August 10, 2025 • 15 mins
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-78-strength-in-weakness/
What if water—the softest, most yielding substance—could teach us the most profound lessons about true strength? Our exploration of Chapter 78 from the BFG Handbook, "Strength in Weakness," reveals a revolutionary understanding of power that turns conventional wisdom upside down.
We've all been conditioned to believe that strength means dominance, control, and unwavering force. Yet across spiritual traditions—from Christianity to Buddhism, Islam to Hinduism—we discover a surprising consensus: authentic power manifests through gentleness, adaptability, and surrender. Like water wearing away stone not through confrontation but through patient persistence, we find that our greatest impact often comes when we abandon forceful approaches for something more subtle.
The episode unpacks what we call the Trinitarian MAP (Mindset, Aim, Practice)—a practical framework for embodying this paradoxical wisdom. We examine how shifting your mindset toward humility and openness to mystery creates space for transformation. We explore specific practices that allow you to lead through service rather than command, to find resilience through vulnerability, and to navigate conflicts with gentle persistence rather than domination.
Most remarkably, we unveil how these principles transcend religious boundaries. When Jesus taught that "whoever loses their life will save it," when Buddhism speaks of non-attachment to worldly strength, when Islam emphasizes strength through surrender to Allah's will—they're all pointing toward the same profound truth. Real power operates differently than we've been taught.
Ready to revolutionize your approach to challenges, relationships, and leadership? Consider what "hard and strong obstacles" in your life might yield to the "weak and soft power" of patience and humility. This isn't just ancient philosophy—it's a practical pathway to authentic influence and unexpected resilience in our modern world.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Today we're inviting you to lean into.
Well, a really counterintuitiveidea.
What if true strength isn'tabout dominance and force, but
actually something much moresubtle, more gentle?
It's a concept that couldgenuinely revolutionize how you
think about power, resilience,maybe even just your daily
interactions.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
That's right.
And for this deep dive, we'returning to chapter 78, Strength
in Weakness.
It's from the BFG Handbook.
Now, if you haven't heard of it, you can sort of think of it as
a modern spiritual text.
It interprets ancient wisdom,specifically drawing parallels
between Christian teachings andprinciples you might find in,
say, the Tao Te Ching, and ourmission today is really to
(00:41):
explore how this chapteruncovers some surprising truths.
Truths about power, resilience,leadership, revealing insights
that actually resonate acrossquite a few cultures and faiths.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
And for you, listening get ready to discover
how these ideas ancient, yes,but still incredibly relevant
how they might transform yourown mindset, maybe guide your
actions, bring about somepowerful changes.
It's really about navigatingchallenges without feeling quite
so overwhelmed, maybe findingstrength where you least expect
it.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
So let's unpack this core paradox.
The BFG Handbook calls itrestore.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
The chapter kicks off with this really striking
metaphor Nothing in the world isweaker and softer than water,
yet nothing is more powerful atbreaking up the strong and hard.
There is no substitute.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Wow, that immediately flips our usual understanding
of power, doesn't it?
He really does water doesn'tlike fight in the conventional
sense.
It just persists, it adapts, ittransforms things over time
right.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
It's real power, isn't brute force, it's that
unyielding adaptability.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Ah, adaptability, that's key.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Yeah, teaching us that true strength often lies in
being flexible, persistent, notrigid or confrontational.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It finds the path of least resistance, but still
achieves profound change.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
Precisely.
And this paradox, well, itechoes very deeply across
spiritual traditions.
Think about Christianity, forinstance.
What looked like the ultimateweakness, total defeat on the
cross, this moment of completesurrender, that was actually the
very act that, in Christianbelief, defeated sin and death.
It brought salvation.
It's this incredibledemonstration of power,
perfected in well vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
And that makes me think of the Apostle Paul.
He famously talked about God'spower being perfected in
weakness, didn't he?
He wrote, for when I am weak,then I am strong.
That really highlights howdivine power seems to operate
completely counter to worldlystandards.
