Tyranny never endures forever, because the source of power is undermined by its administration. Ruthless severity in the administration of power -- the imposing of strict limits on others' freedom -- can never be a consistent strategy, for by its very consistency a great counter force is encouraged to grow. Severity can be imposed in specific circumstances, however, when the situation calls for it, but it must be specific in intent and limited in duration to be successful. In the proper exercise of leadership, strong actions must be balanced by mild and compassionate ones to achieve an even balance.
****61
In any debate, the power to perceive the truth in the other side's argument is essential to achieve success. In this reading, "truth" refers to the ability to perceive a fundamental wisdom, one which resides in even the most stubborn, recalcitrant hearts.
Truth is transformed into power when you disperse all prejudice and make yourself receptive to the world as it really is. This power can be a remarkable force indeed -- yet is rarer than generally imagined. It can be maintained only by cultivating a genuine openness to things as they are -- a willingness to see, rather than merely look.
+++
Whenever your inner life is clouded, your influence in the world is under a shadow, friend. If you are fearful, you will be attacked; if you coat genuine mysteries with dogma, room for new insight will be eliminated. If you vacillate in upholding your principles, you will be tested. Yet, when you are firm and strong, the power of inner truth breaks through even the most obdurate minds.
It is possible to influence even the most stubborn, difficult people, or improve the most difficult circumstance, through the power of universal truth -- for truth is something to which all things naturally respond. Some part of you, friend, is also aware of this universal force of truth. Cultivate this inner resource, and you may become adept at using it to bind others to a common purpose.
***1
Inner preparedness brings success. Personal stability of character, and a steadfast dedication to knowing the truth underlying every situation, inevitably leads to good fortune. Relying on the perceptions of others, however, is not possible in this context; you must learn to stand on your own, to be inwardly self-reliant, to employ the power of inner truth for advancement, friend.
***2
A clear radiant unselfishness at the core of your being is a powerful source of power and influence, friend. It spreads as surely as ripples on a pond when a solid rock is tossed into the center. A sincere reliance on your own integrity generates supreme good fortune.
***3
The life of a person who is totally dependent upon others for truth and purpose is like a ship tossing on the sea. Until the ship's own anchor is dropped to the ocean floor, there will be no respite from the constant rolling of the waves. Inner truth must be rooted in one's own perceptions and experience, friend; at the gate to the palace of truth, each of us stands alone. Dare to know your own mind -- and speak it!
***4
Living a life consistent with your own inner truth is not easy. To do so, friend, you must emulate the work horse who plows straight ahead, bearing its burden resolutely, and refusing to glance sideways, even to its mate, while the workday is in progress. Avoid trendy fashions and cliques, dig down deeply, and your field will yield a bountiful harvest in the end.
***5
Great unity is possible when the force of a strong personality pervades the circle of man. Such a personality is able to guide through the power of suggestion -- the suggestion that prosperity dwells in the leader, and thereby comes to others through his or her very existence. If such a person is true at heart, coming into his circle of influence brings great good fortune.
***6
In the end, words are birds and experience the tree they roost in. The power of inner truth is rooted in the tree. Birds come and go.
