The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom: Chapter 41 to Chapter 45

Bunker Bob
21 min read1 day ago

--

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“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

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”

Chapter 41: Different Understandings and Expressions of the Dao

Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“When the highest type of scholar hears the Dao, they diligently practice it.
When the average scholar hears the Dao, they seem to retain it or forget it.
When the lowest type of scholar hears the Dao, they laugh loudly at it.
Without such laughter, it would not be the Dao.
Thus, there is an old saying:
The clear Dao seems obscure.
The advancing Dao seems to retreat.
The smooth Dao seems uneven.
The highest virtue is like a valley.
Great purity seems tarnished.
Broad virtue appears insufficient.
Established virtue seems to take without giving.
Simple honesty appears changeable.
Great squares have no corners.
Great vessels are completed late.
Great sounds are barely heard.
Great forms have no shape.
The Dao is hidden and nameless,
Yet it alone is good at giving and completing all things.”

1. “When the highest type of scholar hears the Dao, they diligently practice it.
When the average scholar hears the Dao, they seem to retain it or forget it.
When the lowest type of scholar hears the Dao, they laugh loudly at it.
Without such laughter, it would not be the Dao.”

Explanation: Wise people, upon hearing profound truths, will work hard to practice them.
Average individuals may grasp the ideas temporarily but might forget or ignore them.
Unwise people will find these truths strange, even laughable, because they fail to understand their depth. If they do not laugh, it means they have not truly encountered the essence of the Dao.

Example: When learning something new, diligent students immediately practice it.
Some students may acknowledge its value but not prioritize it. Others might mock it, considering it foolish or unnecessary.

2. “Thus, there is an old saying:
The clear Dao seems obscure.
The advancing Dao seems to retreat.
The smooth Dao seems uneven.”

Explanation: The Dao often appears contradictory.
Profound truths can feel vague or unclear. The process of progressing in understanding may feel like regression. Walking the path of the Dao might seem challenging and disordered at times.

Example: When learning a skill like painting, early progress might feel slow or like you’re getting worse. But this temporary struggle is part of a deeper transformation.

3. “The highest virtue is like a valley.
Great purity seems tarnished.
Broad virtue appears insufficient.
Established virtue seems to take without giving.
Simple honesty appears changeable.”

Explanation:

  • True virtue resembles a deep valley — humble and unassuming.
  • Absolute purity might seem imperfect at first glance.
  • True greatness often appears insufficient because it does not boast or demand attention.
  • Those beginning to practice virtue may seem selfish or inconsistent.
  • Authenticity and truth may appear to change but remain consistent in their essence.

Example: A genuinely kind person might not flaunt their kindness and may even appear ordinary. Similarly, someone with great sincerity may not impress others immediately but is deeply dependable over time.

4. “Great squares have no corners.
Great vessels are completed late.
Great sounds are barely heard.
Great forms have no shape.”

Explanation: The greatest things often defy conventional expectations:

  • Perfect forms lack rigid edges.
  • Monumental achievements require time to mature.
  • Profound messages are not loud but subtle.
  • The most significant ideas or entities cannot be constrained by physical shapes.

Example: A mountain grows slowly but becomes majestic over time. The most beautiful music often has quiet, gentle notes that linger in the heart.

5. “The Dao is hidden and nameless,
Yet it alone is good at giving and completing all things.”

Explanation: The Dao is intangible, often invisible and indescribable. However, it is through the Dao that all things are nurtured and fulfilled. Its impact is vast and enduring, even though it may not have a clear form or name.

Example: Understanding a mathematical formula might be difficult at first, but through practice, its practical value becomes evident. The Dao’s hidden nature is like the formula — its power lies in its application, not its immediate appearance.

Short Story: The Three Brothers in the Village

Once upon a time, in a small mountain village, there lived three brothers: the eldest, A-Qin; the middle brother, A-You; and the youngest, A-Xiao. One day, they heard about a mysterious “Spring of Wisdom” at the mountain’s peak. It was said that a single sip from the spring could grant profound insights into life and how to navigate it.

A-Qin’s Story

When A-Qin heard about the spring, he decided to set out immediately. Every morning, he woke up early, packed his food and water, and climbed step by step along the steep mountain path. The road was tough, and at times he faced storms and challenges. But A-Qin gritted his teeth and pressed on, believing that his efforts would lead him to the Spring of Wisdom.

Finally, one day, he reached the mountaintop and drank the spring’s clear and sweet water. He didn’t feel instantly enlightened or wise, but his heart became calm, and the world around him seemed clearer and more vivid.

