Lao Tzu writes, “When the master governs, the people/ are hardly aware that he exists” (22). This leader governs through subtle guidance, illuminating right action for those who walk the same path. Often this path is one of community. It can also be the path of family, country, or world, on a unified planet. The state of a community degrades according to the distance the master leader strays from this ideal.
The Ideal Leader of the Tao Te Ching
According to the philosopher, the next best leader is one who is loved (22). Love alone can imbue any community or group with positivity, leading to more evolved state of the political/spiritual state. Ironically, in the ultimate state, all conventional notions of politics become irrelevant. War, at least within the community, vanishes. In a state where the leader is loved, some degree of evolution is possible, but the master will take on more of a traditional parental role, thus not enabling the evolution of the people as quickly.
A feared leader is the next best kind (22). However, clearly, Lao Tzu is now speaking in devolutionary terms. A feared leader can maintain order, usually through totalitarian means. Some members of the society will appreciate the leader’s control of anarchy. Others will plot rebellion, for better or worse, since the highest state of governance is the only one in tune with the Tao, all of nature, and the greater Universe.
Lao Tzu and the Despised Leader
The worst type of leader is the despised one (22). This person cultivates hate and ancillary emotions throughout the community, leading all down a devolutionary path. This leader feeds on negativity and can only reflect the same into groups of governance. In contrast, the enlightened teacher will guide students to their own discoveries. And while inspired by the leader, they will serve the evolutionary path of the students more than that of the teacher, who in complete humility seeks only the greater good – no spotlight or applause.
Today’s best teachers will follow Lao Tzu’s model. They will instruct students through subtle guidance. Beloved teachers may meet unruly students; nevertheless, they will still lead through positive examples. No doubt, some seekers, will see the loving teacher as lacking a firm hand. Thus, the loving teacher stands in the most precarious of all positions, as a lynchpin to a higher evolutionary path or a devolutionary one. Clearly, nonetheless, love is a fiber of the Tao.
Source:
Lao Tzu, “Chapter Seventeen of the Tao Te Ching.” A World of Ideas. Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 2006.
Maria Jacketti - I have been a writer and writing teacher for nearly thirty years. My books in print include Neruda's Garden, Maremoto: Seaquake, ...
