I’m in a situation which is immersing me in what truth and power mean.

I see the truth as “What’s so”.  The sky looks blue, except when there are clouds.  The truth comes out smoothly, easily, quietly.

The power that human beings usually understand is brute force – yelling, hitting, calling names, casting aside.  Such as the spears in this painting.

The Buddha meets the spears with flowers … a soft power.  One that flows with a tiny and unstoppable momentum.  I think of Tai Chi, where you absorb the force of the aggressor, and use it against them to bring them down.

Another description of true power comes from the epic poem The Desiderata:

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons

Speak your truth quietly and clearly

Avoid loud and aggressive persons.  They are vexatious to the spirit

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune

Keep peace in your soul

***

Thank you, Max Ehrmann (Desiderata)

Chen Wangting (Tai Chi)

and The Buddha