Daodejing, Verse 65

Daodejing - Other Voices

The ancient Masters
didn't try to educate the people,
but kindly taught them to not-know.

When they think that they know the answers,
people are difficult to guide.
When they know that they don't know,
people can find their own way.

If you want to learn how to govern,
avoid being clever or rich.
The simplest pattern is the clearest.
Content with an ordinary life,
you can show all people the way
back to their own true nature.

[For Personal development]

• A fundamental principle of the universe is uncertainty; thinking you know separates you from the Tao.
• Opening to not knowing expands the possibilities to the unknown; often that’s outside our comfort zone.
• Keeping it simple makes life easier.
  

[For Coaching]

• Thinking we know the answers disconnects us from ourselves and our clients.
• Trust the coaching process; the clients will find their own answers.
• We coach around the “who” and show clients the way back to their own true nature, not just the "what" which is about being clever or rich.
• We are role models for our clients – embracing who we are helps our clients give themselves permission to do the same.

~ from Practice the Tao, author Julia Chung, original post date: 10/12/09 ~

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.