Lao Tzu 1

Letter from Lao Tzu

Angela Dykstra

Axia College of the University of Phoenix

Jason Wilson

February 10, 2008

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Greetings sage,

I hope you find within this letter an achievable and idealistically simple philosophy

which you can contemplate on your journey to wisdom. The Tao is a power which envelops and

flows through all things, living and non-living. Most assuredly, as water cascades from a cliff-top

forming a calm pool at its base, allow the world to wash over you unabated, and you too will find

the basis of peaceful eternal wisdom. By taking no deliberate action, you become an effect of

permanent change as designed by the Tao (Moore-Bruder, 2005).

Observe the ever-changing archetype of the universe dear sage and exist without creating

intentional disruption or interruption to its patterns. For these sacred patterns have a specific and

significant purpose known only to that which “gives order and substance to all things” (Moore-

Bruder, 2005, p 503 ¶6): The Tao. To actively engage in the creation of change will most

certainly harm yourself and humankind. Know that inaction signifies one is wise in the

functioning of the universe. Remember sage, “…the Tao cannot be improved on, for it is the

natural order of things” (Moore-Bruder, 2005, p 504 ¶1).

The universe expands with the force of (yang) and contracts with the strength of (yin).

The mandatory coexistence of these opposing actions is the universal functionality known as

ch’i. The energy of ch’i creates the environment from which “…things come to be, take shape,

and reach fulfillment” (Moore-Bruder, 2005, p 504 ¶1). Use ch’i to find balance in your life sage.

Obtaining balance can cultivate seeds of serenity while eliminating weeds of strife within your

personal garden of life. When the winds of change blow violently, the wise individual witnesses

without fear or anger or regret or involvement the Tao tilling his plots.
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Identify the importance in what others ignore and abandon learned sage. When one seeks

to be of service rather than being served, he will be strong in the Way of the Tao. Eliminate all

selfish thoughts and behaviors. Selfish contemplation and self-serving dealings will weaken

character and undermine ones potential to achieve a serenely long life. Instead, remain invisible

to the public eye and find strength in the absence of egotistical desire. Use autonomy as your

shield and selflessness as your sword when determining genuine strength fine sage. Live in

accordance with the Way and you will be safe from peril. For the Way of the Tao is yielding.

Watch carefully any situation which engages the use of coercion. A wise ruler

understands the act of coercion is generated from greed and will evoke the expansive yang

energy. Offset this disadvantage by inducing open yin energy through swift compromised

solution. Be aware at all times that violence is a wide path leading only to destruction kind sage.

Become vigilant in your anticipation of a potential crisis by recognizing “…there is no safety in

the use of force…” (Moore-Bruder, 2005, p 506, ¶1). Resolution achieved through nonviolent

means will create a lasting peace because no memory of destruction will exist. The Tao finds its

victory in peace.

Foster an open dialog and continually expose yourself to new ideas. Thus you will find

success in state ruler-ship. Remain cautious and reserved in your responses wise sage when the

world around becomes chaotic and potentially violent unexpectedly. Be kind to those that wish

you ill and do not evoke revenge upon a grievance. By negotiating conflict, the wise ruler can

turn the human tide of “…aggressive ambition to thoughtfulness and the search for modest

goals” (Moore-Bruder, 2005, p 506, ¶2). A Tao based realm is governed by gentle

persuasiveness.
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As you look at state government sage, remember to institute as law only that which

creates order from chaos. Seek to retain a calm heart, remaining free of hysteria as many will

look to you for example. Take nothing from anyone because “force usually brings requital”

(Moore-Bruder, 2005, p 507, ¶2). I say to you sage, “Govern the state with correctness. Operate

the army with surprise tactics. And administer the empire by engaging in no activity” (Moore-

Bruder, 2005, p 507, ¶1). Stability in a Tao state is dependent upon its laws being minimal and

simplistic in their detail.

And so bright sage, we come to the end of my musings. I have spoken the truth according

to the Way of the Tao. The Tao is the regulator of all natural processes. Understanding and using

ch’i will enable you to assist the Universe in nourishing its balance. The Way of Tao wisdom

rewards one for maintaining the stillness of inaction by offering a calmness of purpose in

exchange. May this letter find you in a perpetual state of weakness so that life is allowed to

unfold itself mysteriously around you without any need to shape it into a specific selfish form.

Peace from wisdom is the Way of the Tao,

Lao Tzu
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References

Moore, B. and Bruder, K. (2005). Philosophy: The Power of Ideas. (Sixth ed.), Part Four.

Columbus, OH: The McGraw-Hill Companies.