Like everything else, power is a two-sided coin. It can be coercive and oppressive, but it can also be empowering and nurturing. And according to ancient Chinese texts, true authority is based on ethical inspiration rather than coercion. As physicians, we are in a position of authority—not by claiming the power, but by earning it from competence in our trade.
Our position of influence demands that we use our expertise and influence to help others—and this starts from our own mastery of yangsheng. People will willingly follow someone with virtue; de.
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.”
—Lao Tzu
In this conversation with Sabine Wilms, we explore the complex dynamics of power and the idea of a virtuous hierarchy borne out of the authority of competence. We also bat around the inadequacies of translations and the limitations of language. And as a storyteller at heart, Sabine weighs up the concept of yangsheng using some popular Chinese teaching tales.
Listen into this discussion on mastering the art of yangsheng (養生) as a practitioner, the role of virtue de (德 ), medical ethics, the dynamics of power, and stepping into your ming (命).
Even though I may be in deep trouble, I will not lose my Virtue. It is during the coldest time of year, when frost and ice are upon us, that the vigor of the pine and cypress becomes apparent. How fortunate I am for these dire straits I find myself in! —Zhuang Zi
Sabine Wilms
I have a serious academic background, with a PhD in East Asian Studies and Medical Anthropology, but I have always been more interested in exploring the practical applications of what I read, study, and translate, both for myself and for clinicians. I consider myself a practitioner of Chinese medicine in the true and grand sense of “medicine” as expressed in the Chinese classical literature: the harmonizing of Heaven and Earth in our pivotal role as humans.
I love to teach and share my understanding of traditional Chinese medicine and of classical Chinese culture, philosophy, literature, and religion, with modern practitioners and students. I am happy as a clam in my home on magical Whidbey Island north of Seattle where I write, translate and publish (as Happy Goat Productions), mentor students (as Imperial Tutor), and go for a blissful swim in the sea when my brain needs a break.
For information on her offerings, books and classes visit Sabine on her website, and if you’re interested in mentoring or learning Chinese visit her at the Imperial Tutor (ttps://www.imperialtutor.com/).
