The Chuang Tzu – Keng Sang Chu

The Chuang Tzu – Keng Sang Chu

What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction? This conversation circles around a Taoist story from Thomas Merton’s *The Way of Chuang Tzu* and links it straight back to life in 12‑step recovery. Buddy C, along with Brian, Drew and Lou, unpack the tale of Master Keng Sang Chu, a disciple of Lao Tzu who refuses fame, gifts and public honour.

Instead, he stays hidden, prompting the classic line: “The man who has some respect for his person keeps his carcass out of sight, hides himself as perfectly as he can.” From there, the group relates this ancient idea to modern recovery principles like anonymity, ego deflation and attraction rather than promotion.

You’ll hear them question the idea that virtue and knowledge can be forced onto people, reflecting on the line, “You cannot make men good or honest by praising virtue and knowledge.” This flows into a discussion about 12‑step prayers, with Buddy sharing how he crosses out the “take away my difficulties” section in the Third Step prayer, preferring not to assume what’s good or bad for him.

Brian adds that he prays for acceptance of his difficulties rather than their removal. Drew brings a personal story about his wife’s unemployment turning into “the best thing that’s happened to us in a really long time,” illustrating how apparent problems can later feel like gifts.

There’s also a reflection on Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”, the Tao Te Ching’s guidance on not forcing virtue, and the image of being “like water” – quietly useful, flowing to the low places, and not demanding attention. If you’re curious about how humility, anonymity and surrender can support a sober life – and how ancient texts can still speak to modern recovery – this episode might give you plenty to ponder.

How might you keep your own “carcass” out of sight and let your experience, strength and hope do the talking?