17 May 2014

Seven Attributes for Greatness without Fault by Lao Zi (DaoDeJing 8)

These seven attributes are not only the ones that help you become great but also about staying great. It is greatness without any fault. The seven are position of humility, a big heart, relating with kindness, communication with integrity, management with order, working with your abilities and acting on the right time. 
上善若水 ，水善利万物而不争，处众人之所恶，故几于道。

The very best is like water, 
Water brings benefits to all things —-Quality#1 contributes to society.
while not fighting against anything —- Quality#2 fights not for glory nor to claim the credit. Chapter 9 said it accomplished and then quietly withdrew 功成身退。
It stays in places where people hate — Quality#3 does the needful things that no one wants to do.
Hence, it is close to the Great Way of Dao. —- It exhibits a Godly nature.

Lao Zi further elaborates on such water qualities by giving 7 attributes for people to greatness. 
 居，善地；心，善渊；与，善仁；言，善信；政，善治；事，善能； 动，善时。

Here is the mind map containing the original, my translations, and extensions for becoming and staying great.

Seven Attributes
for Greatness without Fault

Dao De Jing 8

Lim Liat (c) 16 May 14

  • The Best is Like Water    上善若水

    The best is like water,

    • 水善利万物而不争

      Water benefits all things and fight not.

    • 处众人之所恶，故几于道。

      Stay in places where people dislike, hence it is closest to Dao. (water clears the waste and dirt)

  • 1 Position - Remains Humble 居善地

    Stay in the best location/position (humility) Ever learning & improving

    • 人往高处爬，水向低处流

      Men likes to climb higher whereas water flows towards the lower area. The way to go up and stay high is remain low in attitude.

  • 2 Heart - A Big one to contain- 心善渊

    Heart must be deep and wide to contain much.

    • Inclusivity - to accept diversities. Value others

      even oppositions and rejections

  • 3 Relationship of Kindness - 与善仁

    Relation is best built with love and kindness.

    • long term relationship and never short-term exploitation for your convenience. It is about giving & receiving rightly..

  • 4 Speech of Integrity & Trust 言善信

    Speech must be honest creating trust

    • In all Communications in all Media. Be honest. Spin not. No exaggeration nor be too aggressive.

  • 5 Management of Order - 正（政）善治

    Uprightness is for good management. Good management is about having order.

    • Order is more than just setting up rules & systems. It is also about leadership - lead by example and not by talk only.

  • 6 Work with Ability - 事善能

    work is best done with ability.

    • Match your task with your ability and then give of your very best. Find people with complementary strengths to work as a team. see point 3.

  • 7 Timing - Right Time to Act 动善时

    Move at the right time.

    • Be not too impulsive nor too passive. Be watchful and act quickly when time is right.

  • Faultless - Fight Not        夫唯不争，故无尤           

    Because there is no fighting with others, there is no fault. If someone blocks your way, find another way forward like water.


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