A-You’s Story

A-You was intrigued by the idea of the Spring of Wisdom and wanted to try as well. However, doubt plagued his mind: “Is this spring even real? What if it’s just a myth? Wouldn’t I be wasting my time?”

He started the climb but stopped frequently, walking for a while and then resting. Some days he felt hopeful and motivated, but on others, he was convinced it was a futile effort. Eventually, A-You reached halfway up the mountain but never went any further. He gave up and returned to the village, unsure if he had made the right decision.

A-Xiao’s Story

When A-Xiao heard about the spring, he burst into laughter. “A Spring of Wisdom? That sounds like nonsense!” He refused to even consider the journey and spent his days mocking others in the village who believed in the story.

He said, “If you believe this tale, you might as well believe I can fly to the sky!” A-Xiao stayed in the village, convinced he was cleverer than everyone else. Yet, as the days passed, his life remained stagnant, with no change or growth.

The Truth from the Mountain

Later, A-Qin returned to the village and shared his experience. He explained, “The Spring of Wisdom is not magical water. The true value lies in the journey — the effort, the persistence, and the lessons learned along the way. Through the climb, I learned to overcome challenges, to persevere, and to find answers within myself.”

The villagers were moved by his story. A-You lowered his head, regretting that he hadn’t persevered to the end. But A-Xiao laughed again, saying, “If it’s that hard, I’d rather not bother with any spring!”

Moral of the Story

This story teaches us:

  • Like A-Qin, perseverance and hard work lead to real growth and wisdom.
  • Like A-You, hesitation and doubt can cause missed opportunities.
  • Like A-Xiao, mocking others and refusing to act results in stagnation and a lack of progress.

Some truths may seem simple but require heartfelt experience to understand. Some achievements may seem distant but demand patience and persistence. Just like the Spring of Wisdom, the destination is not the most important part — it’s the journey that truly matters.

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”

Chapter 42: The Creation of the Way and Harmony of All Things

Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):

“The Way gives birth to One,
One gives birth to Two,
Two gives birth to Three,
Three gives birth to all things.
All things carry Yin and embrace Yang,
And through the blending of Qi, they achieve harmony.

What people detest are only things like loneliness, insignificance, and being unworthy,
Yet kings and lords use these as titles.
Thus, some things are diminished to grow,
While others are grown to diminish.

What others teach, I also teach:
Those who are violent and overbearing will not meet a natural death —
I will use this as a lesson for all.”

1. “The Way gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, Three gives birth to all things.”

Explanation: The Way (Dao) is the origin of everything. It creates the first entity, which then generates a pair of opposites, such as heaven and earth. These opposites interact to produce further complexity, eventually leading to the creation of all things in the world.

Example: Imagine a seed (Dao) that grows into a tree (One). The tree develops roots and branches (Two). The branches then produce leaves, flowers, and fruits (Three). These fruits feed countless creatures (all things), symbolizing the interconnectedness of life.

2. “All things carry Yin and embrace Yang, and through the blending of Qi, they achieve harmony.”

Explanation: Everything in the world contains both Yin (dark, soft, receptive qualities) and Yang (bright, strong, active qualities). Harmony is achieved when these forces balance and blend.

Example: Daytime (Yang) and nighttime (Yin) alternate to create a balanced 24-hour cycle. Without this balance, life would become difficult — endless day or night would disrupt the natural rhythm of living.

3. “What people detest are only things like loneliness, insignificance, and being unworthy, yet kings and lords use these as titles.”

Explanation: People often dislike words like “lonely,” “weak,” or “unworthy,” as they imply insignificance. However, ancient rulers used these titles (e.g., “The Lonely One”) to show humility and demonstrate that they served their people rather than elevated themselves.

Example: In a classroom, the most talented student who humbly helps others and avoids boasting embodies the same principle. They are powerful yet grounded, like a wise leader.

4. “Thus, some things are diminished to grow, while others are grown to diminish.”

Explanation: Sometimes, reducing something can lead to growth, while excessive accumulation can result in loss. Balance is key to sustainable progress.

Example: Pruning dead branches from a tree (diminish) allows it to grow stronger (grow). Conversely, overindulging in junk food (grow) can harm your health (diminish).

5. “What others teach, I also teach.”

Explanation: Laozi emphasizes the importance of sharing wisdom. Valuable lessons should be passed on for others to learn and benefit.

Example: When a teacher teaches you a skill, you can pass it on to your friends. Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied.

6. “Those who are violent and overbearing will not meet a natural death — I will use this as a lesson for all.”

Explanation: People who are aggressive and domineering disrupt harmony and often face dire consequences. This serves as a warning to value humility and cooperation.

