Change Your Thoughts-Change Your Life Part 19 of 20: Living Without Enemies
April 23, 2009 by dr. lam · 4 Comments
The 69th Verse:
There is a saying among soldiers:
I dare not make the first move
but would rather play the guest;
I dare not advance an inch
but would rather withdraw a foot.
This is called
going forward without advancing,
pushing back without using weapons.
There is no greater misfortune
than feeling “I have an enemy”;
for when “I” and “enemy” exist together,
there is no room left for my treasure.
Thus, when two opponents meet,
the one without an enemy
will surely triumph.
When armies are evenly matched,
the one with compassion wins.
Remember that when we talked a few weeks ago that when we hurt others, we essentially hurt ourselves. When we help others, we will in turn help ourselves. As Lao-Tzu states “for when “I” and “enemy” exist together, there is no room left for my treasure.” Our treasure is our peace of mind and connection with the Tao. When we perceive enemies all around us, we cannot live in a peaceful state. We are constantly embattled, embroiled, and emblazoned with this combative atmosphere. Once we let go of the idea that we have ANY enemies, we can seek our victory over our “enemies” by achieving a deep-seated peace.
Give up the concept that we have enemies in front of us, whether personal or professional. Give up the need to constantly fight with another. Just work on yourself for personal/professional growth. We need not concern ourselves with the enemy or perceive that individual as such. Dyer talks about in athletic competition, we should look at our opponent as a facilitator for our own way to achieve victory. We can look at the other person as a vehicle for that gain if and only if that person is performing at his or her best. It can bring us to new heights. When we stop looking at the other side of the net, so to speak, as an adversary but instead as a colleague to drive us forward, then we can experience true peace and true victory. Let all your ideas of an external enemy fall away. See all those around you as emanating from the same original source of the universe. Let go of judgment, hatred, and antagonism.