Tao

 Te  Ching  

 
Introduction  
This interpretation of the Tao Te Ching would not have been possible without two
collections of character-by-character accounts of verbatim and common translations, one
by Jonathan Star and C. J. Ming and one by Nina Correa. I am deeply grateful for their
meticulous scholarship and generous work. I only attempted this interpretation after years
of encouragement from my wife, Lisa, and my departed friend and sometimes
interpretive guide, Qiguang Zhao.
Throughout, I have kept a few Chinese terms, often with a parenthetical note, for
example, from Chapter 2, “the wise abide by effortless effort (wu wei).” I also have used
parenthetical notes to explain pronouns as well as poetic phrases I want to keep but might
confuse readers from the West, for an example of the latter, consider Chapter 60,
“Govern the nation like cooking a small fish (with restraint).” I also expand on some
phrases with bracketed text by adding more than was written in the Tao Te Ching, hoping
the addition lends clarity, for example, from Chapter 11, “Thirty spokes converge upon a
single hub. Because of the empty space [at its center], the wheel turns.”
 
Glossary  of  Chinese  terms  kept  in  this  Interpretation  
(Terms  are  listed  in  order  of  appearance  in  the  Tao  Te  Ching.)  
 
tao: a path, the way, nature’s way
wu wei: nonaction, not forcing, effortless effort
te: virtue, power, the nature of tao, integrity with tao
yin: the passive or receptive principle, often illustrated as feminine, darkness, or the
valley
yang: the active or productive principle, often illustrated as masculine, light, or the
mountain
qi: energy or breath, the result of interplay between yin and yang
pu: uncarved wood, simplicity, purity, unrealized potential, the natural
 
 
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  2  

1   3  
The  tao  that  can  be  told   If  the  extraordinary  are  not  exalted,  
is  not  the  eternal  tao.   people  will  not  contend.  
The  name  that  can  be  named   If  rare  goods  are  not  prized,  
is  not  the  eternal  name.   people  will  not  steal.  
The  nameless  is  the  origin  of  heaven  and   If  attractions  are  not  displayed,  
earth,   people's  hearts  and  minds  will  not  be  
while  naming  is  the  origin  of  all   troubled.  
distinctions.   Thus,  the  guidance  of  the  wise  
Ever  without  desire,  we  perceive  tao’s   clears  the  mind  
essence.   and  fills  the  center,  
Ever  with  desire,  we  perceive  only  its   weakens  ambition  
[distinct]  forms.   and  strengthens  the  bones.  
Essence  and  form  arise  from  the  same   Freeing  the  people  of  cunning  and  greed  
source   ensures  that  those  who  scheme  dare  not  
but  differ  in  how  they  are  called  forth.   act.  
This  unity  is  said  to  be  the  mystery,   Practice  effortless  effort  (wu  wei).  
mystery  within  mystery,  gateway  to  the   Then  all  is  aligned.  
essence  of  all.    
   
  4  
2   Tao  is  empty,  
Everyone  knows  beauty,   yet  put  to  use,  it  is  not  filled.  
but  making  it  “beautiful”  gives  rise  to   Fathomless!  It  seems  to  be  the  source  of  
“ugly.”   everything,  
Everyone  knows  good,   dulling  the  sharp  edges,  
but  making  it  “good”  gives  rise  to  “bad.   loosening  the  tangles,  
Similarly,  have  and  have  not  produce  each   harmonizing  the  enlightened  with  the  
other.   dust  of  the  world.  
Difficult  and  easy  define  each  other.   Like  deep  water!  It  seems  indistinct.  
Long  and  short  contrast  with  each  other.   I  do  not  know  its  origin.  
High  and  low  depend  on  each  other.   It  is  older  than  god.  
Tone  and  melody  conform  to  each  other.    
Front  and  back  accompany  each  other.    
Therefore,  the  wise  abide  by  effortless   5  
effort  (wu  wei)  in  their  activities.   Heaven  and  earth  neither  cling  nor  reject,  
They  teach  without  words.   regarding  all  as  impermanent.  
All  that  arises,  they  neither  reject  nor   The  wise  neither  cling  nor  reject,  
control.   regarding  everyone  as  impermanent.  
They  create  but  make  no  claim.   The  space  between  heaven  and  earth,  
They  take  action  but  take  no  credit.   it  is  like  a  bellows!  
They  complete  their  work  and  let  it  go.   Empty,  yet  inexhaustible.  
Because  they  let  go,  they  lose  nothing.   With  every  move,  it  yields  more.  
  Too  many  words  bring  exhaustion,  
  unlike  holding  to  the  center.  
   
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  3  

6   9  
The  valley  spirit  that  never  dies,   Grasping  and  overburdening  it,  
call  it  the  mystical  womb.   not  likely  to  stop  in  time.  
Opening  to  the  mystical  womb   Constantly  honing  and  hammering  it,  
reveals  the  beginning  of  everything:   not  able  to  endure  or  preserve.  
elusive,  ethereal,  subtlely  eternal.   Homes  full  of  treasure,  
Drawing  upon  it  will  never  exhaust  it.   nothing  can  protect.  
  Opulence,  prestige,  and  self-­‐importance:  
  What  follows  is  misfortune.  
7   Complete  the  task;  then  withdraw  
Heaven  is  constant,  earth  is  long-­‐lasting.   oneself:  
The  reason  they  can  they  be  constant  and   This  is  nature’s  way  (tao).  
long-­‐lasting:    
They  do  not  exist  for  themselves,    
so  they  endure.   10  
Thus,  the  wise  do  not  put  themselves  first   Bearing,  sustaining  the  essence  of  life,  
and  find  themselves  in  front.   who  can  embrace  the  whole  without  
They  let  go  of  the  self   separating?  
and  yet  they  remain.   Gathering  the  breath,  softening,  
Is  it  not  because  they  lack  self-­‐interest   who  can  become  like  a  newborn  infant?  
that  they  find  themselves  fulfilled?   Clearing,  clarifying  the  mirror  within,  
  who  can  reflect  all  as  it  is?  
  Nurturing  people,  leading  the  state,  
8   who  can  do  this  without  schemes?  
The  supreme  good  is  like  water,   The  gates  of  heaven  open  and  close,  
good  at  benefitting  all;  it  does  not   who  can  be  receptive  [to  both]?  
contend.   Clearly  seeing  all,  
It  dwells  in  all  people,  [even]  the  lowest   who  can  impose  no  action  (wu  wei)?  
and  the  loathed.   Birthing  them  and  nurturing  them,  
Thus,  water  resembles  tao.   birthing  but  not  possessing,  
In  dwelling,  supremely  serene  deep   growing  but  not  controlling—  
within.   This  is  called  mystical  integrity  (te).  
In  relating,  supremely  nurturing.    
In  speech,  supremely  transparent.    
In  governing,  supremely  harmonizing.    
In  work,  supremely  capable.    
In  action,  supremely  timed.    
Thus,  no  contention,    
no  calamity.    
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  4  

11   Thus,  they  who  honor  the  self  to  engage  

Thirty  spokes  converge  upon  a  single  hub.   the  world  
Because  of  the  empty  space  [at  its  center],   can  be  trusted  with  the  world.  
the  wheel  turns.   Thus,  those  who  care  for  the  self  to  
Fashion  clay  into  a  vessel;   engage  the  world  
the  empty  space  within  makes  it  useful.   can  be  trusted  with  the  world.  
Cut  out  doors  and  windows    
to  make  a  dwelling,    
because  the  usefulness  of  a  dwelling   14  
depends  upon  [accessing]  the  empty   Looking  but  not  seeing,  
space  [within].   we  call  it  elusive.  
Thus,  the  tangible  create  potential.   Listening  but  not  hearing,  
The  intangible  make  it  all  work.   we  call  it  faint.  
  Reaching  but  not  grasping,  
  we  call  it  formless.  
12   These  three  qualities  cannot  be  
Too  many  colors  blind  the  eye.   scrutinized,  
Too  many  tones  deafen  the  ear.   because  they  merge  and  become  one.  
Too  many  flavors  dull  the  palate.   The  observable  is  not  bright;  
Too  much  hunting  maddens  the  heart  and   the  hidden  is  not  dark.  
mind.   Constant,  infinite,  beyond  words,  
Treasuring  material  goods  hinders  our   it  returns  again  and  again  to  the  void.  
progress.   This  is  called  the  form  without  form,  
For  these  reasons,  the  wise  attend  to  the   beyond  imagining.  
deep  within   This  is  called  indistinct,  elusive.  
instead  of  the  superficial.   Facing  it,  we  perceive  no  beginning.  
They  let  go  of  that  (the  superficial)   Following  it,  we  perceive  no  end.  
and  abide  in  this  (the  deep  within).   Embracing  the  ancient  tao  
  is  mastery  with  today,  here  and  now.  
  Attending  to  the  ancient  original  is  the  
13   tradition  of  tao.  
Favor  and  disfavor  bring  dread.    
Great  status  troubles  the  self.    
What  means  “Favor  and  disfavor  bring    
dread”?    
Favor  brings  disfavor.    
Obtaining  favor  brings  dread  [of  change].    
Losing  favor  brings  dread  [of  no  change].    
This  means  favor  and  disfavor  bring    
dread.    
What  means  “Great  status  troubles  the    
self”?    
I  have  great  troubles  when  I  act  for    
myself.    
When  I  am  not  self-­‐absorbed,    
what  can  be  troubled?    
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  5  

15   we  neither  cling  nor  reject.  

The  ancients  were  great  masters,   Neither  clinging  nor  rejecting  is  most  
venturing  deep  into  the  essential  mystery   noble,  
too  profound  to  understand.   aligning  with  the  divine,  
This  is  why  we  cannot  understand  them.   with  tao,  
This  is  why  it  takes  great  effort  to   with  the  eternal:  
describe  them.   The  self  lets  go,  remaining  whole.  
They  were  attentive  as  though  crossing  a    
winter  stream,    
alert  as  though  danger  were  on  all  four   17  
sides,   The  best  leaders  are  barely  known  
reverent  like  a  guest,   [because  they  trust  people  enough  to  
yielding  like  melting  ice,   neither  intrude  nor  impose].  
simple  like  uncarved  wood  (pu),   The  next  best  are  those  we  love  and  
open  like  a  valley,   praise.  
and  mixed  like  muddy  water.   After  them  are  those  we  fear.  
Like  muddy  water,   After  them  are  those  we  despise.  
those  who  can  be  still   Those  leaders  who  do  not  trust  the  
will  gradually  become  clear.   people—  
Those  who  can  be  serene  amidst  constant   why  should  we  trust  them?  
commotion   So  quiet  [are  the  best  leaders].  
will  gradually  come  alive.   Why  should  we  esteem  their  few  words?  
Those  who  embrace  this  way  (tao)   [With  their  guidance]  the  people  
do  not  yearn  to  be  filled.   complete  a  task;  
This  is  why  they  seem  empty.   everyone  says,  “We  did  it,  naturally.”  
They  could  grow  old  without    
accomplishing  more.    
  18  
  When  tao  is  neglected,  
16   along  come  social  conscience  and  
Access  the  ultimate  spaciousness,   righteousness.  
maintain  deepest  peace;   When  intellect  and  knowledge  appear,  
all  as  one  will  arise.   along  comes  great  pretense.  
From  here  we  can  discern  the  cycle:   When  the  six  relationships  fall  into  
Truly  everything  flourishes;   disharmony,  
then  it  returns  to  its  source.   along  comes  praise  of  fidelity  and  selfless  
Returning  to  the  source  brings  deepest   nurturance.  
peace.   When  nation  and  clan  are  in  chaos  and  
This  is  called  returning  to  original  nature.   strife,  
Returning  to  original  nature  attunes  to   along  come  patriotic  ministers.  
the  eternal.    
Understanding  the  eternal  is    
enlightenment.    
Not  understanding  the  eternal,    
such  error  brings  suffering.    
Understanding  the  eternal,    
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  6  

19   shapeless,  
Let  go  of  spiritual  pride,  discard   as  if  ever  flowing.  
cleverness;   Everyone  else  has  ambitions;  
everyone  will  benefit  a  hundredfold.   I  alone  seem  unthinking  and  unrefined.  
Let  go  of  social  conscience,  discard   I  alone  differ  because  I  value  nourishment  
righteousness;   from  the  source.  
everyone  will  return  to  fidelity  and    
selfless  nurturance.   21  
Let  go  of  clever  schemes,  discard   Highest  virtue  (te)  
profiteering;   follows  only  the  way  (tao).  
thieves  will  not  appear.   The  way,  as  a  thing,  
These  three  lessons  caution  that  the   seems  ever  elusive  and  indistinct.  
superficial  cannot  suffice.   So  indistinct,  so  elusive,  
Discern  the  simple,  embrace  the  natural   yet  within  it  is  form.  
(pu).   So  elusive,  so  indistinct,  
Lessen  self-­‐interest,  reduce  desires.   yet  within  it  is  substance.  
  So  deep,  so  dark,  
  yet  within  it  is  essence.  
20   Its  essence  is  quite  real;  
Eliminate  distinctions  without  sorrow.   within  it  put  faith.  
The  difference  between  “yeah”  and   From  the  beginning  to  now,  
“nah”—how  great  is  it?   its  manifestations  never  leave,  
The  difference  between  “good”  and   so  [we  may]  witness  this  source  of  all  life.  
“bad”—how  great  is  it?   How  do  I  know  it  is  the  source  of  all  life?  
What  others  fear,  must  I  also  fear?   With  this.  
Such  confusion,  alas,  has  no  end!    
Worldly  people  hustle  about,    
as  though  feasting  at  a  great  festival,   22  
as  though  climbing  a  great  tower.   Yield  to  be  whole.  
I  alone  do  not  stir,   Bend  to  be  made  true.  
giving  no  sign,   Empty  to  be  filled.  
as  an  infant  who  has  not  yet  smiled.   Grow  old  to  grow  vital.  
Unhurried,  I  seem  as  though  I  have   Let  go  to  receive.  
nowhere  to  go.   Overdo  [any]  and  lose  the  way.  
Worldly  people  possess  too  much;   Thus,  the  wise  embrace  the  primal  unity  
I  alone  let  go.   as  an  example  for  the  world:  
I  have  a  mind  like  a  fool,   not  looking  for  the  self,  thus  attuned;  
ungrasping,  flowing.   not  focusing  on  the  self,  thus  enlightened;  
Worldly  people  look  bright;   not  attacking  the  self,  thus  empowered;  
I  alone  seem  dim.   not  boasting,  thus  able  to  grow;  
Worldly  people  are  sharp  and   not  contending,  thus  able  to  flow  without  
discriminating;   conflict.  
I  alone  seem  dull  and  make  no   The  ancients  said,  "Yield  to  be  whole."  
distinctions:   Are  these  hollow  words?  
formless,   Be  true  and  whole  to  return  to  it  (the  
like  deep  water;   primal  unity,  tao).  
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  7  

