Open Mind, Open Heart discussion

One who understands others has knowledge;
one who understands himself has wisdom.
Mastering others requires force;
mastering the self needs strength.

If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.

One who gives himself to his position
surely lives long.
One who gives himself to the Tao
surely lives forever.

I think this verse is asking us to remember what's really valuable. Is it enough to be knowledgeable, or would we rather have true wisdom? Would we prefer riches or contentment? Do we really want long lives, or do we want infinite being?

What's especially cool to me about this verse is that Lao Tzu seems to be saying it's our choice. If you want those things of true value, put in the effort: get to know yourself, light and shadow. Change your mindset: instead of always desiring more/other/better, be grateful for what you have. Let go of clinging to the small "you," and acknowledge the vastness of who you really are, one with everything. All of this potential is not outside of us, but is within our power.

The gap between more and enough never closes for those who are always seeking. That's what popped into my mind after reading this verse. Those who are truly rich understand themselves and are connected to a greater God consciousness because they've chosen the difficult road of going inside...a scary prospect for anyone living in a world that measures success by ladder rungs climbed and dollars in the bank.