ELIMINATION

Be careful when you encounter teachings about the elimination of anything. Some may, for instance, advocate the elimination of desires or ego. Such concepts do not originate from the original Tao tradition, which speaks not of elimination but of moderation and dynamic balance.

We know that excessive desires can be extremely detrimental, but we also know that as long as we are alive, we cannot avoid having some desires. The survival instinct is a desire to stay alive, and it is as natural as the desire for safety and protection for yourself and your loved ones.

It is the same with the ego. We need a sense of self in order to operate in society; it is only when this sense expands out of control that we end up with arrogance leading to failure. In every case, the Tao of life is about finding the right balance between too much and too little. It is always at the point of equilibrium where we find the best results.

The Tao Today

Some people think in black-and-white terms, so they find ideas like complete elimination appealing. Do not fall into that trap. Instead, think in terms of everyday living, where absolutes are impossibilities, while moderation is the practical reality.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin