THE SOFT OVERCOMES THE HARD

Tao sages frequently speak of the soft overcoming the hard, and one of the most effective images they use is a rider steering a powerful steed. There is no question that, physically, the horse is far more powerful than the rider. There is also no question that it is the rider, not the horse, who is in charge.

This is an overall principle that shows up everywhere. Water is soft, and rocks are hard, but when the two meet in opposition, it is water that will have the final victory as it wears down rocks and, in time, washes them away. Some of our most beautiful coastlines are a result of this process of the Tao.

We can make use of this principle in dealing with other people who seek to dominate and belittle others. Such bullies are loud and aggressive, so one may think that the soft approach of the Tao will be no match for them. In time, a skillful cultivator will demonstrate otherwise. Like Gandhi defeating the British Empire, or Mandela overcoming apartheid, ultimate victory will always belong to the soft. The Tao guarantees it, and history proves it.

The Tao Today

Get used to thinking in terms of the soft approach. When someone is hostile, do not return the hostility. When someone yells at you, do not yell back louder. There is no fighting fire with fire in the Tao. When facing a blazing inferno, do the simplest and wisest thing: use water.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin