Verse #24: Right Livelihood - The Nature and Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching (2024)

The Nature and Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching: Verse #24 - Right Livelihood
(attributed to Lao Tzu, circa 500 bce)
Original Interpretation, Written and Produced by Dana C. White, PhD
Reading by Jonathan Staggers
First Recorded and Produced in November, 2020
Re-engineered in March, 2024.
The script for this and the other 80 Tao Te Ching verses synthesize numerous translations - including the interpretations of Thomas Cleary, Giu-Fu Feng and Jane English, Ursula LeGuin, John Minford, Stephen Mitchell, Jonathan Star, and Richard Wilhelm. By comparing and contrasting the works and styles of these scholars, I hope the original intent of each verse comes through. From one verse to the next, people experiencing the Tao can observe common themes or tropes that apply to a particular verse. Thus, it is hoped you will appreciate how each verse, or chapter, of these new productions retains the character of the ancient text, while being interpreted with contemporary sensibilities. Each chapter of these new productions has been developed to retain the character of the ancient text, while being interpreted with contemporary sensibilities. Each verse, then becomes a guided meditation into the essence of existence.
Originally Produced in November, 2020
24 - Right Livelihood
Seek balance, know your limits and your roots.
A tree planted in too little soil is likely to topple.
Unless you are a dancer, standing on tiptoes is unstable.
Rushing ahead may separate you from the pack,
but long strides and a fast pace are not sustainable.
Be mindful - make haste slowly.
Pack lightly, avoid unnecessary baggage on the journey.
Illuminate the actions of others,
Pointing light toward oneself turns people off.
Everyone is repulsed by fruits of self-interest.
They see self-righteousness and look away.
Find the script for navigating your being in the Tao.
Blank pages hold infinite potential.
One who defines himself does not know who he is.
One who crows about himself has nothing to say.
One who seeks power cannot empower himself.
Self-indulgence festers in the soul, contorts the body, makes one ugly.
Why perform such feats of self-destruction?
Work may feed the body, but it can fuel distrust
Whether there can be enough.
Distrusting makes us untrustworthy.
Be patient - find your path in the Tao.
To be in accord with the Tao, awaken your right livelihood,
Then, do your job and let go.