It shows up most profoundlywhen we admit our own limits.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
And Jesus himself taught something similar.
He said whoever tries to savetheir life will lose it, and
whoever loses their life for hissake and the gospels, they'll
save it.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
So finding life through letting go.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Exactly.
It shows how true life is foundin surrender, in sacrifice, not
in, you know, desperatelyclutching onto control.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
The BFG handbook also touches on this, with Jesus as
master and king.
It says the son became sin forus.
Thus he is fit to be master.
And the son bore the woes ofthe world.
Thus he is fit to be king of.
The son bore the woes of theworld.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Thus he is fit to be king of the world, which is just
radically different fromworldly power right, where
mastery usually means dominationnot bearing burdens or
sacrificing yourself absolutely,and what's really profound is
how the chapter sums this all upby just stating the truth often
sounds paradoxical, and that'snot just a clever line.
It's uh, it's central tounderstanding that some of
(03:25):
life's deepest insights, maybebreakthroughs, happen when we're
willing to step into thatuncomfortable space, that space
between conventional logic,allowing some higher wisdom to
emerge.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Okay.
So if Restore is about graspingthis paradoxical proof, how do
we actually, you know, apply it?
How do we live it out?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Well, the BFG handbook offers what it calls
the Trinitarian MAP fortransformation.
This leads to renewal.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
MAP.
Okay, what does that stand for?
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Mindset, aim and practice.
It's called Trinitarian becauseit invites this holistic
engagement God's love shapingour mindset, trust in the sun
directing our aim, and faith inthe Holy Spirit guiding our
practice.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
Got it A framework Mindset aim practice.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Exactly A practical framework.
So let's start with mindset,how you think.
The first principle here is toembrace humility and gentleness,
drawing right from that watermetaphor.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
So cultivating a mindset where real power comes
from patience, persistence, notforce or trying to dominate.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Right, like water quietly wearing away stone.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
So in a real world situation, maybe dealing with a
difficult person at work or aconflict, instead of imposing
your will, you choose calmness,attentive listening, kindness.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yes, to diffuse the tension.
It's very much aligned withteachings like the meek shall
inherit the earth, or thatwisdom is, you know, peaceable
and gentle.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Makes sense.
What's next for mindset?
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Next is trusting in the paradox itself, the paradox
of weakness and strength.
The chapter says the weakovercomes the strong, the soft
overcomes the hard.
Okay, this mindset reallychallenges the world's view of
power.
It urges you to believe thattrue strength can show up
profoundly right in the middleof vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
So how does that apply to something like
leadership, if you're leading ateam that's struggling?
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Well, instead of demanding compliance, maybe
cracking the whip, you practicepatience, you listen, you offer
support.
You trust that this humbleapproach actually builds
resilience over time.
It's trusting that God's power,or just a deeper strength, can
be perfected in weakness.
Counterintuitive definitely,but potentially much more
effective long-term Often yes,the third mindset shift is to
(05:29):
accept the paradoxical nature oftruth itself.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Because the truth often sounds paradoxical.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
Exactly, it means being open to these apparent
spiritual contradictions.
Like through death comes life,the first shall be last.
They seem illogical, but theyreveal a deeper wisdom.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Okay.
So an example Like when you'vebeen wronged, choosing
forgiveness instead ofretaliation seems illogical by
worldly standards.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Completely.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
But spiritually that choice can open the door to real
peace, reconciliation, maybeeven freedom for yourself.
It defies expectations.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Precisely and finally from mindset, seek servant
leadership, Drawing fromChrist's example.
Again, the son became sin forus.
Thus he is fit to be mastered.
The son bore the woes of theworld.
Thus he is fit to be king.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
So adopting a leadership mindset where real
authority doesn't come fromcommanding people, but from
service, bearing others' burdens.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
That's the idea.
As a business leader, forexample, you serve your team,
you guide them, listen to theirneeds, support them through
challenges.
You don't just command results.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Leading by serving.
Okay, that covers mindset.
What about aim?
What we focus on?
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Right aim what you focus on?
First aim for endurance andquiet strength.
Again back to the watermetaphor.
So your focus, your aim shouldbe on cultivating that inner
strength through steady, humble,gentle action over time.
Like water, eroding rock.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
So, in tough situations, the aim is to
respond with patience, withgrace, trusting that quiet,
consistent perseverance willeventually bring change.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Yes, aim to model humility, empathy, rather than
trying to overpower thesituation or the person.
Okay, second, aim.
Aim for humility overdomination.
The chapter reminds us the weakovercomes the strong, the soft
overcomes the hard.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
So actively prioritize humility,
understanding that real strengthis in gentleness, restraint,
not throwing your weight around.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Right.
As a manager, maybe your aim isto empower your team, really
listen to their input, guidethem respectfully.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Which likely leads to better results anyway, because
people feel ownership.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Often, yes.
Aim for openness to God'sparadoxical truths.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Because the truth often sounds paradoxical.
Keep reminding ourselves ofthat.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
We have to Keep your focus on that deeper wisdom,
embracing truths that might defyworldly logic but lead to real
spiritual growth.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
So when hurt, the aim is forgiveness over retaliation
.
Knowing forgiveness brings apeace that revenge just can't,
even if every instinct screamsotherwise.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
It's choosing that higher wisdom is your aim.
And finally for aim, aim forservant, leadership and
sacrifice.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Aligning with Christ's example again mastery
through bearing the woes.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Exactly Focus on becoming a servant leader.
Aim to embody that truegreatness comes from sacrificial
love, from bearing others'burdens.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
So, as a business owner, maybe the aim isn't just
profit but creating anenvironment where employees feel
supported, valued, encouragedto grow.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Right Investing in people, aiming for their
well-being, not just extractingperformance.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Okay, mindset and aim that leads us to practice the
how.
How do we actually do this?
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Embody that quiet strength of water we keep
talking about.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
So in practice, during a difficult conversation
you actively avoid forcing yourwill.
So in practice, during adifficult conversation.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
you actively avoid forcing your will.
Yes, you lead with empathy,encouragement.
You allow space for peacefulresolution, for understanding to
evolve naturally.
Like the proverb says, a softanswer turns away wrath gives
solutions room to emerge.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
Okay, makes sense.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Next practice Practice strength through
weakness.
Remember the weak overcomes thestrong, the soft overcomes the
hard.
So this is about activelyembracing vulnerability, relying
on grace, on a power beyondyour own, yes, trusting that in
your weakness, true strength isperfected In practice when
you're facing a really dauntingtask.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Instead of stressing about your own abilities, which
might feel limited.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Right.
You practice prayer forguidance, maybe, or you actively
lean on the support of others.
You let go of the need to do itall yourself.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
That's a powerful practice of faith really Tapping
into something bigger.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
It is Third practice, acceptance of paradoxical
truths.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
The truth often sounds paradoxical.
Got it?
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Trust that this deeper wisdom, even if it seems
contradictory, is ultimatelylife-giving.
It leads to genuine fulfillment.
When faced with suffering orloss, instead of seeing it just
as senseless you practicebelieving, or at least being
open to the idea, that it mightbe part of a greater, perhaps
paradoxical plan, atransformation that might make
(09:54):
sense later in God's timing,perhaps.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
It's a practice of surrendering to a wisdom you
don't fully grasp right now.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Exactly, practice servant leadership.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Based on Christ bearing the woes of the world to
become master and king.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
This means you actively lead by focusing on
meeting the needs of others.
You sacrifice your time, maybeyour resources, for their
benefit.
You follow that example.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
So you practice this by prioritizing your team's
needs, by mentoring colleagueswho are struggling, volunteering
time to help without expectingpayback.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Yes, that's the essence of it in action Giving
yourself for the good of others.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Mindset aim practice.
That MAP gives a really clearpath.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
It does, and exploring these ideas naturally
leads us to respond.
This signifies thetransformation of our spirit,
empowering us to embrace sharedtruths.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
This is where it gets really fascinating, isn't it?
