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<\/p>\nThere is a double meaning in this saying whether Lao-Tsu intended it or not.\u00a0 To understand this first we define Taoism.\u00a0 Taoism advocates self-transcendence, integration with the Law <\/sup>of Nature, inaction and infinite frame of reference <\/sup>instead of<\/strong> social attainment, self-development, <\/sup>progressive endeavor and personal interpretation.\u00a0 In that light the literal meaning is that only in possessing nothing can we begin to find the ultimate truth.<\/p>\n Nothing in life can be possessed, love, air, the sun, the flowers, life, death, nothing.\u00a0 In realizing this the Taoist suggests a life devoid of possessions, even of thoughts for to hold onto your thoughts is to cloud your mind.\u00a0 What is this interpretation is incorrect?\u00a0 What if Lao-Tsu meant that we have to take chances?!<\/p>\n It is true that in making ‘no attempt’ then nothing will happen and in gaining nothing we have nothing to lose.\u00a0 But if we do not possess things, if we make no attempt then we can never understand the nature of loss, of love, of life.<\/p>\n Perhaps we should read this quote as a warning?\u00a0 If we live a life of inaction then we can never possess life.\u00a0 This logic is a bit of a double-edged sword because if our entire focus is to possess life then we become selfish creatures.\u00a0 Selfishness is the one thing that Lao-Tsu rightly warns against.\u00a0 In selfishness we no longer possess life but are possessed by it.\u00a0 There is the paradox.\u00a0 Action without selfish intent, so we can possess the gifts of life without being possessed by them.<\/p>\n If we are not possessed by something then we can lose it with no (little) sense of loss.\u00a0 When we see a beautiful sunset we do not feel a sense of loss at its passing, nor should we for other things in our life.\u00a0 If we truly appreciate and savor our life this is possible.\u00a0 This is the secret and difficulty of the Path.\u00a0 The lesson here is personal and each person may find a slightly different meaning here.\u00a0 From where I sit either Lao-Tsu was wrong or greatly misinterpreted in this quote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Only one who makes no attempt to possess it cannot lose it. – – Lao-Tsu There is a double meaning in this saying whether Lao-Tsu intended it or not.\u00a0 To understand this first we define Taoism.\u00a0 Taoism advocates self-transcendence, integration with the Law of Nature, inaction and infinite frame of reference instead of social attainment,