Episode Details

What is Taoist power really—and how do you recognize it in your own life?

In this episode of Living the Tao Shorts (2-10), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores De, the form of spiritual power described in the Daodejing. Instead of treating De as serendipity or good luck, Master Steenrod explains how true Taoist practice produces alignment, insight, and direct Dao interaction.

Inside this episode:

• What De actually means in classical Taoism

• How Taoist “sagecraft” shapes your life and decisions

• The Four Ascendant triangle of Dao → Teacher → Student

• Why tiny “signs” aren’t reliable indicators of spiritual growth

• What creates Dao intrusions—and what they mean for your path

• Why the Dao responds as if you already know the rules

This short episode is ideal for listeners exploring Taoist spirituality, personal transformation, inner alignment, or the deeper teachings behind the Daodejing.

The video version of this episode can be found on youtube: https://youtu.be/oI-7InGpQs4

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Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com

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Show Notes

In this lecture, we explore the concept of 'de' or power in Taoism, as presented in the Tao Te Ching. The discussion centers on what precisely this power signifies and how it manifests in the lives of those who align themselves with the Tao. The lecture delves into the idea of sagecraft, where a sage represents the epitome of being in perfect harmony with the Tao, allowing for both effortless movement within the world and the ability to influence its course. This concept bridges the connection between individual agency and the fundamental laws of the universe, illustrating how actions taken in accord with the Tao can yield significant changes in one's reality.

The expansion into serendipity as a minor form of 'de' provides an intriguing framework for understanding how individuals can gauge their alignment with the Tao. Questions arise surrounding the desire for tangible feedback on one's spiritual path, probing whether an increase in serendipitous events could indicate a person’s attunement to the Tao. The discussion acknowledges the human inclination for clear indicators of progress in one’s spiritual journey and how these can manifest in a more tangible understanding of Taoist power.

The lecture also touches on the historical evolution of Taoist practice, particularly with the emergence of sectarian movements around 200 AD. During this time, various Taoist sects introduced standardized hierarchies to assess an individual's progress in accumulating 'de'. While this brought structure to the practice, it also limited the possibilities for reaching higher realms of Taoist power, illustrating the trade-off between systematization and spiritual potential. The relationship between personal growth, mentorship, and the Tao itself is graphically depicted through a triangular model, where the interplay between the individual, the mentor, and the Tao is analyzed over time.

As the student develops and grows in their practice, the relationship dynamics shift, ultimately leading to a reduced necessity for the teacher as the student’s own understanding becomes more aligned with the Tao. This progression indicates not only pers