip too tightly, it spills; if you grip just right, it stays steady.
Short Story: The Wisdom of the River, Light and Shadow, and the Valley
Once, an old sage lived among the beautiful mountains and rivers. Many came to seek his wisdom about life, but he always smiled and said nothing, instead leading them to the mountains, rivers, and sky.
One day, the village children asked, “Why do you always take us to see these things? What do they have to do with wisdom?”
The sage smiled and said, “Let me tell you.”
The River’s Story: Know the masculine, but keep to the feminine. The sage took the children to a vast river. He said, “Look, this river is strong; it can break through rocks and nourish all things. Yet, it always flows gently, like a mother, humbly flowing down to the lowlands. Only because it is willing to flow low can it receive all the streams and become a great river. People are like this, too. Even with great strength, one must learn humility to be loved by others.”
The Story of Light and Shadow: Know the white, but keep to the black. Then, the sage took the children to a sunny forest. He said, “Look, the sunlight is bright, and the shadows are everywhere. Light and shadow always coexist. Light lets us see things, but darkness brings us peace. People are like this, too. You must understand your bright side, but also accept your shadows to balance yourself and become a role model for others.”
The Valley’s Story: Know the honor, but keep to the disgrace. Finally, the sage led the children to a great mountain and pointed to the valley below, saying, “The valley is low, but it receives all the water and seeds, nurturing vast forests and crops. People should be like the valley, understanding their own honor but also enduring misunderstandings and criticism. Only then can they possess true inner strength.”
The Secret of Simplicity and Tools: Returning to Simplicity. The sage took out a simple piece of wood and said, “This is a plain piece of wood, not yet carved into any tool. But it can become a chair, a table, a boat, or a house. Its value is not in its appearance but in its potential. People are the same; by staying simple and humble, you can become truly useful when the time comes.”
The Great Path of Wisdom After hearing these stories, the children understood. The sage concluded, “Remember, the strong need humility, the bright need balance, the honored need tolerance, and the simple have infinite potential. This is true wisdom.”
From then on, the children learned to be humble, tolerant, and accepting of themselves. They lived like the river, the light and shadow, and the valley, becoming people loved by others.
Moral
True wisdom is the ability to balance strength and weakness, light and dark, honor and disgrace, while maintaining a simple and unadorned essence. Live harmoniously with nature and create beauty for yourself and others.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 29: The Way Follows Nature, Acting According to the Situation
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“When one desires to take over the world and act upon it, I see that it cannot be done.
The world’s great tools are not to be controlled.
Those who act upon them will fail, and those who hold onto them will lose them.
Thus, things may either go or follow, may either exhale or blow, may be strong or weak, may be crushed or damaged. Therefore, the sage avoids extremes, avoids excess, and avoids arrogance.”
1. “When one desires to take over the world and act upon it, I see that it cannot be done.”
Explanation: If someone tries to forcefully control the whole world, I believe they will ultimately fail.
Example: It’s like a child trying to control all the toys. Eventually, he’ll realize that no one wants to share, and he will fail.
2. “The world’s great tools are not to be controlled.”
Explanation: The operation of the world is natural, like a sacred artifact, and cannot be forcefully changed.
Example: It’s like how you can’t directly change the weather. It’s a natural force that cannot be controlled by us.
3. “Those who act upon them will fail, and those who hold onto them will lose them.”
Explanation: Those who force things will fail, and those who hold on too tightly will lose it.
Example: If you keep pulling on a toy car, it might break, or if you grip it too tightly, your fingers will hurt.
4. “Thus, things may either go or follow, may either exhale or blow, may be strong or weak, may be crushed or damaged.”
Explanation: Thus, things sometimes move on their own, sometimes follow passively; sometimes a gentle breeze blows, sometimes a strong wind blows; sometimes things are strong, sometimes weak; sometimes they are pressed down, sometimes broken.
Example: The wind sometimes blows gently and sometimes blows strongly. A ball sometimes bounces high, and other times falls low. These are natural changes.
5. “Therefore, the sage avoids extremes, avoids excess, and avoids arrogance.”
Explanation: Therefore, wise people avoid extremes, avoid extravagance, and avoid arrogance.
Example: Just like you wouldn’t eat too much cake, or decorate your room too extravagantly — balance is the best.
Story: The Treasure Box by the River
Once upon a time, by a peaceful village, there was a clear river. One day, a beautiful treasure box floated on the river, glowing faintly. The villagers said, “This must be a divine treasure; whoever gets it will have the power to rule the world!”
The villagers rushed to grab the treasure box. Some tried to catch it with a net, but the splashing water sent the box further away. Others jumped into the river, hoping to retrieve it, but the water became muddy, and the box sank. Exhausted, no one managed to grab it.
Then, the village’s wise elder arrived by the river. He did nothing but quietly stood there watching the box float. He softly said, “This treasure box is a sacred object of the world; it’s like a fish, free and unrestrained. If you try to forcefully catch it, it will escape even further.”
The villagers asked in confusion, “What should we do then?”
