Commentary on Chapter 81: Spiritual Directors, Sages, and Other Powerful Charismatic Types By C.L. Babcook The final chapter of the Dao De JIng, Chapter 81, is one of the most important chapters for those who seek spiritual truths and direction. Chapter 81 reads:
True words are not beautiful, beautiful words are not true. Competence does not persuade, persuasion is not competence. The sage is not learned, the learned man is not wise. The Man of Calling does not heap up possessions. The more he does for others, the more he possesses. The more he gives to others, the more he has, The Dao of Heaven is “furthering without causing harm”. The Dao of the Man of Calling is to be effective without quarreling.
Empty Vessel — Page 28
From this chapter we see that, according to Lao Zi, the authentic sage or spiritual director has six qualities. These are: • The sage does not flatter people. • The sage does not use his power to persuade anyone about anything. • The sage does not show off his knowledge or act well learned. • The sage is not into acquiring lots of possessions. • The sage is of service to others. • The sage does not argue or quarrel with others. The above characteristics are important to keep in mind when one seeks or comes upon a possible spiritual teacher or director. Too often we can be charmed by a charismatic, powerful person who wears the guise of one who can help us grow spiritually. But all too often charismatic and powerful people are not spiritual in their focus; they simply are powerful and charismatic. Some examples of this unique class of people are David Coresh, Charles Manson and perhaps Hitler. Charismatic people are often simply born that way and their charm is often known by them at an early age. Quickly some of the charismatic types learn to manipulate the world as they see fit by means of their
