The Tzu

Paulo Coleho writes - In the twenty-third year of the reign of Zhao, Lao Tsu realized that the war would end up destroying the place where he lived. As he had spent years meditating on the meaning of life, he was quite aware that at certain moments one has to be practical. He decided to make the simplest decision: move home.



He gathered his few possessions and set out for Han Keou. At the gates of the city he came upon a guard.
"Where can such an important wise man be going?" asked the guard.
"Far from the war."
"You can’t leave just like that. I would very much like to know what you learned in so many years of meditation. I will only let you leave the city if you share with me what you know."
Lao Tsu wrote several pages there and handed the only copy to the man. Then he went on his journey and nobody ever heard of him again.
Here is my interpretation of those teachings


Listen to these words of the sagacious Tzu,

who when walked into the woods gave this advice to me and you.

Said the Tzu that he who knows his fellow is wise,

but enlightened is he who knows himself  and will make his fellow arise.

He who can conquer others is undeniably strong,

but call him powerful who has conquered himself and will do others no wrong.

If you stumble upon a man who knows what joy is, when leaves he rake,

bow my companion to him for his prosperity and your modesty’s sake.

Learn you my mate how to empty and wear yourself out,

this is how sages kept themselves fuller, newer and sans any clout .

The wise man is he, who seeks no attention whilst treading his own path over the hill,

hence shines he forever and be mentioned  as the one with the iron will.

Since he is a man of merit and not the one to extol his own virtuous run,

defeating him is impossible for he’ll never compete with anyone.