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The Tao
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Taosim is one of the three ancient philosophies / spiritual traditions in China. It is China's only indigenous faith and its temples venerate great warriors and heroes from China's past. The temple at Xiamen has statues of Chinese medical doctors set alongside the steps leading to a hilltop peak. For Taoists, Tao is the base of all existence and Tao means "path". Taoism emphasises compassion, spontaneity and respect for nature and its central text is the "Daodejing".
I recently met Dr Ansgar Gerstner who left his native Germany many years ago to embrace the Chinese life and the Taoist philosophy. He kindly gave me his new book, "The Tao of Business" (Earnshaw Books, Hong Kong). This short book sets out how to live life and particularly how to be a good leader. I was struck by his application of Taoist non-competitiveness to business. The Daodejing points to the dangers of aggression and confrontation in competition. Sages are, according to the Daodejing, "not arrogant, therefore they are leaders. Because they do not compete, no one in the world is able to compete with them." Some deep wisdom in there and Ansgar helps us out with the notion of "non-competitive competitiveness". Anyone want to blog me on that thought?
A famous philosopher of
A famous philosopher of China used to say that, Confucian is like a food store, you feel hungry and you go for it; Taoism is like a drug store, when you are sick and you go for it; Buddhism is like a department store, when you have time and money, you go for it.
I personally agree with his view and now more and more business leaders in China are engaging into Taoism (to seek balance?), and I believe in the years to come, more will enter Buddhism.
Kate
Leadership.
yes - leadership comes from serving and example. Can't quite understand the non-competitive competitiveness. Anyone enlightened?
Jesus spoke of the good shepherd. A shepherd leads his sheep from behind not infront. Also to lead is to serve.
Sophia
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