23   Ever-­‐flowing  means  far-­‐reaching.  

Limited  expression  is  natural:   Far-­‐reaching  means  returning.  
fierce  winds  do  not  last  through  dawn;   Thus,  tao  is  great,  
torrential  rains  do  not  last  the  day.   Heaven  is  great,  
What  causes  this?   Earth  is  great,  
Heaven  and  earth.   the  noblest  humanity  is  great.  
Even  heaven  and  earth  cannot  last   Within  the  universe  are  these  four  great  
forever.   ones,  
So  how  can  humanity?   and  the  noble  dwell  in  the  unity.  
Thus,  engage  the  day  aligned  with  the   Humanity  conforms  to  earth.  
way  (tao).   Earth  conforms  to  heaven.  
Be  one  with  the  way.   Heaven  conforms  to  tao.  
Maintaining  integrity  (te),  be  one  with   tao  conforms  to  its  own  nature.  
integrity.    
Letting  go,  be  one  with  letting  go.    
One  with  the  way,  we  access  joy.   26  
One  with  integrity,  we  access  joy.   The  substantial  is  rooted  amid  the  
One  with  letting  go,  we  also  access  joy.   frivolous.  
  The  serene  masters  the  restless.  
  Thus,  the  wise  never  walk  far  
24   from  substance  and  serenity.  
On  tiptoes,  we  cannot  stand  firm.   Even  when  they  encounter  splendor,  
Straddling,  we  cannot  walk  far.   they  simply  remain  content.  
Self-­‐congratulatory,  we  cannot  shine.   How  do  great  rulers  
Self-­‐righteous,  we  cannot  excel.   tread  lightly  in  this  world?  
Self-­‐involved,  we  accomplish  nothing.   If  frivolous,  they  lose  substance.  
Self-­‐important,  we  cannot  endure.   If  restless,  they  lose  their  roots.  
Those  attuned  to  tao  liken  these  to    
too  much  food  and  wasted  effort,    
disdaining  them.    
Thus,  to  be  attuned  to  tao,  do  not  dwell  in    
them.    
   
   
25    
There  is  this  thing,  confusing,  complete,    
preceding  the  birth  of  heaven  and  earth.    
So  tranquil!    
Formless!  Standing  alone,  constant,    
complete,  all-­‐encompassing,  and    
inexhaustible.    
It  could  be  the  mother  of  the  universe.    
I  do  not  know  its  name;    
I  call  it  tao  (the  way).    
Reluctant  to  describe  it,  I  call  it  great.    
Great  means  ever-­‐flowing.    
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  8  

27   The  wise  employ  [the  natural]  for  long-­‐

Skillful  travel  leaves  no  trace.   lasting  leadership.  
Masterful  expression  makes  no  mistake.   Therefore,  the  greatest  leaders  do  not  
The  best  planners  do  not  use  schemes.   divide.  
Good  doors  have  no  locks  yet  cannot  be    
breached.    
Good  knots  use  no  rope  yet  cannot  be   29  
undone.   They  who  want  to  take  hold  of  the  world  
In  this  way,  the  wise  always  take  good   and  use  force,  
care  of  people,   I  see  that  they  cannot  achieve  their  goals.  
abandoning  no  one.   The  world  is  a  sacred  vessel  
Always  attending  to  all,   that  cannot  be  forced!  
without  abandoning  any,  is  called   They  who  try  to  force  it  ruin  it.  
enlightened  practice.   They  who  try  to  cling  to  it  lose  it.  
Thus,  the  principled  person  is  the   Sometimes  lead,  sometimes  follow.  
unprincipled  person’s  example.   Sometimes  exhale,  sometimes  inhale.  
The  unprincipled  person  is  the  principled   Sometimes  be  strong,  sometimes  be  weak.  
person’s  potential.   Sometimes  overcome,  sometimes  let  be.  
They  who  do  not  attend  to  their  mentors   Thus,  the  wise  
and  they  who  do  not  attend  to  their   abandon  excess,  
potential,   abandon  extravagance,  
no  matter  how  clever,  are  greatly   abandon  arrogance.  
confused.    
This  is  called  an  essential  subtlety.    
  30  
  Align  with  tao  to  guide  great  rulers,  
28   so  they  will  not  use  military  force.  
Know  the  masculine,  keep  to  the   These  actions  (imposing  force)  will  likely  
feminine.   be  returned.  
Be  the  watercourse  (low  valley)  of  the   Where  armies  camp,  
world   briars  and  thorns  arise.  
Being  the  watercourse  of  the  world,   Where  armies  pass,  
lasting  integrity  (te)  does  not  depart,   the  crops  will  surely  fail.  
returning  to  the  state  of  the  infant.   The  great  ones  succeed  then  stop.  
Know  the  bright,  keep  to  the  dark.   They  presume  nothing  and  overcome  
Be  an  example  for  the  world.   those  who  force  everything.  
Being  an  example  for  the  world,   They  succeed  without  arrogance.  
lasting  integrity  will  not  fail,   They  succeed  without  contempt.  
reconnecting  with  the  infinite.   They  succeed  without  pride.  
Know  the  glorious,  keep  to  the  humble;   They  succeed  without  possessing.  
be  the  watercourse  of  the  world.   They  succeed  without  dominating.  
Being  the  watercourse  of  the  world,   They  who  are  excessive  will  exhaust  
lasting  integrity  will  be  enough  to  restore   themselves;  
the  natural  (pu).   that  is  not  the  way  (tao).  
Uncarved  wood  (pu)  may  be  divided  and   [That  which  is]  misaligned  with  tao  
made  into  tools.   quickly  declines.  
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  9  

