The Plain Wood (樸 - p’u) - Tao Te Ching 32

Описание: This video fromTao "Tao Talks with Derek Lin" shares a profound parable about a master craftsman in the imperial court tasked with building a magnificent palace. Among the finest timber delivered for the construction was a rough, twisted, and seemingly useless log. The apprentices dismissed it as firewood material, but the master saw potential beyond its outward appearance. After completing elaborate carvings on the palace pillars, doors, and railings, the master selected this plain, gnarled piece as the centerpiece for the grand hall. Instead of carving intricate designs, he preserved its natural, raw form, emphasizing its unyielding nature and freedom from any defined use or identity.

When the king and nobles questioned the plain wood’s (樸 - p’u) place of honor, the master explained that every other object in the hall had a name and a function, which made them subject to use and control. The plain wood, however, was nameless and uncarved, symbolizing the Tao—the ultimate, formless, nameless principle that cannot be dominated or exploited. This story illuminates the concept that true strength and freedom come from remaining unbound by worldly titles, identities, or roles. The master’s message is that maintaining a core of plainness and authenticity—the essence of the Tao—grants one inner freedom beyond the control of external forces.

The narrative and its philosophical underpinning serve as a timeless reminder that true dignity and majesty lie not in outward grandeur or titles, but in the unyielding, nameless essence that remains free and authentic amidst a world of definitions and constraints.

This video is excerpted from author Derek Lin's talk on Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, Chapter 32 "Knowing to Stop" (知止章) Part 1

   • Tao Te Ching, Chapter 32 "Knowing to Stop"...  
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The videos on the "Tao Talks with Derek Lin" YouTube channel are recorded from live-streamed broadcasts. If you are interested in joining the live-stream broadcasts, please read how to access them at https://taoism.net/tao-meeting/

Derek Lin is the author of "Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained," which is the source text used for "Tao Talks with Derek Lin."

Derek's other books include "The Tao of Tranquility," "The Tao of Wisdom," "The Tao of Daily Life,” “The Tao of Success,” “The Tao of Joy Every Day," and "The Tao of Happiness."

Derek's books are available on Amazon.com in multiple formats. His audiobooks are available on Audible.com. Below are direct Amazon.com links. Be sure to share with those who may be open to Tao wisdom. Amazon reviews are always appreciated too.

Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained
http://amzn.to/2m02hO6
The Tao of Tranquility
https://amzn.to/3BXrzQq
The Tao of Wisdom
https://amzn.to/3a2vyzg
The Tao of Daily Life
http://amzn.to/2mjPjLT
The Tao of Success
http://amzn.to/2ljNhf3
The Tao of Joy Every Day
http://amzn.to/2lz8Fsc
The Tao of Happiness
http://amzn.to/2myyAVK

Derek's Amazon author page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Derek-L...