Category Archives: Tao Te Ching

Chapter 33 – Eternal Self  He who knows others is wise; He who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others has physical strength. He who conquers himself is strong. He who is contented is rich. He who acts with vigour has will. He who does not lose his place (with Tao) will endure. HeContinue reading “CHAPTER 33 – ETERNAL SELF”

Chapter 32 – Taking Names  Tao is eternal and has no name Though its simplicity seems insignificant, none in the world can master it. If kings and barons would hold on to it, all things would submit to them spontaneously.  Heaven and earth unite to drip sweet dew. Without the command of men, its dripsContinue reading “CHAPTER 32 – TAKING NAMES”

Chapters 30 and 31 – You Must Not Do It Anymore Chapter 30  When one leads people by the way of the Tao, Force and military strength are not recommended – There is usually retaliation. Thorns and brambles appear where armies are stationed. Famine is often the aftermath of war. A skillful commander achieves herContinue reading “CHAPTERS 30 AND 31 – YOU MUST NOT DO IT ANYMORE”

Chapter 29 – There Is a Season Do you think you can take over the universe and improve it? I do not believe it can be done. The universe is sacred. You cannot improve it. If you try to change it, you will ruin it. If you try to hold it, you will lose it.Continue reading “CHAPTER 29 – THERE IS A SEASON”

Chapter 28 – One Approach to Translating If you are brave, be humble! And then the entire nation will follow you. If you become a leader among people, let Great Te be your Guide. And be a pure, gentle, and subtle soul, like a child!  Abiding in good, do not forget about the existence ofContinue reading “CHAPTER 28 – ONE APPROACH TO TRANSLATING”

Chapter 27 – The Essential Mystery A good traveler leaves no track or trace. A good speech leaves no flaws. A good reckoner uses no counters. A well-shut door needs no bolts, and yet it cannot be opened. A well-tied knot needs no rope and yet none can untie it.  Therefore the sage is alwaysContinue reading “CHAPTER 27 – THE ESSENTIAL MYSTERY”

Chapter 26 – Nada  The heavy is the root of the light; The still is the lord of the restless.  Therefore the gentleman when travelling all day Never lets the heavily laden carts out of his sight. It is only when he is safely behind walls and watch-towers That he rests peacefully and is aboveContinue reading “CHAPTER 26 – NADA”

Chapter 25 – Only Human There is something formlessly created Born before Heaven and Earth So silent! So ethereal! Independent and changeless Circulating and ceaseless It can be regarded as the mother of the world I do not know its name Identifying it, I call it “Tao” Forced to describe it, I call it greatContinue reading “CHAPTER 25 – ONLY HUMAN”

Chapter 24 – I Don’t Want To Brag On tiptoe your stance is unsteady; Long strides make your progress unsure; Show off and you get no attention; Your boasting will mean you have failed; Asserting yourself brings no credit; Be proud and you will never lead. To persons of the Way, these traits Can onlyContinue reading “CHAPTER 24 – I DON’T WANT TO BRAG”

Chapter 23 – When you Open Yourself Nature uses few words: when the gale blows, it will not last long; when it rains hard, it lasts but a little while; What causes these to happen? Heaven and Earth.  Why do we humans go on endlessly about little when nature does much in a little time?Continue reading “CHAPTER 23 – WHEN YOU OPEN YOURSELF”