31   Knowing  restraint  protects  from  

Weapons  are  tools  of  misfortune.   exhaustion.  
Everyone  detests  them.   Thus,  tao’s  presence  in  the  world  
Thus,  those  aligned  with  tao  do  not  live  by   resembles  streams  flowing  toward  rivers,  
them.   and  rivers  toward  the  sea.  
The  wise  ruler  favors  and  dwells  in  the    
left  (the  non-­‐dominant  hand).    
Those  bearing  weapons  favor  the  right   33  
(the  hand  of  dominance).   Knowing  others,  cunning.  
Weapons  are  tools  of  misfortune.   Knowing  self,  wise.  
Wise  rulers  oppose  them,   Overcoming  others,  mere  physical  might.  
using  them  only  when  unavoidable.   Overcoming  self,  power  within.  
Peaceful  restraint  is  best.   Knowing  contentment,  abundance.  
In  victory,  the  wise  find  no  glory.   Reaching  steadily,  a  sign  of  inner  resolve.  
Those  who  glorify  [victory]  enjoy  killing   Deeply  rooted,  we  endure.  
others.   Reaching  our  end,  the  ceaseless  lives  on.  
Those  who  enjoy  killing  others  can  never    
prosper.    
Prosperous  events  favor  the  left.   34  
Misfortune  favors  the  right.   Tao  flows  everywhere.  
The  second-­‐in-­‐command  occupies  the  left.   It  can  go  left  or  right.  
The  commander-­‐in-­‐chief  occupies  the   Every  life  relies  on  its  selfless  nurturance.  
right.   It  fulfills  and  moves  on.  
This  means  these  are  their  places  in  the   It  protects  and  nourishes  all  without  
funeral  rite.   overbearing.  
So  many  killed,   Ever  beyond  the  conditioned  mind,  
accordingly  let  us  grieve  them  with   it  could  be  called  subtle.  
sorrow  and  tears.   Everything  returns  to  it,  
After  victory,   but  it  imposes  no  control,  
accordingly,  let  us  treat  it  as  a  funeral.   so  it  could  be  called  great.  
  Accordingly,  they  who  never  act  great  
  can  realize  their  greatness.  
32    
Tao  is  eternal,  ineffable.    
Though  its  natural  state  (pu)  is  subtle,   35  
nothing  in  the  world  can  command  it.   Embrace  the  great  image  
When  rulers  abide  by  it,   and  the  world  will  come  to  you.  
all  will  honor  them  of  their  own  accord;   Approach  [the  world]  without  harming,  
heaven  and  earth  unite,   content,  serene,  flourishing.  
bringing  sweet  rain,   Festive  songs  and  fine  food,  those  passing  
and  of  their  own  accord  the  people  live  in   by  will  pause.  
harmony.   Words  about  tao  [however]  
[But]  with  the  first  decree,  labels  arise   seem  flat  and  without  flavor.  
(such  as  “good”  and  “bad”).   Envisioning  it  is  not  enough  to  see.  
Once  labels  arise,   Listening  for  it  is  not  enough  to  hear.  
we  need  to  know  restraint.   Use  it  and  it  will  never  be  exhausted.  
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  10  

36   38  
If  we  want  it  to  contract,   The  supremely  virtuous  (those  who  
we  need  to  let  it  expand.   cultivate  te  )  
If  we  want  it  to  weaken,   make  no  show  of  it,  
we  need  to  let  it  grow  strong.   thus  they  have  virtue  (te).  
If  we  want  it  to  drop,   Those  with  inferior  virtue  
we  need  to  let  it  rise.   obsess  about  it,  
If  we  want  to  receive,   thus  they  lack  true  virtue.  
we  need  to  give.   Great  virtue  is  effortless  (wu  wei)  
This  is  called  subtle  discernment.   and  selfless.  
The  supple  yields  yet  overcomes  the  rigid.   Inferior  virtue  is  effortful  
Fish  cannot  be  plucked  from  deep  water.   and  self-­‐motivated.  
Thus,  the  rulers’  instruments  of   Great  humanity  is  effortful  
advantage  (yielding,  depth)   and  selfless.  
cannot  be  displayed  to  the  people.   Great  righteousness  is  effortful  
  and  self-­‐motivated.  
  Great  protocol  is  effortful,  
37   and  with  those  who  do  not  comply,  
Tao  never  exerts  effort  (wu  wei),   it  is  forced  upon  them.  
yet  nothing  is  left  undone.   When  tao  is  forgotten,  we  have  virtue.  
When  leaders  abide  by  tao,   When  virtue  is  forgotten,  we  have  
everything  will  naturally  flow.   humanity.  
If  the  flow  is  muddied  by  the  conditioned   When  humanity  is  forgotten,  we  have  
mind,   righteousness.  
these  leaders  will  settle  themselves  with   When  righteousness  is  forgotten,  we  have  
wordless  simplicity  (pu).   protocol.  
Wordless  simplicity  truly  will  free  from   Protocol  is  a  mere  husk  of  devotion  and  
conditioned  thought.   faith,  
Free  of  conditioned  thought,  leaders  bring   and  it  brings  disorder;  
peace;   Its  presumption  of  the  way  (tao)  is  
the  world  settles  itself.   superficial  and  the  beginning  of  folly.  
  The  wise  dwell  in  the  deep,  not  the  
  superficial.  
Some  scholars  of  the  Tao  Te  Ching   Dwell  not  in  the  show  but  the  substance.  
identify  this  as  the  point  that   Let  go  of  that  [show]  and  embrace  this  
separates  the  section  on  tao  (Chapters   [substance].  
1-­‐37)  from  the  section  on  te  (Chapters    
38-­‐81).    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  11  

39   If  they  do  not  laugh,  it  would  not  be  the  

The  ancients  aligned  with  tao.   way.  
The  sky  aligns  with  tao  and  becomes   Therefore,  a  proverb  says  this:  
clear.   “The  clear  way  seems  unclear.  
The  earth  aligns  with  tao  and  becomes   The  advancing  way  seems  to  retreat.  
peaceful.   The  easy  way  seems  difficult.  
The  spirit  aligns  with  tao  and  becomes   Highest  virtue  (te)  seems  [low]  like  a  
sacred.   valley  (a  watercourse).  
The  valley  aligns  with  tao  and  fills  with   Great  purity  seems  disgraceful.  
abundance.   Abundant  virtue  seems  inadequate.  
Rulers  who  align  with  tao  are  the  example   Steadfast  integrity  seems  frail.  
for  the  world.   True  substance  seems  insubstantial.  
The  clouded  sky,  I  fear  it  will  split  open.   The  greatest  square  has  no  corners.  
Earth  without  peace,  I  fear  it  will  crumble.   The  greatest  vessel  is  slow  to  complete.  
Spirit  without  sacredness,  I  fear  it  will   The  greatest  music  is  seldom  heard.  
wither.   The  greatest  form  is  without  shape.”  
Valleys  without  abundance,  I  fear  they   Tao  is  hidden,  ineffable.  
will  erode.   Yet  this  is  why  tao  benefits  and  
Rulers  no  longer  exemplary,  I  fear  they   completes.  
will  fall.    
Thus,  the  exemplars  are  rooted  in    
humility  [to  tao];   42  
they  make  the  lowly  their  foundation.   Tao  gives  birth  to  the  one  (the  all-­‐
This  is  why  rulers  call  themselves   encompassing  whole).  
orphaned,  bereaved,  unworthy.   The  one  gives  birth  to  two  (yin  and  yang).  
Is  this  not  rooted  in  humility?   The  two  give  birth  to  a  third  (qi).  
Thus,  the  highest  honor  is  free  of  honors.   The  three  give  birth  to  all  things  in  the  
Rather  than  sparkle  like  jade,   world.  
be  lowly  as  a  stone.   All  things  in  the  world  carry  yin  (the  
  receptive)  and  embrace  yang  (the  
  active).  
40   In  the  middle,  the  vital  energy  (qi)  brings  
Returning  is  the  movement  of  tao.   harmony.  
Yielding  is  the  method  of  tao.   The  people  disfavor  the  orphaned,  
Everything  arises  from  being.   bereaved,  and  unworthy,  
Being  arises  from  nonbeing.   yet  kings  and  lords  claim  such  titles.  
  [Why?]  Because  the  diminished  will  likely  
  advance,  
41   [whereas]  the  advancing  will  likely  
The  exceptional  who  hear  of  tao  (the  way)   diminish.  
practice  with  diligence.   What  others  have  taught,  
The  earnest  who  hear  of  the  way   I  also  teach.  
sometimes  keep  it  and  sometimes  lose  it.   The  forceful  and  aggressive  
The  ignorant  who  hear  of  the  way   cannot  die  a  natural  death.  
laugh  loudly  at  it.   I  take  this  as  essential  to  my  teaching.  
 