The elder pointed to the river and said, “Look at this river. The water flows fast and slow, sometimes with a breeze, sometimes calm like a mirror. It doesn’t compete, yet it nourishes all life. The way of the world is like this river; it can’t be forced or tightly controlled.”
After saying this, the elder turned and left. His figure seemed to merge with the mountains and water, simple and natural. Gradually, the river returned to calm, and the treasure box continued to float, but no one tried to grab it. The villagers began to understand that true wisdom isn’t about forcing something to happen but learning to follow the natural way.
From then on, the village became more harmonious, and the villagers learned to let go of greed and live peaceful, content lives.
Moral:
Like the treasure box, many things cannot be obtained by force. Learning to let go of attachment and follow nature will help you find your balance and happiness. This is the wisdom of “avoiding extremes, avoiding extravagance, avoiding arrogance.”
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 30: The Way Governs Without Action, Accomplishing Things by Following the Flow
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“Those who assist rulers with the Way do not use military force to control the world.
Their actions return to simplicity.
Wherever the army is stationed, thorns and brambles grow.
After a great army, there will surely be years of famine. Good results come in due time, but they do not force things.
When results are achieved, do not be boastful, do not praise yourself, do not be arrogant, and do not force them.
Things that are strong will eventually age, and this is called “non-Dao.” The non-Dao way leads to early decay.”
1. “Those who assist rulers with the Way do not use military force to control the world. Their actions return to simplicity.”
Explanation: True leadership is not about forceful control but about achieving results in a gentle and effective way.
Example: Just like a class monitor does not manage everyone by shouting and punishing, but by working cooperatively and solving problems naturally.
2. “Wherever the army is stationed, thorns and brambles grow.”
Explanation: When leaders adopt harsh measures, the environment becomes chaotic and unpleasant for everyone.
Example: If the students in a class are always fighting, the atmosphere becomes uncomfortable, and no one is happy.
3. “After a great army, there will surely be years of famine.”
Explanation: Large-scale wars often bring negative consequences, like famine or societal turmoil.
Example: If there are big arguments or fights in a school, the harmony of the class will be lost, and students may feel uneasy or their performance may drop.
4. “Good results come in due time, but they do not force things.”
Explanation: Focus on achieving good outcomes, but without being overly forceful or controlling.
Example: Like studying hard to get good grades, but not cheating or being dishonest to achieve success.
5. “When results are achieved, do not be boastful, do not praise yourself, do not be arrogant, and do not force them.”
Explanation: After achieving success, stay humble, avoid boasting, and never force things when not necessary.
Example: If you get good grades on a test, be happy, but do not mock others or boast about your achievements. Stay humble and don’t always need to show that you are the best.
6. “Things that are strong will eventually age, and this is called “non-Dao.” The non-Dao way leads to early decay.”
Explanation: Overdoing something will eventually lead to its downfall, as it is against the natural flow of life.
Example: Just like eating too much or overworking your body will lead to fatigue and poor health, balance is key. Overexertion will bring negative consequences.
Story: The Choices of Two Kings
The Strong Army Kingdom’s Approach
Once upon a time, there were two neighboring kingdoms. One was called the “Peace Kingdom,” and the other was called the “Strong Army Kingdom.” Both kings wanted their kingdoms to prosper, but their approaches were completely different.
The king of the Strong Army Kingdom preferred to use military force to resolve issues. He often sent large armies to conquer nearby villages, taking their land and wealth. After each victory, he would hold grand celebrations to flaunt his “strength.” However, war turned the villages into barren lands, filled with thorns and weeds. The once-productive farmland was abandoned, leading to less food and more hardship for the people. After a few years, the strength of the Strong Army Kingdom began to decline.
The Peace Kingdom’s Approach
In contrast, the king of the Peace Kingdom disliked using military force. He believed that winning through war only brought pain to both others and himself. Instead, he chose to maintain friendly relations with neighboring countries, exchanging goods and fostering cooperation for mutual development.
One year, a neighboring country faced a disaster, and the Peace Kingdom offered food and supplies to help. The people of the neighboring country were so touched that they decided to establish long-term friendly relations with the Peace Kingdom. Over the years, the Peace Kingdom and its surrounding nations prospered, and the people lived in peace and happiness.
The Sage’s Reminder
One day, the king of the Peace Kingdom asked a wise advisor, “Why did the Strong Army Kingdom fail, while we succeeded?”
The sage replied, “The strength brought by war is like a tree that grows too quickly. It may appear tall, but it is easy to break. True strength is like the earth — quiet and enduring, nourishing everything without showing off. When you help others, you do so because it is your duty, not for bragging rights. This is the way of lasting success.”
From that day, the king of the Peace Kingdom became more humble. He reminded himself, “Every success should be met with caution and modesty; every action should avoid causing harm to others.”
Meaning
The story teaches us that the best way to resolve problems is with wisdom and kindness, not through force. Military power brings only temporary strength but ultimately leads to more loss. Humility and benevolence are the qualities that help everyone grow together and create long-lasting peace and prosperity.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
