Tao Te Ching (Chapter 28)
Know the strength of a man,
But keep a woman’s care!
Be the stream of the universe!
Being the stream of the universe,
Ever true and unswerving,
Become a little child once more.
Know the white,
But keep the black!
Be an example to the world!
Being an example to the world,
Ever true and unwavering,
Return to the infinite.
Know honor,
Yet keep humility.
Be the valley of the universe!
Being the valley of the universe,
Ever true and resourceful,
Return to the state of the uncarved block.
When the block is carved, it becomes useful.
When the sage uses it, he becomes the ruler.
Thus, “A great tailor cuts little.”
(By Lao Tsu, translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English)
Balance
“Know the strength of a man, but keep a woman’s care!” “Know the white, but keep the black!” These lines illustrate the importance of living a balanced life. Balance the masculine with the feminine, the light with the dark, the yang with the yin. While trading, don’t be too aggressive or too passive. Don’t be too happy or too morose. Don’t be too quick or too slow. Stay centered.
Return to the Source
“Return to the state of the uncarved block.” The uncarved block is similar to the alchemical prima materia. In each condition the old ego attitude is dissolved into the source and a new, unblemished ego attitude can now be created. The uncarved block is like the beginner’s mind. The line “Become a little child once more” is analogous to the image of the uncarved block. A young child’s mind, in theory, is less imprinted with past experiences. A young child is thought of as spontaneous, unique and open to assimilating new experiences.
A Vessel for the Tao
“Be the valley of the universe!” Be a receptive vessel for the Tao. As a trader, let new trading ideas bubble up from the uncarved block and have the courage to trade them spontaneously. Develop the trading ideas given to you by the Tao. Be independent from collective opinion. “Be an example to the world!” Trading original ideas will lead to inner and outer self-respect. Give credit to the Tao and become your best self, an example to all.
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