November Sky

Verse 57 is about letting go. All of it.

Becoming aware of the myriard of ways how we control our life, is at the centre of liberation. Decisions, fixed plans, concepts…just observe yourself to understand how much we are still trying to influence the course of life. Desires – and in particular those that say ” I don’t want” is what is holding us back from simply being what we are. The more we do not allow ourselves to be, the more we hold ourselves back, the more we seek to control or manipulate, we will experience low confidence and energy.

Observe and let go, of the many things we are still attached to. Beliefs, systems, identifications – let go and let god.

57

If you want to be a great leader,
you must learn to follow the Tao.
Stop trying to control.
Let go of fixed plans and concepts,
and the world will govern itself.

The more prohibitions you have,
the less virtuous people will be.
The more weapons you have,
the less secure people will be.
The more subsidies you have,
the less self-reliant people will be.

Therefore the Master says:
I let go of the law,
and people become honest.
I let go of economics,
and people become prosperous.
I let go of religion,
and people become serene.
I let go of all desire for the common good,
and the good becomes common as grass.

From the Tao-te-ching
Translation by Steven Mitchels