Tao Te Ching Chapter 11 Part 2: "Empty Center" (虛中章) (Paraphrase)

Описание: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11 "Empty Center" (虛中章) Paraphrase by Derek Lin

We paraphrase a chapter to demonstrate a complete understanding of the chapter by expressing the original meaning in our own words.

The paraphrase:
People often assume having things is good, and not having them is bad. However, when sages examine life, they find “having” and “not having” to be equally crucial. For example, the wheel of a chariot needs its spokes to be a wheel. At the same time, it also needs a hole in its center for the axle, so it can function as a wheel. Similarly, when you form clay into the shape of a bowl, you must also create the space in it as holding capacity, so it can function as a bowl. It is no different with a room. You can erect walls to enclose an area, but you must also have openings in the wall, so you can access the space and have it function as a room.

These examples make it obvious that you need “having” for the resources in life, and “not having,” or emptiness, to make that life useful and meaningful. Thus, living the Tao is all about the optimal balance between the two.

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From Tao Talks with Derek Lin. For more information see http://taoism.net

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