Personal growth: The ancient Masters of self-actualization February 17, 2018
Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Tao Te Ching.Tags: inspiration, Lao-tzu, life, philosophy, psychology, self-actualization, self-awareness, self-improvement, writing
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The Tao Te Ching, in Stephen Mitchell’s translation/interpretation, observes that the wisdom/behaviour of the ancient Masters was so deep and subtle that it defies detailed analysis and can only be described by images and allusions referencing appearances.
Consider this selection from Section 15:
They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-over stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water. (1)
When you look at these personal characteristics, they could be an effective guide to personal development goals stated in just seven lines of poetic images.
(1) Stephen Mitchell, Tao Te Ching: A New English Version, HarperPerennial, a Division of HarperCollinsPublishers, New York, 1991
— Dennis Mellersh
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