Yield and conquer, bend and be straight from "summary" of Dao de Jing by Lao-Tzu,Laozi,Stephen Addiss
The way of the Dao is to yield and conquer, to bend and be straight. This may seem paradoxical, but it holds a deep truth within it. By yielding, one gains strength. By bending, one can become straight. This concept is not about weakness or submission, but about flexibility and adaptability. When faced with an obstacle, instead of meeting it head-on with force, one can yield and find a way around it. This does not mean giving up or backing down, but rather finding a more effective path to success. By being flexible and open-minded, one can overcome challenges with ease. Similarly, when one is rigid and inflexible, they are bound to break under pressure. Just as a tree that cannot bend with the wind will snap, a person who cannot adapt to change will struggle to survive. By being willing to bend, one can avoid being broken and find balance and harmony. In the natural world, we see examples of this principle everywhere. The river yields to the rocks in its path, slowly wearing them down over time. The tree bends with the wind, allowing it to stay rooted and strong. By observing and emulating nature, we can learn to yield and conquer, to bend and be straight. This concept is not just about physical actions, but also about mental and emotional attitudes. By letting go of ego and arrogance, one can achieve greatness. By being humble and open-minded, one can gain wisdom and insight. By being adaptable and resilient, one can overcome any obstacle in their path.- To yield and conquer, to bend and be straight, is to embrace the flow of the Dao. It is to find balance and harmony in all aspects of life. It is to be like water, flowing effortlessly around obstacles and finding the path of least resistance. It is a powerful and transformative concept that can lead to true enlightenment and fulfillment.
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