Forty-Sixth Chapter
Forty-Sixth Chapter
Tao-te Ching
When the Way (Tao) prevails in the world,
Galloping horses fertilize the fields.
When the Way does not prevail in the world,
Warhorses are bred in the countryside.
There is no greater loss than losing the Tao,
No greater curse than covetousness,
No greater tragedy than discontentment;
No greater disaster than wanting more and more.
Contentment alone is enough.
Indeed, the bliss of eternity
can be found in contentment.
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As I Understand It:
Do you evaluate yourself based on how much wealth you have accumulated or on how content you are?
The country that has lost its Way (Tao) evaluates itself on its power, control over other countries and its wealth. It is perpetually preparing its warheads (horses). But the country that is in touch with its Tao uses its horses to tend the fields.
For you to understand what it means to live peacefully is to get in touch with your true self—the Tao. When you replace the desire for more with contentment or satisfaction with what you have, you become tranquil. Your tranquil nature affects your family, friends, neighborhood and beyond.
Let’s refuse to lose our inner self regardless of how lost others around us are. Let’s trust that our connection to the Tao will make a difference in world peace. Let the magical energy of Tao flow freely through us.
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Dyer, Wayne W., Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of Tao, Hay House, Inc. USA. 2007.
The Way of Lao Tzu (Tao-te Ching), Translated, with introductory essays, comments, and notes by Wing-Tsit Chan. The Liberal Arts Press, Inc. A division of The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc. 1963.