Because these concepts, theyaren't just isolated Christian
ideas.
Take the first one humility andpatience, strength through
softness, that water principlefrom chapter 78.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Absolutely.
You find echoes everywherebeyond Christian teachings.
Like the meek inheriting theearth, buddhism teaches right
effort, patience as paths toenlightenment.
Islam and the Quran emphasizespatience.
Allah is with the patient.
Hinduism's Bhagavad Gita talksabout enduring hardship with
equanimity, and Judaism andMicah the call to walk humbly
with God.
It's quite universal.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
So the uniting factor is the shared understanding
that real strength isn't outwardforce, but inner virtues
humility, patience, gentleness.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Exactly and that understanding naturally promotes
peace and tolerance.
You know, in your own community, maybe at work, responding with
that kind of calmness andunderstanding in conflicts, that
can be incredibly powerful forbridging differences.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Really practical.
Ok, what about the second one?
Strength through weakness,transformation by humility.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
Right that idea that the weak overcomes the strong.
In Christianity we have Paulwhen I am weak, then I am strong
.
Buddhism talks aboutnon-attachment to worldly
strength as a way to enterfreedom.
Islam emphasizes strengththrough surrender to God's will,
submitting his strength.
Well, hinduism's Bhagavad Gitateaches surrendering to the
divine will to overcome the ego,which is seen as a kind of
(12:05):
false strength.
And in Judaism, think of Moses,his humility, his reliance on
God, not his own power.
That's where his leadershipstrength came from.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
So it's this widely acknowledged principle real
strength emerges when we humbleourselves, surrender to
something higher.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Yes, it challenges our default setting of
self-sufficiency higher yes, itchallenges our default setting
of self-sufficiency.
So, in practice, when facingadversity, it means surrendering
control, trust in divine poweror the universe's flow, instead
of trying to muscle througheverything alone, especially in
really tough times likefinancial trouble or health
scares.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Okay, third, shared truth embracing divine mysteries
.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
That core idea.
The truth often soundsparadoxical.
It's everywhere Christianityhas Jesus saying whoever would
save his life will lose it.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Right, the ultimate paradox.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Buddhism has the concept of emptiness, shunyata.
Reality is beyond simpledescription.
Islam describes Allah as thefirst and the last, the outward
and the inward All at once.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Paradoxical.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Hinduism sees Brahman as both imminent within
everything and transcendedbeyond everything classic
paradox.
And Judaism explores God'sseemingly contradictory
attributes like justice andmercy coexisting.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
So this shared recognition of paradox actually
unites different faiths.
It creates space for mystery,for wonder.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
I think it does.
It acknowledges that sometruths are bigger than our logic
.
So, when faced with difficultevents, suffering loss, you
practice trusting there might bea greater paradoxical purpose.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Embracing the mystery rather than needing all the
answers.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
Exactly.
And finally, the fourth sharedarea leadership through service,
Sacrifice for the good ofothers.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
The Son became sin for us.
Thus he is fit to be master.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Right and this principle is incredibly
widespread.
Christianity, obviously withJesus, teaching that greatness
comes from serving.
Buddhism, has the bodhisattvaideal enlightened beings
delaying their own final nirvanato help others still suffering.
Islam rewards selfless action,charity.
Hinduism's karma yoga is allabout selfless action for the
greater good.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
And Judaism.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
You have sadhaka, which is more than charity.
Hinduism's karma yoga is allabout selfless action for the
greater good.
And Judaism.
You have sadhaka, which is morethan charity.
It's justice through righteousgiving and the constant call for
leaders to serve the community,not just rule it.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
So another universal truth Real leadership is about
serving, about sacrificial love.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
Yes, it unites believers across traditions in
caring for others, especiallythe marginalized, and building
up the community.
So in your own leadership,others, especially the
marginalized, and building upthe community.
So in your own leadership rolespersonal, professional,
whatever you can practice thisUplift others, mentor them,
invest in them, volunteer yourtime, without needing something
back.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
So we've really journeyed through chapter 78
today.
