Tao te ching_ annotated & explained - Derek Lin [3]
It was a typical day at the Hangu Pass, with no more than the usual number of people leaving or entering the Zhou State. Yin Xi [pronounced Yin Shi], the Commander of the Pass, looked over the travelers with watchful eyes. Recent news of impending war gave him ample reason to be especially alert.
He saw an old man riding an ox and approaching slowly. Yin Xi sensed something different about this man. He trusted his intuition, so he walked up and asked, “What is your name?”
Unlike many Yin Xi had encountered before, the old man had a perfectly composed demeanor, neither pompous nor ingratiating. “I am Li Er,” he replied.
The name was familiar. Yin Xi searched his memory and suddenly realized what his intuition was trying to tell him. “Are you not the one they call Lao Tzu, the Old Master?”
The old man’s expression showed a flicker of reluctance, for he had no wish to draw attention. He nodded and answered, “Indeed.”
“This is a great honor,” Yin Xi said, bowing deeply. “I am an avid student of the Tao, and people say you teach the Tao with divine powers.”
Lao Tzu smiled and said, “Let us not be too hasty in believing what people say, Commander.”
“You must have tea with me before resuming your journey,” Yin Xi said. “I absolutely insist.” Lao Tzu saw the sincerity in Yin Xi’s invitation and gladly accepted.
The Commander ordered his men to maintain vigilance and led Lao Tzu into his office. “Master, I am most curious about how you gained your legendary wisdom,” Yin Xi said as he boiled water for tea.
“I claim no wisdom whatsoever. Others may get that impression only because I have served as King Wu’s Royal Archivist over the years.”
“Yes, it is said you won the position due to your ability to remember and summarize all the books you read. You must possess extraordinary knowledge,” said Yin Xi.
“The Tao is about returning to simplicity, not pursuing knowledge. While there are certainly many books in the archives, by themselves they are powerless to capture the essence of the Tao.”
“I find it difficult to imagine all those books in one place. Only a king can amass such a collection. I consider myself lucky to even see one book; a library is almost beyond my comprehension.”
“Books are dead things, Commander,” said Lao Tzu. “They contain the words of people long gone. The only way to gain living wisdom from dead books is by applying their words to life.”
“True. Nevertheless, I suspect there are many scholars who desire your unlimited access to the books for themselves. Surely they wish to oust you in order to take over your position?” asked Yin Xi.
“Yes. The position may seem prestigious, but in fact it can be dangerous as well. Many people would use unscrupulous means, even violence, to take the position for themselves. Serving the king can also be dangerous—he has been known to execute his own advisors because they made some careless mistake.”
“And yet you have survived and thrived as Royal Archivist for years. What is your secret?” Yin Xi asked eagerly as he poured tea into two cups.
“There is no secret. I use the Tao. Anyone can do the same thing—avoid danger and enjoy peace—through diligent cultivation of the Tao.”
“In that case, you should be able to maintain your position for many years to come.”
“No. My work for His Majesty is done,” answered Lao Tzu. “I am able to retire. With the clouds of war hanging over the land, I see no reason to remain.”
“How I envy your freedom! I hear about the impending war and think about going away myself, but I am tied to my property and career.”
“Such is the nature of desires and attachments. That which you desire tends to bind you; relinquishing or reducing the desire tends to free you.” Lao Tzu sat back and sipped his tea.
“It is a pity that you are leaving, Master, for I and many others can learn much from you,” said Yin Xi. “Would you consider writing down some notes for us, so we can cultivate the Tao on our own?”
“That is an excellent idea,” said Lao Tzu. “Let me write down the basic concepts, the standard sayings, and summaries of the major works in the Royal