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Lessons from the Book of Chuang Tzu - Part 14

When knowledge and calm nurture each other, harmony and order emerge as from innate nature. The Tao is order.

When someone tries to correct others it destroys everyone's innate nature.

Follow the path of simplicity and silence.

The people had knowledge but they did not use it; all this was perfect Oneness.

Ruling by decrees and grand plans, they polluted the purity of nature and destroyed simpicity. The Tao was abaondoned and Good sutbstituted. As a result innate nature was abandoned.

Heart linked with knowledge but were unable to give the world peace. Pomp and ceremony were added to this knowledge. This displaced simplicity resulting in the people being confused and disobedient. Perceiving this we can see how the world has lost the Tao. How can the world come to appreciate the Tao? Even if the wise do not retreat to the forests, their virtue is still hidden, whether they like it or not.

When the times are not favourable for the wise, and it is not possible for them to do great things, they put down deep roots, remain still, and wait. This is the Tao by which they survive such times.

The ancient ones did not use elaborate style to express their knowledge. Alone and hermit-like they stayed where they were and looked to restore their innate nature. What more could they do than this? Petty actions are dangerous to the Tao.

The ancient ones talked of the Timeliness of Pupose, but they did not mean having official carriages and badges of office.




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