What is Taoist power really—and how do you recognize it in your own life?
In this episode of Living the Tao Shorts (2-10), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores De, the form of spiritual power described in the Daodejing. Instead of treating De as serendipity or good luck, Master Steenrod explains how true Taoist practice produces alignment, insight, and direct Dao interaction.
What De actually means in classical Taoism
How Taoist “sagecraft” shapes your life and decisions
The Four Ascendant triangle of Dao → Teacher → Student
Why tiny “signs” aren’t reliable indicators of spiritual growth
What creates Dao intrusions—and what they mean for your path
Why the Dao responds as if you already know the rules
This short episode is ideal for listeners exploring Taoist spirituality, personal transformation, inner alignment, or the deeper teachings behind the Daodejing.
The video version of this episode can be found on youtube: https://youtu.be/oI-7InGpQs4
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Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com
In this lecture, we explore the concept of 'de' or power in Taoism, as presented in the Tao Te Ching. The discussion centers on what precisely this power signifies and how it manifests in the lives of those who align themselves with the Tao. The lecture delves into the idea of sagecraft, where a sage represents the epitome of being in perfect harmony with the Tao, allowing for both effortless movement within the world and the ability to influence its course. This concept bridges the connection between individual agency and the fundamental laws of the universe, illustrating how actions taken in accord with the Tao can yield significant changes in one's reality.
The expansion into serendipity as a minor form of 'de' provides an intriguing framework for understanding how individuals can gauge their alignment with the Tao. Questions arise surrounding the desire for tangible feedback on one's spiritual path, probing whether an increase in serendipitous events could indicate a person’s attunement to the Tao. The discussion acknowledges the human inclination for clear indicators of progress in one’s spiritual journey and how these can manifest in a more tangible understanding of Taoist power.
The lecture also touches on the historical evolution of Taoist practice, particularly with the emergence of sectarian movements around 200 AD. During this time, various Taoist sects introduced standardized hierarchies to assess an individual's progress in accumulating 'de'. While this brought structure to the practice, it also limited the possibilities for reaching higher realms of Taoist power, illustrating the trade-off between systematization and spiritual potential. The relationship between personal growth, mentorship, and the Tao itself is graphically depicted through a triangular model, where the interplay between the individual, the mentor, and the Tao is analyzed over time.
As the student develops and grows in their practice, the relationship dynamics shift, ultimately leading to a reduced necessity for the teacher as the student’s own understanding becomes more aligned with the Tao. This progression indicates not only personal evolution but also a deepening connection with the universal truths represented by the Tao. The discussion reflects on the normalcy of doubt during this journey, suggesting that overcoming such doubt is an inherent part of the path to spiritual maturity.
Furthermore, the lecture addresses the complexities of aspiration and the nature of requests made to the Tao. It emphasizes the importance of not just seeking small affirmations but rather being bold in one's desires for greater spiritual experiences and deeper insights. However, this ambition must be tempered with an understanding that the manifestation of such requests may not align with human expectations and can come in forms unexpected or challenging.
The speaker concludes with a reflection on the limitless opportunities the Tao presents for spiritual advancement, urging individuals to understand the mechanisms put in place for their growth. The audience is encouraged to harness their innate capacity to engage with the Tao meaningfully, recognizing that the journey to spiritual elevation is a personal and transformative experience. Through this exploration, the lecture provides not only insight into Taoist power but also a roadmap for individuals seeking to deepen their connection with the Tao and their own spiritual paths.