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  12  

43   No  curse  is  more  cruel  than  every  desire  

The  most  yielding  in  the  world   fulfilled.  
overcomes  the  most  rigid  in  the  world.   True  contentment  means  always  content.  
Formless,  it  enters  without  crevice.    
I  thus  understand  effortless  effort  (wu    
wei)  and  its  benefits,   47  
its  wordless  teachings.   Without  stepping  out  the  door,  
Effortless  effort  succeeds;   we  can  know  the  whole  world.  
few  in  the  world  achieve  it.   Without  looking  out  the  window,  
  we  can  see  the  way  (tao)  of  the  universe.  
  The  further  we  venture  out,  
44   the  less  we  realize.  
Reputation  or  true  self.  Which  is  more   Thus,  the  most  wise  do  not  venture  out  
dear?   and  can  understand,  
Personhood  or  material  goods.  Which  is   do  not  look  outward  
more  treasured?   and  can  see.  
Gain  or  loss.  Which  is  more  harmful?   Without  striving  we  can  complete.  
The  greater  the  attachment,  the  greater    
the  waste.    
The  more  one  hoards,  the  more  one  loses.   48  
Knowing  contentment  suffers  no   Seeking  knowledge  every  day,    
disgrace;   we  accumulate.  
knowing  restraint  frees  from  peril:   Seeking  the  way  (tao)  every  day,  
the  means  for  completion.   we  let  go,  
  letting  go  again  and  again  
  until  achieving  effortless  effort  (wu  wei).  
45   With  effortless  effort,  nothing  is  left  
The  most  complete  seems  incomplete.   undone.  
Its  usefulness  cannot  be  exhausted.   Those  who  embrace  the  world  do  not  
The  most  abundant  seems  empty.   overexert  themselves.  
Its  usefulness  cannot  be  depleted.   Those  who  overexert  themselves  are  
The  most  aligned  seems  askew.   never  content  to  embrace  the  world.  
The  most  skillful  seems  inept.    
Agitation  peaks,  cold  follows.    
Stillness  peaks,  warmth  follows.    
The  clear  and  tranquil  guide  the  world.    
   
   
46    
When  the  world  aligns  with  tao,    
fast  horses  are  used  for  farming.    
When  the  world  does  not  align  with  tao,    
war  horses  are  bred  on  the  border.    
No  misfortune  is  greater  than  not    
knowing  contentment.    
 
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  13  

49   51  
The  hearts  and  minds  of  the  wise  are  not   Tao  gives  birth  to  all  things.  
fixed.   Integrity  (te)  nurtures  them.  
They  make  as  their  own  the  heart  and   The  material  world  shapes  them.  
mind  of  humanity.   Circumstances  complete  them.  
The  good,  the  wise  are  good  to  them.   Thus,  all  [natural]  things  in  the  world  
The  not  so  good,  the  wise  are  also  good  to   respect  tao  and  honor  integrity.  
them.   Respecting  tao,  
Great  integrity  (te)  is  always  good.   honoring  integrity—  
The  honest,  the  wise  are  honest  with   these  are  not  commanded  but  arise  
them.   naturally.  
The  not  so  honest,  the  wise  are  also   Tao  gives  birth  to  them;  
honest  with  them.   Integrity  nurtures  them:  
Great  integrity  is  always  honest.   Birthing  them  and  nurturing  them,  
The  wise  live  in  the  world  with  deep   sheltering  them  and  growing  them,  
harmony,   sustaining  them  and  guarding  them,  
their  hearts  and  minds  engaging  all  like   yet  never  possessing  them  or  claiming  
the  ocean.   them.  
They  regard  all  as  their  own  children.   This  is  called  mystical  integrity.  
   
   
50   52  
From  life  to  death,   All  in  the  world  has  a  beginning,  
three  in  ten  chase  life,   thus  all  in  the  world  has  a  mother.  
three  in  ten  chase  death,   To  understand  the  mother  is  to  
three  in  ten  merely  pass  from  life  to   understand  the  children.  
death.   After  recognizing  the  children,  return  to  
What  is  the  reason  [they  barely  live]?   embrace  the  mother  
Because  they  live  to  excess.   and  live  without  peril.  
I  hear  some  excel  at  nourishing  life.  (One   Close  the  mouth,  shut  the  gates  [to  
in  ten?)   sensory  desires]  
Traveling,  they  are  not  concerned  about   and  live  without  toil.  
rhinoceros  or  tiger.   Open  the  mouth,  meddle  in  activities,  
On  the  battlefield  they  bear  neither  armor   and  behold  a  life  beyond  saving.  
nor  arms.   Discerning  the  subtle  is  called  
The  rhinoceros  has  nowhere  to  sink  its   enlightenment.  
horn.   Holding  to  the  gentle  is  called  strength.  
The  tiger  has  nowhere  to  fix  its  claws.   Use  the  enlightened,  reconnect  with  the  
The  soldiers  have  nowhere  to  thrust  their   radiant,  
blades.   and  live  without  exposure  to  peril.  
Why  is  this  so?   This  is  called  the  eternal  practice.  
Because  the  wise  [excel  at  nourishing  life    
and]  have  no  room  for  death.    
   
   
   
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  14  

53   the  essence  of  life  at  its  utmost.  

If  I  understood  the  subtle,   A  newborn  wails  yet  does  not  grow  
I  would  follow  the  great  way  (tao),   hoarse,  
fearing  only  that  I  might  stray.   the  balance  [of  breath]  at  its  utmost.  
The  great  way  is  so  navigable,   To  understand  balance  is  to  understand  
yet  the  people  prefer  byways:   the  everlasting.  
The  palace  is  grand,   Understanding  the  everlasting  is  called  
yet  the  fields  are  overgrown  with  weeds,   enlightenment.  
the  granaries  are  empty.   Rising  vitality  is  called  a  blessing.  
Wearing  extravagant  clothes,   Mastering  the  vital  flow  is  called  strength.  
carrying  sharp  weapons,   [When]  things  rise  to  an  extreme,  though,  
eating  and  drinking  to  excess,   then  begins  decline.  
hoarding  wealth  and  possessions:   This  [extreme]  is  not  the  way  (tao).  
That  is  called  the  vanity  of  thieves,   Whatever  is  not  the  way  soon  ends.  
surely  that  is  not  the  great  way.    
   
  56  
54   Those  who  understand  do  not  speak.  
What  is  planted  well  cannot  be  uprooted.   Those  who  speak  do  not  understand.  
What  is  embraced  well  cannot  be  taken   Close  the  mouth.  
away.   Shut  the  gates  [to  sensory  desires].  
Generations  will  honor  this  without  end.   Dull  the  edges.  
Cultivating  this  in  oneself,  virtue  (te)   Loosen  the  tangles.  
becomes  real.   Soften  the  light.  
Cultivating  this  in  family,  virtue   Settle  with  the  dust.  
multiplies.   This  is  called  the  mystical  union.  
Cultivating  this  in  community,  virtue   This  cannot  be  attained  while  clinging  or  
endures.   rejecting,  
Cultivating  this  in  the  state,  virtue   when  concerned  about  gain  or  loss,  
prospers.   while  exalted  or  disgraced.  
Cultivating  this  in  the  world,  virtue   This  (mystical  union)  is  the  world  fully  
reaches  everywhere.   honored.  
How  do  I  understand  the  world  is  so?    
Through  this.    
   
   
55    
Possessing  virtue  (te)  in  full    
resembles  a  newborn  child.    
The  venomous  creature  will  not  sting.    
The  wild  beast  will  not  attack.    
The  bird  of  prey  will  not  strike.    
Though  bones  are  soft  and  muscles  pliant,    
the  grasp  is  firm.    
Though  unaware  of  sexual  union,    
arousal  is  strong,    
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  15  

57   59  
When  governing  the  nation,  be  forthright.   In  governing  people  and  serving  heaven,  
When  at  war,  be  confusing.   it  is  best  to  be  frugal.  
For  mastery  of  the  world,  though,  use  no   Such  restraint  means  quick  recovery.  
schemes.   Quick  recovery  means  a  substantial  
How  do  I  know  this  is  so?   reserve  of  power  (te).  
The  more  prohibitions  and  taboos,   A  substantial  reserve  of  power  means  
the  more  impoverished  the  people.   nothing  cannot  be  overcome.  
The  sharper  the  nation’s  weapons,   Nothing  cannot  be  overcome  means  no  
the  greater  the  chaos.   known  limits.  
The  more  clever  the  schemes,   Knowing  no  limits,  
the  more  confusing  the  outcomes.   one  can  hold  the  nation.  
The  more  laws  and  rules,   Holding  the  nation  like  their  mother,  
the  more  criminals  appear.   those  who  govern  will  endure.  
Thus,  the  wise  practice  effortless  effort   This  means  deep  roots  and  a  sturdy  
(wu  wei)   foundation,  
and  the  people  transform  themselves.   long  life  and  lasting  insight  into  the  way  
They  nurture  peace  and  become   (tao).  
forthright  themselves.    
Practice  no  schemes  and  the  people    
naturally  prosper.   60  
Practice  contentment   Govern  the  nation  like  cooking  a  small  
and  the  people  naturally  grow  pure  (pu).   fish  (with  restraint).  
  Use  tao  to  govern  the  world;  
  evil  will  not  come  to  power.  
58   Not  that  evil  will  be  powerless,  
When  the  government  is  doubly  subdued,   but  its  power  will  cease  to  harm  the  
the  people  are  doubly  wholesome.   people.  
When  the  government  is  doubly  intrusive,   Not  only  will  its  power  be  harmless  to  the  
the  people  are  doubly  destitute.   people,  
Within  misfortune  reside  blessings.   but  the  wise  also  will  never  harm.  
Within  blessings,  alas,  awaits  misfortune.   With  neither  causing  harm,  
Who  knows  the  ultimate  result?   virtue  (te)  unifies  and  restores.  
It  is  not  straightforward.    
The  straightforward  in  turn  becomes    
confusing,    
the  excellent  becomes  ominous.    
The  people  have  been  confused  [by  this]    
for  a  long  time.    
Thus,  be  like  the  great  square,  sharp  but    
without  cutting,    
angular  but  without  imposing  harm.    
Be  straight  but  do  not  overreach.    
Be  bright  but  do  not  dazzle.    
   
   
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  16  

61   63  
A  great  nation  is  like  a  river  delta,   Engage  effortless  effort  (wu  wei).  
where  the  world  converges,   Work  without  toil.  
the  mother  of  the  world.   Taste  without  tasting.  
The  mother,  through  tranquility,   Great  or  small,  many  or  few—  
overcomes  the  male.   respond  to  malice  with  integrity  (te,  
Tranquility  takes  the  lower  position.   aligning  with  tao).  
Thus,  the  great  nation  that  puts  itself   Plan  for  the  difficult  while  it  is  easy.  
below  the  small  nation,   Accomplish  the  great  by  attending  to  the  
takes  hold  of  the  small  nation.   small.  
The  small  nation  that  lowers  itself  to  the   The  world’s  difficulties  surely  arise  from  
great  nation,   what  is  easy.  
takes  hold  of  the  great  nation.   The  world’s  great  undertakings  surely  
Thus,  one  takes  the  lower  position  to  take   arise  from  the  small.  
hold;   This  is  why  the  wise  do  not  act  great  
one  takes  the  lower  position  to  be  held.   yet  enable  great  accomplishments.  
The  great  nation  wants  nothing  more   Lightly  promised,  lacking  truth.  
than  to  unite  and  nourish  others.   Excessively  easy,  many  difficulties.  
The  small  nation  wants  nothing  more   This  is  why  the  wise  attend  to  the  difficult  
than  to  join  and  serve  others.   yet  complete  without  difficulty.  
For  both  great  and  small  to  be  fulfilled,    
the  great  must  take  the  lower  position.    
   
   
62    
A  person  of  tao,  all  things  flow  toward    
this  sanctuary:    
for  the  superior  person,  a  jewel;    
for  the  inferior  person,  a  refuge.    
Beautiful  words  may  be  exchanged,    
but  honorable  actions  must  be  bestowed.    
Those  who  are  inferior,  why  abandon    
them?    
When  kings  are  enthroned  or  ministers    
installed,    
though  they  behold  jade  and  are  preceded    
by  four  horses,    
they  cannot  equal  one  who  sits  still  and    
offers  this  way  (tao).    
This  is  why  ancients  value  tao.    
Is  it  not  said  that  they  who  seek  will  find    
and  they  who  transgress  will  be  forgiven?    
This  is  why  the  world  cherishes  it.    
   