We've unpacked its insights,looked at that practical MAP for
renewal mindset and thendiscovered this really inspiring
unity across major worldreligions on these core
principles humility, strengthand weakness, servant leadership
.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
It's a powerful reminder, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
That wisdom often shows up where we least expect
it.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
And you know, st Thomas Aquinas famously said
truth cannot contradict truth.
So, thinking about all this,what does it mean for you,
listening, right now?
How might embracing theseparadoxical truths, these
seemingly weaker approaches,transform how you handle
challenges, how you relate topeople?
Could it even help bridge somedivides in your own world?
Maybe think about it this waywhat hard and strong obstacles
(15:19):
are there in your life right nowthat might just yield to the
weak and soft power of humilityand patient persistence?
Something to ponder.
Today we're inviting you to lean into.
Well, a really counterintuitiveidea.
What if true strength isn'tabout dominance and force, but
actually something much moresubtle, more gentle?
It's a concept that couldgenuinely revolutionize how you
think about power, resilience,maybe even just your daily
interactions.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
That's right.
And for this deep dive, we'returning to chapter 78, Strength
in Weakness.
It's from the BFG Handbook.
Now, if you haven't heard of it, you can sort of think of it as
a modern spiritual text.
It interprets ancient wisdom,specifically drawing parallels
between Christian teachings andprinciples you might find in,
say, the Tao Te Ching, and ourmission today is really to
(00:41):
explore how this chapteruncovers some surprising truths.
Truths about power, resilience,leadership, revealing insights
that actually resonate acrossquite a few cultures and faiths.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
And for you, listening get ready to discover
how these ideas ancient, yes,but still incredibly relevant
how they might transform yourown mindset, maybe guide your
actions, bring about somepowerful changes.
It's really about navigatingchallenges without feeling quite
so overwhelmed, maybe findingstrength where you least expect
it.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
So let's unpack this core paradox.
The BFG Handbook calls itrestore.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
The chapter kicks off with this really striking
metaphor Nothing in the world isweaker and softer than water,
yet nothing is more powerful atbreaking up the strong and hard.
There is no substitute.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Wow, that immediately flips our usual understanding
of power, doesn't it?
He really does water doesn'tlike fight in the conventional
sense.
It just persists, it adapts, ittransforms things over time
right.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
It's real power, isn't brute force, it's that
unyielding adaptability.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Ah, adaptability, that's key.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Yeah, teaching us that true strength often lies in
being flexible, persistent, notrigid or confrontational.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It finds the path of least resistance, but still
achieves profound change.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
Precisely.
And this paradox, well, itechoes very deeply across
spiritual traditions.
Think about Christianity, forinstance.
What looked like the ultimateweakness, total defeat on the
cross, this moment of completesurrender, that was actually the
very act that, in Christianbelief, defeated sin and death.
It brought salvation.
It's this incredibledemonstration of power,
perfected in well vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
And that makes me think of the Apostle Paul.
He famously talked about God'spower being perfected in
weakness, didn't he?
He wrote, for when I am weak,then I am strong.
That really highlights howdivine power seems to operate
completely counter to worldlystandards.
It shows up most profoundlywhen we admit our own limits.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
And Jesus himself taught something similar.
He said whoever tries to savetheir life will lose it, and
whoever loses their life for hissake and the gospels, they'll
save it.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
So finding life through letting go.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Exactly.
It shows how true life is foundin surrender, in sacrifice, not
in, you know, desperatelyclutching onto control.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
The BFG handbook also touches on this, with Jesus as
master and king.
It says the son became sin forus.
Thus he is fit to be master.
And the son bore the woes ofthe world.
Thus he is fit to be king of.
The son bore the woes of theworld.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Thus he is fit to be king of the world, which is just
radically different fromworldly power right, where
mastery usually means dominationnot bearing burdens or
sacrificing yourself absolutely,and what's really profound is
how the chapter sums this all upby just stating the truth often
sounds paradoxical, and that'snot just a clever line.
