Dejing Chapter 68 Original Text (Lao Tzu)
He who is good at soldiers is not armed; he who is good at fighting is not angry; he who is good at defeating the enemy is not with him; he who is good at using people is subordinate.
It is said to be an indisputable virtue, it is to use human strength, and it is to match the heavens and the ancients.
The Way of Tai Chi
Translations and Insights (1 source)
Those who are good at being soldiers do not win by force; those who are good at fighting do not win by anger; those who are good at defeating the enemy are not entangled in battle; those who are good at using people are humble and subordinate.
This is called indisputable "virtue", this is called "human force" with "human force" (the way of tai chi of four or two thousand pounds), which is in harmony with the transportation of the Heavenly Dao.
Only in the midst of "indisputable" can we light up ourselves and illuminate others
In the previous chapter, we talked about "compassion" as the "tai chi" of the "heart", and in this chapter, Lao Tzu tells us that in society, disputes between people cannot be avoided. So how to deal with such a dispute, and what is the result of using such a dispute?
He gave a few examples of those who were good at being "soldiers" (those who defended generals) never won by force, but by flexible strategies and strategies. Soldiers who are good at fighting have never won by anger and hatred, but by indomitable perseverance. People who are good at defeating the enemy are never people who like "war" (entanglement with the enemy), but people who always win by "not fighting". People who are good at leading everyone have never been people who are high on top, but people who are humble and honest and serve everyone.
These examples all illustrate a truth, that is, "indisputable virtue", "non-contention" is a kind of "virtue", this "virtue" is a way of "Tao" transportation, it is integrated with the way of nature. Achieve the harmonious unity of nature in "indisputable".
In fact, this is also a kind of "Tai Chi", which is the "Tao" that maintains a harmonious and beautiful state in the competition of society. Since our "heart" has the "way" of "kindness", then in the competitive life of society, "non-contention" is the best natural way.
"Not arguing" is not self-depravity, not self-depression, but like practicing tai chi, strengthening oneself, and can also turn enemies into friends and warm everyone. Let's read it again:
He who is good at soldiers is not armed; he who is good at fighting is not angry; he who is good at defeating the enemy is not with him; he who is good at using people is subordinate.
It is said to be an indisputable virtue, it is to use human strength, and it is to match the heavens and the ancients.
Indisputable virtue
LAWS DIVINE AND HUMAN
Chapter LXVIII (translated by Xu Yuanchong)
A good warrior is not violent,
a good fighter is not angry,
a good victor will not yield,
a good leader will be humble.
Such is the virtue of non-contention,
the ability of employing men.
Such is the way to match heaven.
It is said to be an indisputable virtue, it is to use human strength, and it is to match the heavens and the ancients.