Tao Bible - Matthew 9:32-33

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marveled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
~ King James version ~

The sage is shy and humble - to the world he seems confusing.
Others look to him and listen.
He behaves like a little child.
~ from Verse 49 of the Tao Te Ching ~

I find it both interesting and informative how the Bible and the Taoist texts differ in their discussions of individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities. In the Bible, such persons often are blamed for their afflictions -- their sin and/or non-belief is the cause and, when these are removed, their afflictions evaporate.

In the Taoist texts -- particularly the Zhuangzi -- the disabled often are depicted as the most wise and virtuous. In the lines from the TTC above, the sage comes off as stupid in the eyes of the world! Yet, by appearing to be a simpleton, the sage, in truth, exhibits her sagacity.

If you're interested in reading more from this experimental series, go to the Tao Bible Index page.