Chapter 1: The Way
The Way is such a paradox that it can’t be understood by the human mind. It is so complex that it can’t be adequately described in words.
“The Dao that can be described is not the eternal Dao. The name that can be spoken is not the eternal name.”
It formed heaven, earth, and everything in existence.
“The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of creation.”
It has both physical form and formlessness.
“Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery. By having desire, you can only see what is visibly real. Yet mystery and reality emerge from the same source.”
Chapter 2: Moderation
All things rely on one another for existence and relativity. Beauty has no meaning without ugliness. Good has no value without bad.
“When people see things as beautiful, ugliness is created. When people see things as good, evil is created.”
Taking this idea a step further existence defines non-existence and non-being defines being.
“Being and non-being produce each other.”
Chapter 3: Leadership, Effortless Action, Emptiness, Moderation, Contentment, Compassion, Humility
The sage doesn’t surround themselves with desirable things because it only distracts them. Praise causes jealously and unneeded conflict.
“Do not display your treasures or people will become envious.”
Instead they focus on reducing disagreements. A leader concentrates on the essentials of food, safety, and harmony.
“The Master leads by emptying people’s minds, filling their bellies, weakening their ambitions, and making them become strong.”
Through emptiness one can see what is truly important. Human knowledge and desires are distractions.
“Preferring simplicity and freedom from desires, avoiding the pitfalls of knowledge and wrong action. For those who practice not-doing, everything will fall into place.”
Chapter 4: The Way, Emptiness
The Way is empty yet inexhaustible and simplifies existence.
“The Dao is like an empty container: it can never be emptied and can never be filled. Infinitely deep, it is the source of all things. It dulls the sharp, unties the knotted, shades the lighted, and unites all of creation with dust.”
It was there before creation.
“It is hidden but always present. I don’t know who gave birth to it. It is older than the concept of God.”
Chapter 5: The Way, Emptiness, Contentment
Despite its emptiness it encompasses everything.
“The space between Heaven and Earth is like a bellows; it is empty, yet has not lost its power. The more it is used, the more it produces.”
Emptiness is a state of silence where the sage is centered. Thinking and talking about only reduces one’s energy.
“The more you talk of it, the less you comprehend. It is better not to speak of things you do not understand.”
Chapter 7: Compassion, Moderation, Humility
The sage puts themselves last and finds fulfillment by helping others.
“The Master puts herself last; And finds herself in the place of authority. She detaches herself from all things; Therefore she is united with all things. She gives no thought to self. She is perfectly fulfilled.”
By doing so they are in harmony with the world.
“Therefore she is united with all things. She gives no thought to self. She is perfectly fulfilled.”
Chapter 8: Nature, Humility, Flexibility, Compassion
Water is an essential part of nature and provides one of the best examples on how to live. It sustains all yet flows to lower ground. The sage acts similarly and shows compassion, humility, and flexibility. They help those who are rejected.
“The supreme good is like water, which benefits all of creation without trying to compete with it.”
Humility can be compared to the flow of water which travels to the lowest point while at the same time benefiting all.
“It gathers in unpopular places. Thus it is like the Dao.”
Chapter 9: Emptiness, Moderation, Contentment
One uses moderation to reach balance.
“It is easier to carry an empty cup than one that is filled to the brim. The sharper the knife the easier it is to dull. The more wealth you possess the harder it is to protect.”
The sage finds contentment through moderation. They do not indulge desires, seek wealth, or look for praise.
“Pride brings its own trouble. When you have accomplished your goal simply walk away. This is the path way to Heaven.”
Chapter 10: Simplicity, Flexibility, Leadership
Simplicity allows one to return to a child like state.
“Can you focus your life-breath until you become supple as a newborn child? While you cleanse your inner vision will you be found without fault?”
A leader gives people freedom to live their lives.
“Can you love people and lead them without forcing your will on them?”
The sage is flexible because they embrace passive energy. Like a mother they care for others but don’t need to dominate.
“When Heaven gives and takes away can you be content with the outcome? When you understand all things can you step back from your own understanding? Giving birth and nourishing, making without possessing, expecting nothing in return. To grow, yet not to control: This is the mysterious virtue.”
Chapter 11: Emptiness, Usefulness
Emptiness is one of the most useful characteristics because it gives space for possibilities. It is essential for the bowl, door, and window.
“Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel, but it is the center hole that allows the wheel to function. We mold clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that makes the vessel useful. We fashion wood for a house, but it is the emptiness inside that makes it livable. We work with the substantial, but the emptiness is what we use.”
Chapter 12: Simplicity, Contentment
There are so many things to see, sounds to hear, and flavors to taste. One can become overwhelmed and distracted by the pursuit of pleasure.
