Dao De Jing Verse 9
Ven. David Xi-Ken Shi
Fill your bowl to the brim
And it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
And it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
And your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
And you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back
The only path to serenity.
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From the legacy master’s perspective the accumulation of material positions and wealth will ultimately lead to a distorted worldview and loss greater then momentary happiness based on false values. This verse is pointing to the obvious – don’t hoard things. It also gives advice to not over sharpen tools, as they will be prone to break. Don’t get trapped in language, it is not about knives. This verse is certainly meant to be taken allegorically. If one creates conflicts and is eager to confront with negative behavior, one will squander their energy and become exhausted when it might be needed most. The display of wealth, unnecessary strength, and a willingness to create conflict will generate effects that may lead to one’s downfall. The wise will follow the opposing strategy and bring positive and useful action by withdrawing from conflict. He does so to be in accord with the Dao, and draws from the hidden energy behind the natural expressions of the Universe.
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(Verse 9 translated by Stephen Mitchell. Commentary by Xi-Ken Shi.)