Example: A child who bullies others may eventually find themselves isolated, as no one wants to be around them. The lesson: kind behavior fosters lasting friendships.

A Little Story: The Magical Fruit Tree of the Village

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful little village with a legendary tree called the “Dao Fruit Tree.” This tree stood in the center of the village’s main courtyard, and its fruits were said to teach people many valuable life lessons.

The Secrets of the Dao Fruit Tree
One day, three children — Xiao Ming, Xiao Ya, and Xiao Hu — decided to explore beneath the tree. They wanted to discover why it was called the “Dao Fruit Tree.” To their surprise, the tree, affectionately called Grandpa Tree by the villagers, began to speak:
“Children, I will share some of my secrets with you, but you must listen carefully and try to understand.”

The First Secret: One Becomes Two, Two Becomes Three, Three Creates Everything
Grandpa Tree explained:
“I grew from a single seed (one creates two). The seed sprouted roots and branches (two creates three). The roots and branches produced leaves and fruits (three creates everything). Finally, my fruits feed the birds, insects, and villagers (everything is interconnected). Life works in this way — each thing gives rise to many others, slowly forming the world around us.”
Xiao Ming exclaimed, “Wow! Something so small can turn into so many useful things. That’s amazing!”

The Second Secret: The Balance of Yin and Yang
Grandpa Tree continued:
“My fruits have both a sweet side (yang) and a sour side (yin). When these two come together, the taste becomes just right. This is called ‘harmony through balance,’ which means yin and yang must combine to create harmony.”
Xiao Ya tasted a fruit and smiled brightly. “Delicious! If it were only sweet or only sour, it wouldn’t taste this good.”

The Third Secret: Humble Titles
Grandpa Tree chuckled and said:
“People love being called ‘the best,’ but I am different. I prefer being called ‘the lonely tree.’ Even though others may look down on this title, I don’t need to be proud. True strength comes from inner peace and humility.”
Xiao Hu nodded thoughtfully. “I see. You don’t need people’s praise to do meaningful things.”

The Fourth Secret: The Way of Loss and Gain
Grandpa Tree swayed its branches and said:
“Sometimes, villagers cut off some of my branches (loss), but that helps me grow taller and stronger (gain). On the other hand, if I grow too many fruits, I can’t support the weight and suffer (gain becomes loss). This shows that balance is key in life.”
Xiao Ming added, “It’s like when I give away some old toys to make room for new ones!”

The Fifth Secret: The Lesson of Arrogance
Grandpa Tree sighed and said:
“Sometimes, children climb my branches and try to forcefully pick my fruits. They often fall and hurt themselves. Taking things forcefully often leads to regret. I use these lessons to remind everyone to act with kindness and patience.”
Xiao Ya said seriously, “I understand. We need to do things the right way and not force others.”

The Children’s Enlightenment
The three children stayed under the tree all day, learning many truths about life: how small things grow into something big, the importance of balancing yin and yang, the value of humility, the interplay between loss and gain, and the consequences of arrogance.

As they left, Grandpa Tree gave them one last message:
“Children, my fruits will keep growing, but true wisdom lies within you. Remember to share what you’ve learned today with others.”

From that day on, Xiao Ming, Xiao Ya, and Xiao Hu became the village’s “little teachers.” They taught Grandpa Tree’s wisdom to their friends, and the entire village became more harmonious and joyful.

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”

Chapter 43: The Power of Governing Through Non-Action

Original Text from the Dao De Jing:
“The softest thing in the world can overcome the hardest. That which has no substance can enter where there is no space. This is how I know the benefit of non-action (wu wei).
Teaching without words, the benefit of non-action — few in the world can achieve this.”

1. “The softest thing in the world can overcome the hardest.”
Explanation: The softest things can conquer the hardest.
Example: Imagine water — it’s soft and flexible, yet over time, dripping water can carve through stone. Similarly, the wind is invisible and gentle, yet it can topple large trees.

2. “That which has no substance can enter where there is no space.”
Explanation: Things that seem to be nothing can penetrate the tiniest gaps.
Example: Wind can quietly slip through cracks in doors and windows, something a solid stone could never do.

3. “This is how I know the benefit of non-action (wu wei).”
Explanation: This shows that not forcing or interfering often yields the most beneficial results.
Example: When you plant a seed in a garden, you don’t need to pull it to make it grow. Simply watering it and letting it get sunlight will allow it to grow naturally.

4. “Teaching without words, the benefit of non-action — few in the world can achieve this.”
Explanation: Teaching through example rather than words and helping without interference is the highest wisdom, but it’s rare for people to master.
Example: For instance, when parents act responsibly and treat others kindly, their children observe and naturally learn those habits without needing constant verbal instruction.