It's uh, it's central tounderstanding that some of
(03:25):
life's deepest insights, maybebreakthroughs, happen when we're
willing to step into thatuncomfortable space, that space
between conventional logic,allowing some higher wisdom to
emerge.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Okay.
So if Restore is about graspingthis paradoxical proof, how do
we actually, you know, apply it?
How do we live it out?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Well, the BFG handbook offers what it calls
the Trinitarian MAP fortransformation.
This leads to renewal.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
MAP.
Okay, what does that stand for?
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Mindset, aim and practice.
It's called Trinitarian becauseit invites this holistic
engagement God's love shapingour mindset, trust in the sun
directing our aim, and faith inthe Holy Spirit guiding our
practice.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
Got it A framework Mindset aim practice.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Exactly A practical framework.
So let's start with mindset,how you think.
The first principle here is toembrace humility and gentleness,
drawing right from that watermetaphor.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
So cultivating a mindset where real power comes
from patience, persistence, notforce or trying to dominate.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Right, like water quietly wearing away stone.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
So in a real world situation, maybe dealing with a
difficult person at work or aconflict, instead of imposing
your will, you choose calmness,attentive listening, kindness.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yes, to diffuse the tension.
It's very much aligned withteachings like the meek shall
inherit the earth, or thatwisdom is, you know, peaceable
and gentle.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Makes sense.
What's next for mindset?
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Next is trusting in the paradox itself, the paradox
of weakness and strength.
The chapter says the weakovercomes the strong, the soft
overcomes the hard.
Okay, this mindset reallychallenges the world's view of
power.
It urges you to believe thattrue strength can show up
profoundly right in the middleof vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
So how does that apply to something like
leadership, if you're leading ateam that's struggling?
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Well, instead of demanding compliance, maybe
cracking the whip, you practicepatience, you listen, you offer
support.
You trust that this humbleapproach actually builds
resilience over time.
It's trusting that God's power,or just a deeper strength, can
be perfected in weakness.
Counterintuitive definitely,but potentially much more
effective long-term Often yes,the third mindset shift is to
(05:29):
accept the paradoxical nature oftruth itself.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Because the truth often sounds paradoxical.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
Exactly, it means being open to these apparent
spiritual contradictions.
Like through death comes life,the first shall be last.
They seem illogical, but theyreveal a deeper wisdom.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Okay.
So an example Like when you'vebeen wronged, choosing
forgiveness instead ofretaliation seems illogical by
worldly standards.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Completely.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
But spiritually that choice can open the door to real
peace, reconciliation, maybeeven freedom for yourself.
It defies expectations.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Precisely and finally from mindset, seek servant
leadership, Drawing fromChrist's example.
Again, the son became sin forus.
Thus he is fit to be mastered.
The son bore the woes of theworld.
Thus he is fit to be king.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
So adopting a leadership mindset where real
authority doesn't come fromcommanding people, but from
service, bearing others' burdens.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
That's the idea.
As a business leader, forexample, you serve your team,
you guide them, listen to theirneeds, support them through
challenges.
You don't just command results.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Leading by serving.
Okay, that covers mindset.
What about aim?
What we focus on?
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Right aim what you focus on?
First aim for endurance andquiet strength.
Again back to the watermetaphor.
So your focus, your aim shouldbe on cultivating that inner
strength through steady, humble,gentle action over time.
Like water, eroding rock.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
So, in tough situations, the aim is to
respond with patience, withgrace, trusting that quiet,
consistent perseverance willeventually bring change.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Yes, aim to model humility, empathy, rather than
trying to overpower thesituation or the person.
Okay, second, aim.
Aim for humility overdomination.
The chapter reminds us the weakovercomes the strong, the soft
overcomes the hard.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
So actively prioritize humility,
understanding that real strengthis in gentleness, restraint,
not throwing your weight around.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Right.
As a manager, maybe your aim isto empower your team, really
listen to their input, guidethem respectfully.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Which likely leads to better results anyway, because
people feel ownership.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Often, yes.
