Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

safeinOhio

(34,126 posts)
Wed Oct 7, 2020, 09:16 AM Oct 2020

Lao Tzu on hate

Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu - chapter 31

Good weapons are instruments of fear; all creatures hate them.
Therefore followers of the Tao never used them.
The wise man prefers the left.
The man of war prefers the right.

Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man's tools.
He uses them only when he has no choice.
Peace and quiet are dear to his heart.
And victory no cause for rejoicing.
If you rejoice in victory, then you delight in killing;
If you delight in killing, you cannot fulfill yourself.

On happy occasions precedence is given to the left,
On sad occasions to the right.
In the army the general stands on the left,
The commander-in-chief on the right.
This means that war is conducted like a funeral.
When many people are being killed,
They should be mourned in heartfelt sorrow.
That is why a victory must be observed like a funeral.


I try to follow this advise and these times are a challenge.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Lao Tzu on hate (Original Post) safeinOhio Oct 2020 OP
I would like to say that I don't hate anyone or anything, but I cannot Ferrets are Cool Oct 2020 #1
Have Always Loved That, Sir The Magistrate Oct 2020 #2
This reminds me of some song lyrics. iscooterliberally Oct 2020 #3
I keep the Tao te Ching handy. cilla4progress Oct 2020 #4

Ferrets are Cool

(21,961 posts)
1. I would like to say that I don't hate anyone or anything, but I cannot
Wed Oct 7, 2020, 09:19 AM
Oct 2020

I hate the heartless killers in this administration and I hate roaches.

iscooterliberally

(3,010 posts)
3. This reminds me of some song lyrics.
Wed Oct 7, 2020, 09:19 AM
Oct 2020

"See my white light flashing as I split the night 'Cause if good's on the left, then I'm sticking to the right" - AC/DC, Hells Bells

cilla4progress

(25,954 posts)
4. I keep the Tao te Ching handy.
Wed Oct 7, 2020, 11:07 AM
Oct 2020

Love its wisdom.

Do you know why the words in mine are different from this? The subject and meaning are the same. I have Stephen Mitchell's pocket edition of the new English version.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Ancient Wisdom and Pagan Spirituality»Lao Tzu on hate