A Story: The Gentle Breeze and the Big Rock

The Rock’s Pride
Once upon a time, in the foothills of a great mountain, lived a huge, solid rock and a gentle, soft breeze.
The big rock was very proud of itself, always thinking it was the strongest and toughest thing in the world. Every day, the gentle breeze passed by and greeted it with a cheerful, “Hello, Big Rock!”
The big rock looked down at the breeze with disdain and said, “Breeze, you’re so soft and weak. You can’t even shake a branch. How can you possibly compare to me? I’m the strongest and most powerful thing here!”
The breeze simply smiled and replied, “Maybe you’re right, but I believe softness has its own strength.”

The Breeze’s Persistence
One day, heavy rain poured down the mountain, with streams of water flowing down the slopes. The big rock felt refreshed and said, “This little rain can’t shake me!” But the gentle breeze carried the rainwater and swirled around the big rock, guiding the water into its tiny cracks. Slowly but surely, the water began to expand those cracks.
Day after day, the breeze kept coming back to circle the big rock. When the rain stopped, the breeze continued; when the sun came out, it still didn’t stop.

The Rock’s Transformation
Years passed, and the big rock started to notice changes. Small cracks had appeared, and the breeze used those openings to push deeper, gradually widening them. One day, the big rock split into several pieces, no longer the solid, unbreakable form it once was.
The breeze softly laughed and said, “Big Rock, see? Even though I’m soft, I can reach the hardest places. Softness isn’t weakness; it has its own power.”

The Wisdom of the Village
When the village children heard this story, they found it fascinating. They realized that some problems couldn’t be solved through brute force, but gentle and patient methods could often succeed.
For example, one day, a little girl named Lily encountered an injured bird. Instead of trying to catch it forcefully, she sat quietly nearby, placing bits of food on the ground. Gradually, the bird approached, ate the food, and eventually flew back to the forest. Lily learned, “Sometimes, the best way to help is not to force it.”

The Lesson of the Story
From then on, the children embraced the wisdom of the gentle breeze:

  • Use softness and patience instead of brute force.
  • Learn to quietly observe rather than act impulsively.
  • Influence others through your actions, not by trying to change them forcefully.

Just like the breeze taught the rock, softness can overcome hardness, silence can bring about change, and the best lessons are often taught through action rather than words.

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”

Chapter 44: Knowing Contentment and Restraint — The Way to Longevity

Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“What is more dear, fame or your life?
What is more valuable, your body or material wealth?
What is more harmful, gain or loss?
Thus, excessive attachment brings great expense,
And hoarding too much leads to heavy losses.
Knowing contentment prevents disgrace,
Knowing when to stop avoids danger,
And by following this, one can live long and endure.”

1. “What is more dear, fame or your life?”
Explanation: Which is more important, fame or your life?
Example: If you want to be the most popular person in your class but sacrifice your meals, sleep, and even risk getting sick for that fame, do you think it’s worth it? Of course, your health is more important!

2. “What is more valuable, your body or material wealth?”
Explanation: Which is more valuable, your life or the wealth you possess?
Example: Suppose you have a pile of toys, but to protect them, you risk carrying heavy boxes and might fall. Is this a good idea? Your health is more important than your toys.

3. “What is more harmful, gain or loss?”
Explanation: Which is more troublesome, gaining something or losing something?
Example: If you win a game but lose a friend because you’re too focused on winning, would you think it’s worth it? Losing a friend is more painful than winning a game.

4. “Thus, excessive attachment brings great expense,
And hoarding too much leads to heavy losses.”

Explanation: Excessive attachment to something will cost you a lot; hoarding too much wealth can lead to even greater losses.
Example: If you love collecting candy and hide it away without sharing, you might end up with a toothache from eating too much, and other kids might stop hanging out with you.

5. “Knowing contentment prevents disgrace,
Knowing when to stop avoids danger,
And by following this, one can live long and endure.”
Explanation: Knowing contentment prevents disgrace; knowing when to stop avoids danger. This is the way to live happily and endure in the long term.
Example: If you’re content after one bowl of ice cream, you won’t get a stomach ache or be scolded by your parents. But if you keep eating, you might feel uncomfortable and be told you lack self-control.

Little Story: The Little Fox and the Magical Fruit Tree

Once upon a time, in a peaceful forest, there lived a smart and curious little fox named Lele. One day, Lele discovered a magical fruit tree deep in the forest. The tree was covered in golden, shiny fruits that smelled incredibly sweet. Beside the tree stood a stone tablet with the inscription: “These fruits can fulfill your wishes, but the more you take, the more your troubles will grow.”

