Verse #30: Force - The Nature and Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching (2024)

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The Nature and Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching: Verse #30 - Force
(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
30 - Force
Whatever is right for its time and place never needs force.
If something doesn’t fit naturally, force is not the solution.
Leaders ruling in accord with the Tao do not force reality to bend.
Rulers who seek control and compliance invite conflict, opposition -
Briars, weeds and thorns populate their orchards.
When ministers set themselves apart from the Tao,
People feed on complaints and promises.
Hungry for results, dreams sour.
Everyone becomes anxious, impatient, uncooperative.
One who is wise does not force the bud open in search of flowers.
The sage waits for the right time and place.
He is observant and reflective - patience is his strength.
He awakens right livelihood by looking inside himself.
When your time is right, fill your doing with your own being.
Seek counsel but become skilled in choosing wisely.
Do not force your decision to satisfy another’s dreams.
Plant seeds in soil where they can grow.
Allow space for emptiness and prosperity.
Let your efforts reflect the Tao.
Finish what you start.
The sage does not force things to get his way.
He overcomes obstacles by shaping circumstances to everyone’s benefit,
Balancing intentions with possibilities,
Mindful how everything can best serve the Tao.
Being is always in perpetual harmony.
It is people who challenge how things are, who originate conflict.
Seeking dominion over the ten thousand things goes against the Tao.
Only fools force the hand of nature.
Be like water. Learn to flow.
Coercion and force may work for a while,
But lacking harmony with the Tao, instability is certain to set in.
Whatever keeps with the Tao never needs force.
Whatever keeps with the Tao endures.
Whatever works against the Tao is not long for this world.
Things ebb and flow, always coming and going -
This is the way of nature.
This is the way of the Tao.