Forty-Ninth Chapter | Madhu Bazaz Wangu
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Forty-Ninth Chapter

Forty-Ninth Chapter

Forty-Ninth Chapter
Tao-te Ching

The sage has no fixed mind.
He regards people’s needs as his own.

Those who are good he treats with goodness.
Those who are bad he also treats with goodness.
Those who are kind he treats with kindness,
And he is also kind to those who are unkind.

The sage lives in harmony with all.
He sees everything as his own self.
He loves everyone as his children.

All people are drawn to him.
He behaves like an infant.
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As I Understand It
The sage observes himself and others. He does not judge. Like the sage, observe without criticizing. Observe people’s culture, religion, family relationships and politics. In time, divisions and categories “I” and “them” will become superfluous.

When you stop judging yourself you will stop judging others and see yourself in “them.” Extend the hand of friendship even if others are flawed. Send goodness and kindness in response to cruelty. Why? Because underneath all unimportant “stuff” that we accumulate through years is infinite flexibility and openness.

Honor your inner self and you will start honoring the inner space in your opponent. You will become like the infant who carries no “stuff” when he arrives. All receive him with tenderness and love.
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Dyer, W. Wayne. Change Your Thought–Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao. Hay House, Inc. 2007.
The Way of Lao Tzu (Tao-te Ching), Translated, with introductory essays, comments, and notes by Chan, Wing-Tsit. The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc. 1963.

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