TRUE VICTORY

What is the meaning of victory? To many people, winning is connected to conflict. To win at anything means you must have gone through some kind of contest before emerging victoriously. Therefore, it seems to make sense that you must fight in order to win.

That is not the meaning of victory in the Tao. Sages observed nature and found that the Tao was the ultimate victor. It had the last word on everything. It always won out in the end. They noted with special interest that it achieved this perfect record of victory without contending with anything or anyone.

Thus, true victory transcends the ordinary understanding in that it is all about winning but had nothing to do with conflicts. Tao cultivators win when they master themselves and do their best in an endeavor. Their victory is more real and meaningful to them than the arbitrary measurements of others. They do not fixate on the scorecards. The points they have earned in winning the game are etched in the heart.

The Tao Today

Notice how terms like “winners” and “losers” carry a heavily charged emotional punch. People are conditioned to believe that their worth and value are determined by winning and losing in life, and society is the judge. This is an incredibly damaging concept. From this day onward, change your personal concept of victory to be in tune with the Tao. You, and only you, will judge your own wins and losses.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin