Chapter 77: Living by Offering the Surplus
“The Tao of heaven is like the bending of a bow.
The high is lowered, and the low is raised.
It takes from what is excessive
and gives to what is deficient.
The Tao of heaven reduces the excessive
and fills the insufficient.
But the way of people is different:
They take from those who don’t have enough
to give to those who have too much.
Who has more than enough and gives it to the world?
Only the person who lives in Tao.”
— Tao Te Ching, Verse 77
This verse compares the Tao to the action of drawing a bow: the top is brought down, the bottom is raised—creating balance. Lao Tzu observes that heaven’s way is to redistribute abundance naturally, easing what is excessive and supporting what is lacking.
In contrast, human systems often do the opposite—accumulating wealth, hoarding power, and deepening inequality. Wayne Dyer encourages us to adopt the Tao’s method: when you have more than enough (be it time, love, resources, or skills), give freely to help restore harmony.
This isn’t only about charity—it’s about attunement. Living by the Tao means noticing where the world is in need and being a quiet participant in the rebalancing.
Key Teachings
- True abundance flows; it isn’t hoarded.
- The Tao constantly balances excess and deficiency.
- Living in the Tao means using your surplus—of love, wealth, energy—to lift others.
- Giving is not loss; it’s alignment with divine flow.
- The wise don’t store up riches for themselves but enrich the whole.
Actionable Steps: Living by Offering the Surplus
- Take Inventory of Your Surplus
- Ask: Where in my life do I have more than I need?
(Time? Money? Patience? Wisdom?) - Identify how you might redistribute that gently, with love.
- Ask: Where in my life do I have more than I need?
- Practice Generosity Without Expectation
- Give freely—whether it’s a financial contribution, an encouraging word, or quality time.
- Avoid transactional giving; let it be a natural overflow.
- Share Knowledge or Skills
- Mentor someone. Volunteer. Teach something you know well.
- Giving from your abundance of experience is deeply Tao-aligned.
- Declutter and Donate
- Simplify your home or workspace and donate unused items.
- Create space for circulation, in both your life and someone else’s.
- Notice Imbalances Around You
- Instead of judging lack, be a silent restorer.
- Even a kind smile or listening ear can balance someone’s inner scales.
Mantra for Living by Offering the Surplus
“From what I have, I give; from who I am, I serve.”
Let this mantra guide your heart each day. Every small, genuine act of rebalancing moves the world closer to harmony—and brings you deeper into the Tao.
