This beautiful chapter is about leadership, comparing a good leader to the sea, resting patiently in the lowest position, allowing all water to return according to its own path.
The sea is king of the hundred valleys
Because it lies well below them
This passage blends two thematic images in the Tao Te Ching – water and valleys. The valley is open, receptive, guiding the water that flows through it, and nourishing all that grows in its embrace.
Water is the most common metaphor for Tao. Water’s power comes from following its nature, flowing in harmony with gravity, ever downhill around over or under all obstacles, returning to its source in the vast ocean.
Thus one who would rule others must support them from underneath
One who would lead others must encourage them from behind
This reminds me of the Bible passage that says those who are first shall be last, and those who are last shall be first, thus describing the concept of the servant leader. When a leader understands this principle, the chapter goes on to observe that the people are neither burdened nor hindered. Good leadership embodies humility, not arrogance.
Because the sage does not contend
No one under heaven can contend with the sage
I experience the validity of this passage all the time in martial arts. One of our training slogans is “Don’t insist. Don’t resist.” This holds true in everyday life, as anyone who has found themselves in a battle of will with a two year old (or a teenager) can attest. When we compete, we divide ourselves into winners and losers. In doing so, we all lose the opportunity for connection, for relationship, for peace.
Water does not contend, yet achieves its purpose effortlessly, in harmony with all nature. When we live according to our true nature, in harmony and humility, we open a channel for the energy of the universe to manifest through us. And nothing is more powerful than that.
Our deepest fear is not that we are powerless. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ~Marianne Williamson
Be water, my friend. ~Bruce Lee
Such wonderful imagery for what it means to be a servant leader, Galen! May we all "go with the flow," so to speak, and tap into the power and grace of the water.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
There are so many passages like this one in the Tao Te Ching about leading or ruling. When I first heard the term "servant leader" I immediately thought of the Tao Te Ching. Thanks for commenting, Martha.
DeleteGood bosses should frame those first two couplets on their walls.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, CW!
DeleteI love your thoughtful posts about the I Ching chapters. You're always bringing up ideas that I have forgotten but knew once upon a time. I hope you are staying safe and warm, Galen. Our snow is melting fast! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks DJan. I love what you said about things we know but have forgotten. That is true of all wisdom -- it is a process of remembering.
DeleteNo snow in Portland, but lots up at my cabin.
Leading from behind also might allow for respecting the group as individuals work to their own nature, like water, and this way, more might be achieved through such harmony. Now I'm visually imagining hills, valleys and seas working together, Galen!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Lynne. Imagine how empowering that would be, to be recognized and encouraged as individuals to contribute to collective enterprise. Thanks for commenting.
Delete'When we live according to our true nature, in harmony and humility, we open a channel for the energy of the universe to manifest through us.'
ReplyDeleteThere is something important about humility. It's as if Humility is the highest ideal right there with Love. The diminishment of ego, becoming humble, is a great human quality. It seems to be a quality that is built into the fabric of existence. Grace operates best when humility is greatest.
So much to learn, Galen, thanks for the thoughts on chapter 66
Thanks, Brian. I agree that humility is the "gateway" virtue that allows all others to manifest through us.
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