Lele was very happy at first. It picked one fruit and wished for a beautiful new home, which it got. Then it picked another and received a basket full of delicious food. At first, Lele felt very joyful, but the more it thought about it, the more dissatisfied it became: “If I pick a few more, I could become the richest fox in the forest!”

So, Lele began picking fruits desperately, hiding them in its burrow. Gradually, the burrow became so full that there was no space left for Lele to sleep. What’s more, it started worrying about the fruits being stolen by others, and no longer had time to play. Lele became exhausted and unhappy.

One night, Lele heard the fruit tree sigh softly, “Lele, do you know? Fame, health, wealth — what is most important? You have gathered so many fruits, but you have lost happiness and freedom. Isn’t that a loss?”

Suddenly, Lele understood. It decided to give the extra fruits to the other animals. The animals in the forest were very grateful, and Lele’s burrow became spacious and comfortable again. It no longer sought too much, keeping only what it truly needed, and lived a steady and happy life.

From then on, Lele learned the lesson of “contentment brings happiness” and was no longer bound by desire. The fruit tree, seeing Lele become wise, smiled contentedly.

Moral:
Like Lele, understanding contentment and self-restraint is the key to lasting happiness!

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”

Chapter 45: Clarity and Tranquility as the Way of the World

Original Text from Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):

“Great accomplishment appears incomplete, yet its use never fails.
Great abundance seems empty, yet its use is inexhaustible.
Great integrity appears bent, great skill appears clumsy, great eloquence appears slow.
Haste defeats cold, while stillness overcomes heat.
Tranquility is the correct way for the world.”

1. “Great accomplishment appears incomplete, yet its use never fails.”
Explanation: Something that seems perfect may actually have a flaw, but it still works well.
Example: An old kettle that has been used for a long time may have some scratches on the surface, but it still holds water perfectly. This tells us that we don’t need to pursue outer perfection; practicality is what truly matters.

2. “Great abundance seems empty, yet its use is inexhaustible.”
Explanation: Something that looks full may actually seem empty, but its purpose is endless.
Example: A large lake may look full, but it constantly provides water because it’s connected to a river, just like a humble person who continues to learn more.

3. “Great integrity appears bent, great skill appears clumsy, great eloquence appears slow.”
Explanation: Truly upright people may sometimes seem bent; truly intelligent people may appear awkward; truly eloquent speakers may seem slow.
Example: A kind older brother may be misunderstood by others, but instead of immediately explaining, he proves himself through actions. This shows that true qualities don’t always need to be displayed outwardly.

4. “Haste defeats cold, while stillness overcomes heat.”
Explanation: Fast movement can overcome cold, and calmness can overcome heat.
Example: When you feel cold in winter, running can warm you up; in the summer, sitting quietly can bring relief, as it helps cool you down mentally.

5. “Tranquility is the correct way for the world.”
Explanation: Purity and peace are key to governing the world well.
Example: When classmates study quietly, everyone learns better; if the room is noisy, no one can concentrate. This shows that peace and quiet make things better.

Little Story: Wānwān and the Magic Pot

In a small village, there lived a little girl named Wānwān who loved to make pottery. She was skilled at it, but she always pursued perfection. Whenever she made a pot, if there was even the tiniest flaw, she would throw it away.

One day, Wānwān found an old pot by the riverbank. It had a small crack in its body, but it could still be used to fetch water. She found it strange and decided to bring it home. Her grandfather saw it and laughed, saying, “Wānwān, this pot, although cracked, can last a long time because it doesn’t get filled all the way. In contrast, those seemingly perfect pots are easily cracked when overfilled.”

Wānwān began to reflect on her grandfather’s words. She no longer pursued perfection and started to appreciate pots with small flaws. She realized that although these pots didn’t look perfect, they were very practical and withstood the test of time.

Soon, the village held a pottery competition, and Wānwān entered with a seemingly simple pot. The pot had no intricate decorations and had some curved, winding patterns. The judges noticed that the pot was extremely practical — it was lightweight, durable, and kept the water cool. Wānwān’s entry won first place, and the villagers cheered for her.

Story’s Message

  • Just like Wānwān’s pot, things with a little “flaw” can often be more durable.
  • Things that appear simple and humble often contain true wisdom.
  • When we calm down and reduce our impatience, we can discover the real beauty in life.

Friends, why do you think Wānwān’s pot is so magical? Maybe next time, you can use your own eyes to find the “beautiful cracks” around you!

Paperback Sell on Amazon

Kindle Sell on Amazon

“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”

--

--

No responses yet