Aim for openness to God'sparadoxical truths.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Because the truth often sounds paradoxical.
Keep reminding ourselves ofthat.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
We have to Keep your focus on that deeper wisdom,
embracing truths that might defyworldly logic but lead to real
spiritual growth.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
So when hurt, the aim is forgiveness over retaliation
.
Knowing forgiveness brings apeace that revenge just can't,
even if every instinct screamsotherwise.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
It's choosing that higher wisdom is your aim.
And finally for aim, aim forservant, leadership and
sacrifice.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Aligning with Christ's example again mastery
through bearing the woes.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Exactly Focus on becoming a servant leader.
Aim to embody that truegreatness comes from sacrificial
love, from bearing others'burdens.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
So, as a business owner, maybe the aim isn't just
profit but creating anenvironment where employees feel
supported, valued, encouragedto grow.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Right Investing in people, aiming for their
well-being, not just extractingperformance.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Okay, mindset and aim that leads us to practice the
how.
How do we actually do this?
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Embody that quiet strength of water we keep
talking about.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
So in practice, during a difficult conversation
you actively avoid forcing yourwill.
So in practice, during adifficult conversation.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
you actively avoid forcing your will.
Yes, you lead with empathy,encouragement.
You allow space for peacefulresolution, for understanding to
evolve naturally.
Like the proverb says, a softanswer turns away wrath gives
solutions room to emerge.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
Okay, makes sense.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Next practice Practice strength through
weakness.
Remember the weak overcomes thestrong, the soft overcomes the
hard.
So this is about activelyembracing vulnerability, relying
on grace, on a power beyondyour own, yes, trusting that in
your weakness, true strength isperfected In practice when
you're facing a really dauntingtask.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Instead of stressing about your own abilities, which
might feel limited.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Right.
You practice prayer forguidance, maybe, or you actively
lean on the support of others.
You let go of the need to do itall yourself.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
That's a powerful practice of faith really Tapping
into something bigger.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
It is Third practice, acceptance of paradoxical
truths.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
The truth often sounds paradoxical.
Got it?
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Trust that this deeper wisdom, even if it seems
contradictory, is ultimatelylife-giving.
It leads to genuine fulfillment.
When faced with suffering orloss, instead of seeing it just
as senseless you practicebelieving, or at least being
open to the idea, that it mightbe part of a greater, perhaps
paradoxical plan, atransformation that might make
(09:54):
sense later in God's timing,perhaps.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
It's a practice of surrendering to a wisdom you
don't fully grasp right now.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Exactly, practice servant leadership.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Based on Christ bearing the woes of the world to
become master and king.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
This means you actively lead by focusing on
meeting the needs of others.
You sacrifice your time, maybeyour resources, for their
benefit.
You follow that example.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
So you practice this by prioritizing your team's
needs, by mentoring colleagueswho are struggling, volunteering
time to help without expectingpayback.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Yes, that's the essence of it in action Giving
yourself for the good of others.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Mindset aim practice.
That MAP gives a really clearpath.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
It does, and exploring these ideas naturally
leads us to respond.
This signifies thetransformation of our spirit,
empowering us to embrace sharedtruths.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
This is where it gets really fascinating, isn't it?
Because these concepts, theyaren't just isolated Christian
ideas.
Take the first one humility andpatience, strength through
softness, that water principlefrom chapter 78.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
Absolutely.
You find echoes everywherebeyond Christian teachings.
Like the meek inheriting theearth, buddhism teaches right
effort, patience as paths toenlightenment.
Islam and the Quran emphasizespatience.
Allah is with the patient.
Hinduism's Bhagavad Gita talksabout enduring hardship with
equanimity, and Judaism andMicah the call to walk humbly
with God.
It's quite universal.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
So the uniting factor is the shared understanding
that real strength isn't outwardforce, but inner virtues
humility, patience, gentleness.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Exactly and that understanding naturally promotes
peace and tolerance.
