Weapons are the tools of violence

[Starr]

Verse 31: Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them. Therefore, followers of the Tao never use them.

Arms serve evil. They are tools of those who oppose wise rule. Use them only as a last resort. For peace and quiet are dearest to the decent man's heart, and to him even a victory is no cause for rejoicing.

He who thinks triumph beautiful is one with a will to kill, and one with a will to kill shall never prevail upon the world.

It's a good sign when man's higher nature comes forward. A bad sign when his lower nature comes forward. With the slaughter of multitudes, we have grief and sorrow. Every victory is a funeral; when you win a war, you celebrate by mourning.

[Starr]

For me this talks about compelling everyone to appeal to their higher self before thinking of starting a war. I don't think this is talking strictly about pacifism, because it sounds like there is a time for war, but if that time comes, we shouldn't look forward or find glory in the fight.

[J.]

One would think this is everyday common sense, not some poetically versed 'wisdom' from some ancient sage many centuries and half a world away. It's merely mankind's inherent Nature, the one we are all born with the day we came into this world; so obviously in our best interest. How did we lose site of it, how did a lesser character come to dominate? Man, what a wonder to behold. head/desk

www.jguevaranovels.com
@jgvra

(I think it has something to do with surrendering responsibility for one's existence)

[Peni]

Followers of the Tao never use weapons, this verse says, but then advises to "use them only as a last resort." So at what point does one defend oneself with weapons?
As for personal weapons, I won't have a gun in the house. I won't touch guns. My husband used to argue that it was for protection in case someone broke in. Ha. Like I'd have the presence of mind to even USE a gun in such a situation!
So I wonder in what instance does Lao Tzu conider weapons to be ok? after you have been invaded? I don't know.....

[Starr]

Surrendering responsibility for one's existence....now that's something to think about. Can you elaborate J?

Yeah Peni, I was struck by that portion of the verse too. Maybe the verse is just acknowledging the baser side of humans. Balance seems to be the overriding theme of the Tao. So if there is a higher side, there must be a lower side....just don't rejoice in it? Accept where you are and strive to become better? hmmmmm.....

[Peni]

Starr, I'm glad I'm not the only one confused by that passage. Really makes ya wonder...