Verse 11

We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the center hole
that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.

We hammer wood for a house,
but it is the inner space
that makes it livable.

We work with being,
but non-being is what we use.

[For Personal Development]

• The usefulness of what is depends on what is not.
• Who we are is reflected in what we do.
• We need space in order to create.

[For Coaching]

• We take courses, learn techniques, hire mentor coaches, attract clients but it is the space in our heart and mind that enable us to coach.
• As coaches we work with questions, acknowledgments, strategies, messages, language, but we manifest who we are.
• Silence creates space for the client to find his/her own answers.

Verse 33

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Conquering others takes force;
conquering yourself is true strength.

If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.


[For Personal Development]

• Let go of desire to extend power over others and focus on knowing yourself.
• See abundance in your life and you will experience abundance (law of attraction).
• Identify with the source (Tao) and not your ego and you transcend life and death.

[For Coaching]

• Self-awareness is the basis of strong personal foundation.
• Expanded awareness changes perception and opens up possibilities for new actions.
• Simplify your life: values first, needs second.