Martial Arts Book Review: Tao Teh King (Nature and Intelligence) by Lao Tzu/Archie J. Bahm
This book has been referred to as, "One of the simplest yet most profound interpretations of man and nature." And also, "The source for one of the sanest and most enduring of the major religions of mankind."
What follows is an example of the writings in this book. This is number thirty-one.
Weapons have a negative value, for they create fear in others. Therefore, the follower of Nature avoids them.
For when among intimates, one naturally prefers the gentler, more trusting position on the left. And when among enemies, one naturally jockeys for the more strategic position on the right.
Since weapons have a negative value, the intelligent man will have nothing to do with them if he can. But when he is forced to use them, he does so with reluctance and restraint.
He does not admire conquest. For, whoever desires to conquer desires to kill. And whoever delights in murder, cannot inherit the earth.
When things go well, we signify this by honoring the position on the left. When ills prevail, we symbolize this by giving precedence to the position on the right.
In military parades, the second in command, who is ordered to give orders, takes his place on the left. While the first in command, who by himself undertakes to give orders, takes the right hand position.
There is a significant similarity between fighting and funerals. Just as the slaughter of many people should be accompanied by weeping and mourning. So the position in a victory parade should properly parallel those in a funeral procession.
This is one of the best books that you could ever read on Eastern philosophy and should be in everyone's library. All I can say is buy this book and read it many, many times, I guarantee you that you won't ever regret it.
Related Tags: book, philosophy, religion, review, intelligence, nature, martial, arts, lao, tzu, archie, bahm
Shawn Kovacich has been practicing the martial arts for over 25 years and currently holds the rank of 4th degree (Yodan) black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Shawn has also competed in such prestigious full-contact bare knuckle karate competitions as the Shidokan Open and the Sabaki Challenge, among others. In addition to his many accomplishments, Shawn is also a two time world record holder for endurance high kicking as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Shawn is the author of the highly acclaimed Achieving Kicking Excellence™ series and can be reached via his web site at: http://www.kickingbooks.com
Marc can be reached via his web site at: Kyokushin Karate
Recent articles in this category:
- How To Sell Anything On Craigslist Whether You Own A Business Or Not
Did you know that craigslist is one word? Did you also know that it's not capitalized? The reason is - Directors' Vicarious Liability For Dishonor Of Company Cheque
In its landmark judgment in National Small Industries Corp. Ltd v. Harmeet Singh Paintal [2010], the - Letter's To God Book Review
'P.S. I think I'll write again tomorrow'While getting ready for his fishing trip Tyler remembered he - Kyocera Mita Fs-1030d / Fs-1030dn - Ecosys Low Total Cost Printer
The most unique thing about the Kyocera Mita FS-1030D / FS-1030dn is its ECOSYS "Cartridge free" pri - Self-motivation Encourages Us To Plan Our Goals And Helps.
Self-motivation adds excitement and enthusiasm into our lives and helps us face boldly all forms of - Matt Hustons Get Him Back Forever - Afraid Of Getting Caught?
Matt Huston's Get Him Back Forever provides a powerful plan that promises to help you not only to ge - Magic Of Making Up By Tw Jackson: A Short Review
If you're looking at buying the Magic of Making Up by TW Jackson, you want to make sure you're getti - A Book Review Of Preparing To Be A Help Meet
The best thing that comes in every woman's life is marriage. In addition, it is when two people fina - 5 Steps To Self Publishing Success
The economy was not so bad when I started thinking about self publishing my first book, Planting Des - To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter Summary - Chapter 11
Jem's Birthday and Mrs. Dubose:The day that follows the previous chapter's event is Jem's 12th birth
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Digital Photography eBook Review: Camera Dollars Income System
The "Camera Dollars Income System eBook" written by Brian Moore claims to contain everything you nee - Animals Rule in Children's Literature: Frogs and Caterpillars and Bears - Oh My!
From very hungry caterpillars and penguins for every day of the year to the Kingdom of Frogavia, ani - Used Book Stores
Many college bookstores allow students to sell their books back to the stores. These used bookstores - Book Review - Through the Storm by Sha' Givens
Mahogany Malone was named for her mother's favorite dancer, and one may argue that this teenage name - Good Starting Places in the Fantasy Genre
I'm a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to my reading. I will deride and verbally mutilate anything o - Book Review: Fiasco by Thomas E. Ricks
Among the most illuminating, and hence the most damning recent volume about the war in Iraq is Fiasc - A Review on: "An Empire of Wealth"
Part III of the book "An Empire of Wealth", the emerging colossus, is being reviewed in this analysi - The Traveler - John Twelve Hawkes Review
There is a time and a place for nearly every style of literature out there. I find myself reading a - Book Review: State of Denial by Bob Woodward
The most recent addition to our understanding of our difficulties in Iraq, State of Denial by Waterg - A Review on Chapters 11 and 12 of "A People's History of the United States"
Before starting to take a look at its content, it is necessary to get familiar with the book's autho