Today was my second day back after my Spain hiatus and I picked a random #31 which I also talked about yesterday, but didn't get uploaded as a podcast but you can find it here https://noomvibe.app/tl/xzj7 As for today I also talked to Jay K about #7 and Robin about #17.
#7 "The Wisdom of Not Having Preference"
Tao is infinite
It doesn't grow old or tired.
Because it has no preference for itself
It can always persist.
The Master puts herself last
And always finds herself first.
By being detached from preference
She can give herself to what is
And find fulfillment there.
#17 "Of Masters and Leaders"
In the time of the great Masters there were no leaders.
Then, those whom the people loved, led the way.
After having created the position
The people feared their leaders,
Then they despised them.
Having created leaders, their faith in Tao was diminished.
Having become a leader, his trust in the people was diminished.
When there are great Masters there are no leaders
She works day and night and says nothing about it,
When the work is done the people say
"Amazing! We did it all by ourselves!"
#31 "Of Weapons and Mourning"
Weapons are horrible tools,
The Master avoids weaponizing anything.
Weapons promote fear and separation:
Avoided by those who walk in blessings
Embraced by those who walk in delusion.
If compelled to use them, she uses restraint.
There is no glory in victory if weapons are used,
Her enemy is not evil but human like herself.
How can she see glory in their slaughter?
When the Master is compelled to engage a weapon
She does so gravely, and filled with compassion,
Knowing that this is the first state of her mourning.