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A tree hemmed in by giants.
Requires tenacity to survive.
Times of adversity inevitably confront us all. We are denied influence, people will not listen to what we have to say, and we are restricted by circumstance. In this situation, followers of Tao must rely on their determination. Without that, they cannot emerge successfully from the danger.
During times of adversity, vision and determination decide the outcome. Mere doggedness never served anyone well. Observe carefully, and try to act. If you find yourself tested by the situation, take comfort in that fact that adversity frequently forces on to consolidate one's resources. You can often emerge from adversity stronger than before. Don't be overcome by fear. Take calculated risk if you must, or face danger if you have to. If your mind is focused to the utmost, you will triumph.
Without the difficulty of being hemmed in, the tree in the forest would not be forced to marshal its power to grow toward the light. It must truly bring forth all its inner strength to spread its branches. If it becomes grand, it is in part because of its suffering. Thus the times of adversity can be crucial to the development of one's inner personality.
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365 Tao
Deng Ming-Dao
Daily Meditations