You know, in your own community, maybe at work, responding with
that kind of calmness andunderstanding in conflicts, that
can be incredibly powerful forbridging differences.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Really practical.
Ok, what about the second one?
Strength through weakness,transformation by humility.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
Right that idea that the weak overcomes the strong.
In Christianity we have Paulwhen I am weak, then I am strong
.
Buddhism talks aboutnon-attachment to worldly
strength as a way to enterfreedom.
Islam emphasizes strengththrough surrender to God's will,
submitting his strength.
Well, hinduism's Bhagavad Gitateaches surrendering to the
divine will to overcome the ego,which is seen as a kind of
(12:05):
false strength.
And in Judaism, think of Moses,his humility, his reliance on
God, not his own power.
That's where his leadershipstrength came from.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
So it's this widely acknowledged principle real
strength emerges when we humbleourselves, surrender to
something higher.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Yes, it challenges our default setting of
self-sufficiency higher yes, itchallenges our default setting
of self-sufficiency.
So, in practice, when facingadversity, it means surrendering
control, trust in divine poweror the universe's flow, instead
of trying to muscle througheverything alone, especially in
really tough times likefinancial trouble or health
scares.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Okay, third, shared truth embracing divine mysteries
.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
That core idea.
The truth often soundsparadoxical.
It's everywhere Christianityhas Jesus saying whoever would
save his life will lose it.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Right, the ultimate paradox.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Buddhism has the concept of emptiness, shunyata.
Reality is beyond simpledescription.
Islam describes Allah as thefirst and the last, the outward
and the inward All at once.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Paradoxical.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Hinduism sees Brahman as both imminent within
everything and transcendedbeyond everything classic
paradox.
And Judaism explores God'sseemingly contradictory
attributes like justice andmercy coexisting.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
So this shared recognition of paradox actually
unites different faiths.
It creates space for mystery,for wonder.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
I think it does.
It acknowledges that sometruths are bigger than our logic
.
So, when faced with difficultevents, suffering loss, you
practice trusting there might bea greater paradoxical purpose.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Embracing the mystery rather than needing all the
answers.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
Exactly.
And finally, the fourth sharedarea leadership through service,
Sacrifice for the good ofothers.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
The Son became sin for us.
Thus he is fit to be master.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Right and this principle is incredibly
widespread.
Christianity, obviously withJesus, teaching that greatness
comes from serving.
Buddhism, has the bodhisattvaideal enlightened beings
delaying their own final nirvanato help others still suffering.
Islam rewards selfless action,charity.
Hinduism's karma yoga is allabout selfless action for the
greater good.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
And Judaism.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
You have sadhaka, which is more than charity.
Hinduism's karma yoga is allabout selfless action for the
greater good.
And Judaism.
You have sadhaka, which is morethan charity.
It's justice through righteousgiving and the constant call for
leaders to serve the community,not just rule it.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
So another universal truth Real leadership is about
serving, about sacrificial love.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
Yes, it unites believers across traditions in
caring for others, especiallythe marginalized, and building
up the community.
So in your own leadership,others, especially the
marginalized, and building upthe community.
So in your own leadership rolespersonal, professional,
whatever you can practice thisUplift others, mentor them,
invest in them, volunteer yourtime, without needing something
back.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
So we've really journeyed through chapter 78
today.
We've unpacked its insights,looked at that practical MAP for
renewal mindset and thendiscovered this really inspiring
unity across major worldreligions on these core
principles humility, strengthand weakness, servant leadership
.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
It's a powerful reminder, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
That wisdom often shows up where we least expect
it.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
And you know, st Thomas Aquinas famously said
truth cannot contradict truth.
So, thinking about all this,what does it mean for you,
listening, right now?
How might embracing theseparadoxical truths, these
seemingly weaker approaches,transform how you handle
challenges, how you relate topeople?
Could it even help bridge somedivides in your own world?
Maybe think about it this waywhat hard and strong obstacles
(15:19):
are there in your life right nowthat might just yield to the
weak and soft power of humilityand patient persistence?
Something to ponder.
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