In this episode, we explore the enchanting notion of being supple and fluid, reminiscent of our infant selves.
Embracing the present moment and immersing ourselves in life's experiences—rather than striving to decipher them—can liberate us from the shackles of self-consciousness, transcending the rigid might of control and the shadows of indifference.
As you shatter the barriers within, you discover the ability to flow with authenticity, spontaneity, vibrancy, and a profound sense of completeness.
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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Welcome back to another Tao te Ching reading. Today, we’re exploring Chapter 10.
I’m Mark. And I’m Adam.
"Carrying body and soul and embracing the one—can you avoid separation?
Attending fully and becoming supple—can you be as a newborn babe?
Washing and cleansing the primal vision—can you be without stain?
Loving all men and ruling the country—can you be without cleverness?
Opening and closing the gates of heaven—can you play the role of woman?
Understanding and being open to all things—are you able to do nothing?
Giving birth and nourishing, bearing yet not possessing, working yet not taking credit, leading yet not dominating—this is primal virtue."
This translation aligns with others we've read—slightly different in wording but carrying the same essence. It centers on balance, allowing rather than forcing.
The questions are powerful. For example:
"Understanding and being open to all things—are you able to do nothing?
The concept of “doing nothing” often appears in Taoist and Buddhist texts. It's not literal inaction, but rather an invitation to stop forcing outcomes and allow life to unfold naturally.
"Can you play the role of woman?"
This line speaks to feminine energy—flowing, receptive, intuitive—versus the more forceful, controlling impulse. It reflects a call to move with the current rather than against it.
"Can you be as a newborn babe?
A newborn is free of preconceptions, open and connected. This state of innocence is unburdened by adult conditioning and expectations that often block our natural flow.
There’s a metaphor here about oneness. In early development, a baby doesn’t yet understand itself as separate from the mother. It takes time to develop that awareness. This imagery invites us to return to a natural state of unity—not denying differentiation, but remembering that we belong to something greater.
This theme of oneness doesn’t mean complete passivity. It means acting without ego-driven agendas. Leadership, creativity, and action are part of life—but ideally, they arise from a deeper field, not from the personal mind seeking control.
This chapter encourages letting go of egoic desires, status-seeking, and personal gain. Instead, it points toward harmony, authenticity, and service.
"Bearing yet not possessing. Working yet not taking credit.
Possession implies separation and control—"mine, not yours." This mentality leads to division. In contrast, bearing suggests generosity and shared responsibility.
"Working yet not taking credit" reminds us to serve without self-glorification. To do good because it is good—not for recognition.
"Leading yet not dominating.
This is primal virtue. True leadership guides without controlling. It illuminates many paths, not just one. It uplifts others rather than enforcing a single way.
This is about co-creation—honoring the unique creative power in ourselves and in others. Together, we build something greater than any one individual could achieve alone.
Let us know what you think. Does this resonate? Do you see something different in your translation or interpretation?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.