Line by Line - Verse 15, Line 14

They who preserve this method of the Tao do not wish to be full (of themselves).
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Observers of the Tao do not seek fulfillment.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

One who holds this Tao does not wish to be overfilled
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

When you act without expectations,
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

We all know people who believe that they are "God's gift to the world". Not only do they act entitled, but they often are very upfront in telling you just how special they are! Pride and/or self-righteousness is their middle name.

Of course, it's not just other people who are prone to feel and act this way. If we are at all honest, each of us exhibits these traits from time to time. In a way, it's hard not to. We see the world through our own perspective and eyes. Consequently, we come to believe that the way WE see things is how any other thinking person must see the world too!!

But the problem with being too full of ourselves is that we don't allow room for the mystery of life to take root. Our mental living space already is so crowded with desire and hubris that it becomes difficult for Tao to find any elbow room.

It is only when we are able to sweep away the clutter that a new vitality can take hold. Like a bowl, you can't pour in more soup IF the bowl is already filled to the brim!

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.