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Flexibility

Daoism (Taoism) teaches us that life is constantly changing with the exchange of Yin and Yang. No two moments are exactly the same. The best way to live your life is to adapt to these changes by being flexible and in the moment. This mindset allows you to make important long term decisions and to adapt to sudden changes.

“The sage has no concern for himself, But makes the concerns of others his own. The sage is one with the world, And lives in harmony with it. People turn their eyes and ears to him, And the sage cares for them like his own children.“

Dao De Jing, Chapter 49

Aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.

Like water

It is important to be flexible and yielding when working towards your goals. Consider the analogy of water. Although water is soft it can be hit and suffer no harm. It can crash as a wave. Water adjusts to its environment and flows around obstacles as it seeks the lowest path.

A person should act in the same way and be willing to yield to solve conflicts. Although goals are important, one should be be flexible in how to reach those goals. To be willing to change those goals if they no longer make sense.

“Nothing in the world is softer and weaker than water. Yet, to attack the hard and strong, Nothing surpasses it. Nothing can take its place.”

Dao De Jing, Chapter 78

Inflexibility equals Death

Daoism teaches that flexibility represents life while rigidness represents death. Consider the analogy of the mighty oak tree and simple bamboo. Although the oak tree is tall and strong, it can be destroyed in a strong storm because it does not bend. On the other hand the bamboo bends with the wind and survives.

“People are born soft and weak. They die hard and stiff. All things such as grass and trees Are soft and supple in life. At their death they are withered and dry. So, the hard and stiff are death’s companions. The soft and weak are life’s companions.“

Dao De Jing, Chapter 76

The mighty oak tree will fall in a mighty wind because it is inflexible.

Conclusion

One should adopt flexibility as the cornerstone of life. It can guide both personal and business decisions while reducing stress and anxiety. People should be pliant and yielding to reach their goals.

Confucianism and Buddhism

The three teachings of Eastern Asia include Daoism (Taoism), Confucianism, and Buddhism. Each can be better understood by contrasting them with the other.

Confucianism

Confucianism stresses obedience to authority because Confucius saw that people needed guidance to avoid immorality. Confucius came up with many guidelines for people to live by to have a structured and prosperous society. Much of this centers on respect for parents and elders.

Daoism

Daoism teaches that the Dao (Tao) or “Way” creates and guides the universe. Laozi (Lao Tzu) said life is much more satisfying if one follows the natural state of the Dao using meditation. This includes constant change due to the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. There is no sweet without the sour. Authorities should be hesitant to act and only do the minimum amount so as to not upset the natural balance.

Buddhism

Buddhism teaches that life is suffering because people are attached to their possessions and desires. Similar to Daoism it involved meditation to find inner peace and to follow the Eight Fold Path of right speech, action, livelihood, effort, and mindfulness. Eventually, one can reach a state of Nirvana or “state of peace” and become enlightened breaking out of a constant cycle of rebirth.

“What is and what is not create each other. Difficult and easy complement each other. Tall and short shape each other. High and low rest on each other.“

Dao De Jing, Chapter 2

The Three Vinegar Tasters

These beliefs can be contrasted by the parable of the Three Vinegar Tasters. Confucius, Buddha and Laozi put their finger in a vat of vinegar to taste it. Confucius reacts with a sour face, Buddha reacts with a bitter face, but Laozi reacts with a happy face (Wikipedia, Vinegar Tasters).