English Translation
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 sage embraces the One and becomes a model for the world. He does not display himself, thus he shines. He does not justify himself, thus he becomes known. He does not boast of himself, thus he receives credit. He does not brag about himself, thus he can endure for long. It is precisely because he does not compete that no one in the world can compete with him. Is the ancient saying “Yield and remain whole” empty words? Truly, it will be whole, and return to him.
Original Text
曲则全，枉则直；洼则盈，敝则新；少则得，多则惑。是以圣人抱一为天下式：不自见，故明；不自是，故彰；不自伐，故有功；不自矜，故长。夫唯不争，故天下莫能与之争。古之所谓”曲则全”者，岂虚言哉！诚全而归之。
Explanation with Examples
- The sage understands that yielding and remaining humble is the key to true strength and wholeness. Just as a tree that bends in the wind remains unbroken, the sage who yields to others and remains humble can endure and thrive in the long run.
- The sage does not seek to display or justify himself, but rather focuses on cultivating inner virtue and wisdom. Just as a flower that blooms in a hidden valley still shines with beauty, the sage who cultivates inner virtue will naturally become known and respected by others.
Call to Action
To cultivate true strength and wisdom, we must learn to yield and remain humble in our interactions with others. By letting go of our ego and the need to compete or prove ourselves, we can tap into a deeper source of power and endurance.
Take action today:
- Practice yielding and remaining humble in your interactions with others
- Cultivate inner virtue and wisdom, rather than seeking external validation or recognition
- Let go of the need to compete or prove yourself, and trust in the power of humility and non-contention
- Embrace the ancient wisdom of “Yield and remain whole,” knowing that true strength comes from within
- Allow the Tao to guide your actions and cultivate a sense of wholeness and harmony in your life
By embracing the power of yielding and humility, we can cultivate true strength and wisdom in our lives. Remember that the greatest victories often come not from force or aggression, but from a deep inner sense of wholeness and harmony with the Tao.
References:
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 21
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 1
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The concept of yielding and remaining whole is a profound and powerful one. It reminds me of the saying ‘the tree that bends in the wind does not break.’ There is great strength and resilience in being able to adapt and remain flexible in the face of challenges.
I find it fascinating how the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the importance of humility and not seeking external validation. In a world that often prioritizes self-promotion and ego, this is a refreshing and wise perspective.
The idea of cultivating inner virtue and wisdom, rather than seeking recognition or competing with others, is a timeless lesson that is just as relevant today as it was in ancient times. It’s a reminder to focus on what truly matters.
I’m curious to learn more about how these concepts relate to other aspects of Taoist philosophy and Chinese culture. The Tao Te Ching is such a rich and layered text, with so much depth and wisdom to explore.
As someone who is new to studying the Tao Te Ching, I find passages like this one both inspiring and challenging. It’s a lot to wrap my mind around, but I’m excited to keep learning and reflecting on these ideas.
I wonder how the concept of ‘having little and receiving’ relates to modern ideas about minimalism and simplicity. There seems to be a common thread about the benefits of letting go of excess and focusing on what is truly essential.
The line about the sage embracing the One and becoming a model for the world is particularly striking to me. It speaks to the power of living in alignment with universal principles and leading by example.
I’m impressed by how the Tao Te Ching is able to convey such profound wisdom in such concise and poetic language. Each line is like a koan or riddle to ponder and unpack.
The idea that true wholeness and strength comes from yielding and not competing is a paradox that challenges conventional thinking. It’s a reminder that sometimes the path to success and fulfillment is counterintuitive.
I can’t help but chuckle at the line ‘have much and be confused.’ It’s a humorous way of pointing out the pitfalls of excess and the value of simplicity. The Tao Te Ching has a way of using wit and irony to convey its message.