Blind to True Wisdom - The Gospel According to LaoZi -DaoDeJing 70

Despite the success and the wealth you have accumulated you are still not happy. Lao Zi tells us the reasons. Because we go after the external things and are blind to the treasures within that hold the answers for our meaning and success. DaoDeJing 70

DaoDeJing 70 Text and Translation

1 吾言甚易知，甚易行。

My (Dao) words are easy to know and easy to follow/act on.

2 天下莫能知，莫能行。

However, the people of the world know them not and do not follow them.

3 言有宗，事有君。

Words have a source and a purpose. All work has a creator. 

(The creator purposes within, speak and act that give forth the creation.)

4 夫唯无知，是以不我知。

Because they are ignorant (and blind) , hence they know not that they don't know (the Dao).

5 知我者希，则我者贵；

Those who know me(Dao) are few. Those who follow me(Dao) are honorable.

(Following the Dao brings you honor).

6 是以圣人被褐怀玉。

Hence, the sages put on plain and rough clothes on the outside, but they have valuable jade with them on the inside.

(You are not defined by things you own or wear externally but by what you are on the inside
You are a human 'being' and not an object. You inside affect what you do.)

Why are we blind to the truth?

Lao Zi tells us in verse 4 - because we don't know the truth of Dao. We don't know what is truly important to our lives. We are confused. We value things that we can see and disregard the inner things of life that we don't see. So we taught we are defined by our work. If you ask people who they are, they will say they are teachers, doctors, businessmen. So we climb the career ladder and pursue wealth and reputations. If we are not successful, we condemn ourselves. Even when we are successful, we don't feel satisfied and we go for more; thinking that if only I have more then I will be happy. It is an endless pursuit of more and more things and yet all the while we are unhappy. Lao Zi reminds us that our inside, our being, is what we truly us.

Purpose and Meaning

Verse 3 tells us everything has a source and a purpose. Since we are created we cannot find the true purpose of life within ourselves. We have to find the creator and ask Him. Why are we created? What is my purpose of life? Where did I come from? Where am I going? How to really live this life meaningfully?

Break Free from the Pack

Break free from the rushing crowd. The maddening crowd that chases after things of little values with their valuable lives(Verse 2). Verse 1 tells us the Dao/Truth is easy to understand and follow. Verse 5 tells us those who seek the truth will be few. However, those who discover the truth and follow it will end up living a meaningful and honorable life. The life you are contented and happy with.

The Dao that is Easy to Understand and Follow

What Lao Zi said in verse 1 reminds me of Jesus who also said that!

• Matthew 11v28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 
• 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 
• 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Lao Zi and Jesus agree that the truth of Dao will set you free; to be truly free with meaning and joy.

Do you know the truth/Dao? Are you following Him?

Lim Liat (c) 4 Nov 2016