   
   
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  17  

64   To  constantly  observe  and  model,  

What  is  serene  is  easily  held.   this  is  called  mystical  integrity  (te)  
What  is  yet  to  begin  is  easily  righted.   Mystical  integrity  runs  deep  and  distant,  
What  is  thin  is  easily  dissolved.   returning  all  things  [to  their  source],  
What  is  small  is  easily  scattered.   realizing  the  great  flow.  
Work  with  things  before  they  emerge.    
Bring  order  to  them  before  they  trouble.    
A  tree  as  big  as  one’s  embrace   66  
grows  from  a  small  seed.   Because  great  rivers  and  seas  take  the  
A  tower  nine  stories  high   lower  position,  
arises  from  a  pile  of  earth.   hundreds  of  valleys  are  at  their  command.  
A  journey  of  a  thousand  [miles,   Therefore,  wanting  to  guide  the  people,  
kilometers]   surely  one  must  speak  with  humility.  
begins  from  where  one  stands.   Wanting  to  lead  the  people,  
Force  it  and  fail.   surely  one  must  follow  them.  
Cling  to  it  and  lose  it.   So,  the  wise  can  be  above  yet  do  not  
Therefore,  the  wise  force  nothing  (wu   burden;  
wei)  and  never  fail.   they  can  be  in  front  yet  do  not  obstruct.  
They  do  not  cling,  so  they  suffer  no  loss.   This  is  why  the  world  joyfully  supports  
People  pursuing  their  ambitions   and  never  tires  of  them.  
often  near  success  but  ruin  it.   Because  the  wise  never  oppose  the  world,  
Be  as  careful  at  the  end  as  in  the   no  one  in  the  world  opposes  them.  
beginning    
and  it  will  not  be  ruined.    
Thus,  the  wise  desire  not  to  desire    
and  do  not  treasure  rare  treasures.    
They  learn  to  unlearn,    
returning  the  people  to  what  they  missed,    
helping  all  things  return  to  their  natural    
state    
without  imposing  force.    
   
   
65    
Ancients  practicing  the  way  (tao)    
did  not  enlighten  people    
but  preserved  their  simplicity.    
People  are  more  difficult  to  govern    
the  greater  their  guile.    
Thus,  using  guile  to  govern    
is  a  nation’s  ruin.    
Letting  go  of  guile  to  govern  a  nation    
is  a  nation’s  blessing.    
Those  who  understand  the  ancient    
balance    
observe  and  model.    
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  18  

67   69  
All  the  world  says  my  teachings  are   In  warfare,  there  is  a  saying:  
extraordinary  but  unusual.   “Dare  not  aggress  but  defend.  
Truly,  because  they  are  extraordinary,   Dare  not  advance  an  inch  but  retreat  a  
they  seem  unusual.   foot.”  
If  they  were  like  the  usual,   This  is  called  movement  without  
long  ago  these  teachings  would  have   marching,  
vanished.   preparing  without  provoking,  
I  have  three  jewels   confronting  without  frontal  assault,  
I  preserve  and  protect.   taking  the  enemy  without  taking  up  arms.  
The  first,  known  as  selfless  nurturance.   No  calamity  is  greater  than  making  light  
The  second,  known  as  frugality.   of  an  adversary.  
The  third,  known  as  daring  not  to  be  first   Taking  an  adversary  too  lightly  risks  
in  the  world.   losing  my  treasures  (the  three  jewels  
With  selfless  nurturance,  one  can  be   of  Ch.  67).  
courageous.   Equally  matched  in  battle,  
With  frugality,  one  can  be  wide-­‐reaching.   the  one  who  takes  it  gravely  will  win.  
Daring  not  to  be  first  in  the  world,  one  can    
become  a  complete  vessel.    
If  discarding  selfless  nurturance  while   70  
remaining  courageous,   My  words  are  easy  to  understand  
if  discarding  frugality  while  reaching   and  easy  to  practice,  
wide,   but  no  one  seems  to  understand  them  
if  discarding  humility  while  leading,   or  put  them  into  practice.  
death  is  certain.   These  words  have  roots.  
Selfless  nurturance  in  battle  will   This  practice  has  principle.  
overcome;   Those  who  do  not  understand  this  
in  defense  [it]  will  endure.   do  not  understand  me.  
What  heaven  creates,   Who  understand  me  are  rare.  
it  protects  with  selfless  nurturance.   Who  emulate  me  are  most  noble.  
  Thus,  the  wise  wear  simple  clothes,  
  their  treasure  hidden  within.  
68    
The  excellent  warrior  is  not  warlike.    
The  excellent  combatant  does  not  use   71  
rage.   Understanding  but  not  presuming  is  
The  excellent  conqueror  does  not  inflame.   superior.  
The  excellent  leader  is  humble.   Presuming  but  not  understanding  is  
This  is  called  the  virtue  (te)  of  not   sickness.  
contending.   Only  when  recognizing  this  as  disease  
This  is  called  mastery  with  others.   can  one  be  truly  well.  
This  is  called  complying  with  heaven’s   The  wise  are  at  ease  
ultimate.   because  they  recognize  disease  for  what  it  
  is;  
  this  is  why  they  are  at  ease.  
   
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  19  

72   75  
When  people  no  longer  fear  [outward]   People  are  starving  
authority,   when  those  above  them  take  more  than  
a  great  and  awesome  [inward]  authority   their  share;  
emerges.   this  is  why  people  starve.  
Do  not  constrain  how  people  live;   People  are  difficult  to  govern  
do  not  burden  people’s  lives.   when  those  above  them  meddle  too  
When  people  are  not  wearied,   much;  
they  will  not  make  weary.   this  is  why  people  are  difficult  to  govern.  
Thus,  the  wise  know  themselves  but  do   People  make  light  of  death,  
not  boast.   because  those  above  them  demand  too  
They  cherish  themselves  but  do  not  exalt   much  of  life;  
themselves.   this  is  why  people  make  light  of  death.  
They  discard  that  (the  outer)  and  choose   They  who  demand  nothing  from  life  (the  
this  (the  inner).   content)  
  excel  at  fulfilling  life.  
   
73    
Daring  with  passion  brings  death.   76  
Courage  with  calm  brings  life.   At  birth,  a  person  is  pliant  and  yielding.  
Of  these  two,  one  brings  benefit,  one   In  death,  a  person  is  rigid  and  unyielding.  
brings  harm.   Grass  and  trees,  while  alive,  are  pliant  and  
What  heaven  disfavors,  who  knows  why?   yielding.  
Heaven’s  way  (tao)  does  not  contend  but   When  they  die,  they  are  brittle  and  dry.  
it  overcomes.   Therefore,  the  rigid  and  unyielding  are  
It  does  not  speak  but  responds  well.   companions  of  death.  
It  is  not  summoned  but  naturally  appears.   The  pliant  and  yielding  are  companions  of  
It  is  restrained  but  resourceful.   life.  
Heaven’s  net  is  vast,  vast,   Thus,  armies  that  do  not  yield  will  suffer  
its  openings  spacious,  but  nothing  is  lost.   terrible  loss;  
  trees  of  hardest  wood  will  suffer  the  axe.  
  Unyielding  looks  mighty  but  is  inferior.  
74   Yielding  looks  weak  but  is  superior.  
If  people  do  not  fear  death,    
why  threaten  them  with  it?    
If  people  were  made  to  fear  death  and   77  
then  committed  crimes,   In  the  world,  tao  resembles  drawing  a  
who  would  dare  seize  them  and  kill  them?   bow:  
There  would  always  be  an  official   the  highest  lowers,  
executioner.   the  lowest  rises.  
Taking  the  place  of  an  official  executioner,   With  excess,  it  lowers.  
though,   With  deficiency,  it  raises  
this  is  like  taking  the  place  of  a  master   The  world  aligned  with  tao  takes  from  
carpenter.   those  who  have  more  than  enough,  
Taking  the  place  of  a  master  carpenter,   giving  to  those  who  have  too  little.  
few  escape  injuring  their  own  hands!   The  way  of  man  is  not  like  this,  
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  20  

