True Mastery in Difficult Situations: Lessons From the Ancient Chinese

As we explore difficult subjects such as hatred, trauma and psychological and spiritual group dynamics, it is important to seek nourishment and balance.¹

As the Nei-yeh,² an ancient Chinese text, advises: Even when seeking to transform situations, preserve your own energy. If you wish to be able to master difficult situations, stay true to yourself.

Here is an audio file of Elizabeth reading this wonderful ancient text. The full text is below.

Thanks to Audrey Seymour and the True Purpose Institute for hosting Elizabeth and providing this tape.

For more on this subject, please see Beyond Technique: Trauma Healing, Mediation and Spirituality.

Chapter 9 of the Nei-yeh, the Inward Training

From:

Original Tao, Inward Training and the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism

Translation by Harold D. Roth³

 Those who can transform even a single thing, call them “numinous”;

Those who can alter even a single situation, call them “wise.”

But to transform without expending vital energy [chi]; to alter without expending wisdom:

Only exemplary persons who hold fast to the One are able to do this.

Hold fast to the One; do not lose it,

And you will be able to master the myriad things.

Exemplary persons act upon things,

And are not acted upon by them,

Because they grasp the guiding principle of the One.

Notes

1. This is in keeping with the Mission Statement of this website.
2. See Harold D. Roth, Original Tao, Inward Training and the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism, Columbia University Press, 1999.
3. See footnote 2 above for the full citation of this text.