Tao Te Ching Chapter 28 Strength and Gentleness 刚强与柔顺

This Podcast presents Chapter 28 of the Tao Te Ching, focusing on the paradoxical Taoist concept of strength through gentleness. It argues that true strength lies not in outward displays of power, but in humility and receptiveness, exemplified by the imagery of flowing streams and receptive valleys. The chapter emphasizes returning to a state of natural simplicity and purity, rejecting artificial ornamentation and striving for a moral character free from flaws. This natural state, the text suggests, allows one to become a role model and ultimately achieve true greatness. The text explores these ideas through a series of analogies and philosophical arguments.