TTC
1 be wary of exalting the wise and sophisticated for it becomes not unlike
pouring two liquids into a container meant for one
2 consider the relative wisdom of displaying treasures
that remain untouched in temporary keeping
3 authentic learning released through insight nurtures the heart spirit
and does not disturb the balance
4 a sound leader helps the populace to be open
minded and self
aware
5 with open heart spirits strong bodyminds
even temperaments and thought clarity
6 these people make their own choices
and can naturally resist those meddling fools who
try to steal their
ability to respond
7 no force
no strain
8 natural action without deeds is the equilibrium of
mankind
Chapter Three begins to lay the foundation of learning and education from a Taoist perspective. It emphasizes the need for personal experience and directly making contact with the root of all knowledge and wisdom, no matter what the subject. In archaic Taoist language, when referring to people or a populace, the Taoist is always seeing the totality of himself as a community. The different parts of his bodymind, the different spirits of his internal organs, as well as the different parts of his mind and intellect form a personal community of one.
1 MIND: "Wise and sophisticated" refers to sacred texts and to sages with a particular philosophical bent or specific message. The "two liquids" are your own intuitive wisdom and other wisdom that comes from outside you, meaning text or other people. The "one" in this case is you.. 2 MIND: All wisdom and advice that comes from outside of you. In this case, wisdom and advice is seen as treasure or great wealth. Can great wealth really belong to us or are we just the temporary stewards of it?. 3 HEART: "Authentic learning" refers to intuitive learning or wisdom that comes via the intuition from the Tao.. 4 BODY: "Sound leader" is a leader who follows the Tao. "Populace" in this case can mean a community, but it can also mean the different parts of your personality.. 5 MIND: An "open heart" refers to a clear and vitalized spirit, or shen.. 6 MIND: The "people" referred to are Taoist Cultivators.. 7 HAND: These are specific instructions on how to behave inwardly and outwardly to align yourself and your actions with the Tao. 8 HAND: "Natural action" is a spontaneous, authentic response. "Deeds" in this case is an externally driven response, which could be physical, emotional, or intellectual.