22: The Paradox of Letting Go

When we give of ourselves we become more. When we desire little a great deal will come to us. Let go in order to achieve, this is the wisdom of the feminine. 

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

Yield and overcome;

Bend and be straight;

Empty and be full;

Wear out and be new;

Have little and gain;

Have much and be confused.

Therefore wise men embrace the one

And set an example to all.

Not putting on a display,

They shine forth.

Not justifying themselves,

They are distinguished.

Not boasting,

They receive recognition.

Not bragging,

They never falter.

They do not quarrel,

So no one quarrels with them.

Therefore the ancients say “Yield and overcome.”

Is that an empty saying?

Be really whole,

And all things will come to you.

21: The Way is Universal

If we accept, in silence, that things are the way they are, then we move forward along the way. So in times of turmoil the good project manager should hold onto the belief that everything happens according to one universal principal.

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

The greatest virtue is to follow Tao and Tao alone.

The Tao is elusive and intangible.

Oh, it is intangible and elusive, and yet within its image.

Oh, it is elusive and intangible, and yet within its form.

Oh, it is dim and dark, and yet within its essence.

This essence is very real, and therein lies faith.

From the very beginning until now its name has never been forgotten.

Thus I perceive the creation.

How do I know the ways of creation?

Because of this.

20: Traditional Wisdom

The wise project manager is happy with little and serves others. This is traditional wisdom.

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

Give up learning, and put an end to your troubles.

Is there a difference between yes and no?

Is there a difference between good and evil?

Must I fear what others fear? What nonsense!

Other people are contented, enjoying the sacrificial feast of the ox.

In spring some go to the park, and climb the terrace.

But I alone am drifting, not knowing where I am.

Like a newborn babe before it learns to smile,

I am alone, without a place to go.

Others have more than they need, but I alone have nothing.

I am a fool. Oh, yes! I am confused.

Other men are clear and bright,

But I alone am dim and weak.

Other men are sharp and clever,

But I alone am dull and stupid.

Oh, I drift like the waves of the sea,

Without direction, like the restless wind.

Everyone else is busy,

But I alone am aimless and depressed.

I am different.

I am nourished by the great mother.

19: Self Improvement

The wise project manager develops through practicing silence and meditation. 

The Tao

Lao Tsu tells us:

Give up sainthood, renounce wisdom,

And it will be a hundred times better for everyone.

Give up kindness, renounce morality,

And men will rediscover filial piety and love.

Give up ingenuity, renounce profit,

And bandits and thieves will disappear.

These three are outward forms alone; they are not sufficient in themselves.

It is more important

To see the simplicity,

To realise one’s true nature,

To cast off selfishness

And temper desire.