taking  from  those  who  have  too  little,   80  

giving  to  those  who  have  more  than   [Let  there  be]  small  nations  of  few  people.  
enough   Let  the  people  possess  [labor-­‐saving]  
Who  can,  having  more  than  enough,  give   implements  yet  not  need  them.  
to  the  world?   Let  the  people  take  death  seriously  and  
Only  those  of  tao.   not  venture  far  outward.  
Thus,  when  the  wise  act,  they  make  no   Though  they  may  have  boats  and  
claim.   carriages,  
When  they  achieve,  they  take  no  credit.   they  will  have  no  need  to  use  them.  
They  have  no  desire  to  display  their   Though  they  may  have  armor  and  
excellence.   weapons,  
  they  will  have  no  place  to  display  them.  
  Let  the  people  return  to  knotting  cords  
78   and  using  them  [for  simple  
Nothing  in  the  world  yields  and   reckoning],  
accommodates  like  water,   enjoying  their  food,  
yet  against  the  rigid  and  the  forceful,   pleased  with  their  clothes,  
none  can  surpass  it,   content  with  their  homes,  
none  can  take  its  place.   finding  joy  in  everyday  life.  
The  flexible  overcomes  the  rigid,   Neighboring  nations  can  see  each  other,  
the  gentle  overcomes  the  forceful,   so  near  they  hear  each  other’s  roosters  
All  in  the  world  are  able  to  understand   crow  and  dogs  bark.  
this,   [Let]  the  people  die  of  old  age,  leaving  
yet  few  practice  it.   each  other  in  peace.  
Thus,  the  wise  say,  “The  one  who  guards    
the  nation’s  least    
we  enshrine  as  preserver  of  soil  and  grain   81  
(foundation  and  nourishment?).   True  words  are  not  perfect.  
Who  receives  the  nation’s  misfortune  (the   Perfect  words  are  not  true.  
all-­‐embracing)   People  of  virtue  do  not  quarrel.  
becomes  a  king  of  the  world.”   People  who  quarrel  lack  virtue.  
Correct  words  seem  incorrect.   The  knowing  are  not  learned.  
  The  learned  are  not  knowing.  
  The  wise  do  not  hoard:  
79   Working  to  benefit  others,  they  are  
Settling  a  bitter  dispute,  surely  some   fulfilled;  
bitterness  will  remain.   giving  to  benefit  others,  they  receive  
How  can  this  be  made  better?   much.  
The  wise  honor  their  commitments   Heaven’s  way  (tao):  Benefit  and  do  not  
and  make  no  claim  on  others.   harm.  
Those  who  possess  virtue  (te)  hold  their   The  way  of  the  wise:  Engage  and  do  not  
commitments.   contend.  
Those  without  virtue  hold  their  claims.   (Trans. by D. Weis, 2015)
Heaven’s  way  (tao)  is  impartial,    
but  it  is  always  accessed  by  those  of  
virtue.  
 Tao  Te  Ching  /  21  

Recommended  Reading  
 
Chen,  Ellen  M.,  trans.  The  Tao  Te  Ching:  A  New  Translation  with  Commentary.  St.  
Paul,  MN:  Paragon  House,  1989.  
Correa,  Nina,  trans.  Your  Dao  De  Jing.  Los  Angeles:  Self-­‐published,  2004.  PDF  e-­‐book.  
Deng,  Ming-­‐Dao.  Scholar  Warrior:  An  Introduction  to  the  Tao  in  Everyday  Life.  New  
York:  HarperCollins,  2010.  
Feng,  Gia-­‐fu,  and  Jane  English,  trans.  Tao  Te  Ching.  New  York:  Vintage  Books,  1972.  
Huang,  Chichung,  trans.  Tao  Te  Ching:  A  Literal  Translation.  Freemont,  CA:  Asian  
Humanities  Press,  2003.  
Lin,  Derek,  trans.  Tao  Te  Ching:  Annotated  and  Explained.  Woodstock,  VT:  Skylight  
Paths,  2006.  
Lin,  Derek.  The  Tao  of  Daily  Life:  The  Mysteries  of  the  Orient  Revealed,  The  Joys  of  
Inner  Harmony  Found,  The  Path  to  Enlightenment  Illuminated.  New  York:  Jeremy  
P.  Tarcher/Penguin,  2007.  
Loori,  John  Daido,  ed.  The  Art  of  Just  Sitting:  Essential  Writings  on  the  Practice  of  
Shikantaza,  2nd  ed.  Somerville,  MA:  Wisdom  Publications,  2004.    
Mair,  Victor  H.,  trans.  Tao  Te  Ching:  The  Classic  Book  of  Integrity  and  the  Way.  New  
York:  Bantam,  1990.  
Martin,  William.  The  Couple’s  Tao  Te  Ching:  Ancient  Advice  for  Modern  Lovers.  New  
York:  Marlowe  and  Company,  2000.  
Martin,  William.  The  Parent’s  Tao  Te  Ching:  Ancient  Advice  for  Modern  Parents.  New  
York:  Marlowe  and  Company,  1999.  
Martin,  William.  A  Path  and  a  Practice:  Using  Lao-­‐tzu’s  Tao  Te  Ching  as  a  Guide  to  an  
Awakened  Spiritual  Life.  New  York:  Marlowe  and  Company,  2005.  
Martin,  William.  The  Sage’s  Tao  Te  Ching:  Ancient  Advice  for  the  Second  Half  of  Life.  
Cambridge,  MA:  De  Capo  Press,  2000.  
Martin,  William,  and  Nancy  Martin.  The  Caregiver’s  Tao  Te  Ching:  Compassionate  
Caring  for  Your  Loved  Ones  and  Yourself.  Novato,  CA:  New  World  Library,  2011.  
Red  Pine  [Bill  Porter],  trans.  Lao-­‐Tzu’s  Taoteching:  With  Selected  Commentaries  from  
the  Past  2000  years,  Revised  3rd  ed.  Port  Townsend,  WA:  Copper  Canyon  Press,  
2009.  
Reps,  Paul,  and  Nyogen  Senzaki.  Zen  Flesh,  Zen  Bones:  A  Collection  of  Zen  and  Pre-­‐Zen  
Writings.  North  Clarendon,  VT:  Tuttle,  1985.  First  published  1957.  
Roth,  Harold  D.  Original  Tao:  Inward  Training  (Nei-­‐yeh)  and  the  Foundations  of  
Taoist  Mysticism.  New  York,  Columbia  University  Press,  1999.  
Star,  Jonathan,  trans.  Tao  Te  Ching:  The  Definitive  Edition.  New  York:  Jeremy  P.  
Tarcher,  2001.  
Yen,  Sheng.  The  Method  of  No-­‐Method:  The  Chan  Practice  of  Silent  Illumination.  
Boston:  Shambhala,  2008.  
Zhao,  Qiguang.  Do  Nothing  and  Do  Everything:  An  Illustrated  New  Taoism.  St.  Paul,  
MN:  Paragon  House,  2010.  
Zhao,  Qiguang.  The  Tao  that  Can  be  Told:  An  Illustrated  New  Taoism.  Beijing:  Dolphin  
Books,  2010.