“Five colors blind the eye. Five notes deafen the ear. Five flavors make the palate go stale. Too much activity deranges the mind.”
Pursuing beauty, extravagant entertainment, and fine foods doesn’t lead to contentment.
“Too much wealth causes crime. The Master acts on what she feels and not what she sees. She shuns the latter, and prefers to seek the former.”
The sage ignores extravagance and focuses on the essentials.
“Therefore, the sage attends to the belly, and not to what he sees.”
Chapter 13: Emptiness, Contentment, Compassion, Humility
The sage has a compassion for the rest of the world. They love the world as much as their own body.
“Love the whole world as if it were your self; then you will truly care for all things.”
Some seek praise and adulation to make them happy but this doesn’t lead to contentment. It only leads to the fear of losing the praise.
“Success is as dangerous as failure, and we are often our own worst enemy. What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? He who is superior is also someone’s subordinate. Receiving favor and losing it both cause alarm.”
Chapter 14: The Way, Emptiness, Flexibility
The Way is invisible, silent, and shapeless.
“Look for it, and it can’t be seen. Listen for it, and it can’t be heard. Grasp for it, and it can’t be caught.”
It includes both existence and non-existence. Both creation and nothingness. It is the ultimate example of flexibility. It has shape while at the same time is formless.
“Its highest is not bright. Its depths are not dark. Unending, unnameable, it returns to nothingness. Formless forms, and imageless images, subtle, beyond all understanding.“
Chapter 15: Simplicity, Emptiness, Moderation, Humility, Flexibility
The sage is cautious and yielding.
“They were careful as someone crossing a frozen stream in winter. Alert as if surrounded on all sides by the enemy. Courteous as a guest. Fluid as melting ice.”
When they find emptiness they can reach their full potential like an uncarved block of wood. They are receptive to the Way.
“Whole as an uncarved block of wood. Receptive as a valley.”
They embrace simplicity, openness, and stillness.
“Turbid as muddied water. Who can be still until their mud settles and the water is cleared by itself? Can you remain tranquil until right action occurs by itself?“
They are renewed by the Way.
“The Master doesn’t seek fulfillment. For only those who are not full are able to be used which brings the feeling of completeness.”
Chapter 16: Emptiness
Emptiness means that one returns to the source.
“If you can empty your mind of all thoughts your heart will embrace the tranquility of peace. Watch the workings of all of creation, but contemplate their return to the source.”
Chapter 17: Leadership
The rule of a true leader is so light that the people aren’t even aware of it. In contrast, a lesser ruler is feared and despised.
“The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist. The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. Next comes the one who is feared. The worst one is the leader that is despised…When she has accomplished her task, the people say, “Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!”
Chapter 19: The Way, Harmony, Simplicity, Contentment, Compassion, Leadership, Virtue
Ancient leaders didn’t seek to teach virtue, but encouraged others to follow the Way. They reached harmony by finding contentment in the present moment. They realized that desires and knowledge were distractions. Instead they engaged in moderation and compassion.
“Forget about knowledge and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times better off. Throw away charity and righteousness, and people will return to brotherly love.”
By limiting desire the sage reduces unneeded stress. They find contentment by being compassionate to others.
“Throw away profit and greed, and there won’t be any thieves. These three are superficial and aren’t enough to keep us at the center of the circle, so we must also: Embrace simplicity. Put others first. Desire little.”
One way to seek harmony is to simplify life and focus on the essentials. Simplicity leads to purity. The sage doesn’t value wealth, reputation, or power.
“Embrace simplicity. Put others first. Desire little.”
Chapter 20: Emptiness, Moderation, Contentment
The sage knows that attending festive events will not bring them contentment.
“Other people are joyous, as though they were at a spring festival.”
Rather they seek emptiness and a child like state of being.
“I alone am unconcerned and expressionless, like an infant before it has learned to smile.”
Chapter 21: The Way, Harmony, Virtue
When in harmony with the Way one effortlessly enters a state of virtue.
“The greatest virtue you can have comes from following only the Dao; which takes a form that is intangible and evasive.“
The Way is found in all things, yet is hidden.
“Even though the Dao is intangible and evasive, we are able to know it exists. Intangible and evasive, yet it has a manifestation. Secluded and dark, yet there is a vitality within it.”
Chapter 22: Simplicity, Effortless Action, The Way, Humility, Success
Simplifying leads to a more satisfying life.
“If you want to become whole, first let yourself become broken. If you want to become straight, first let yourself become twisted. If you want to become full, first let yourself become empty. If you want to become new, first let yourself become old. Those whose desires are few get them, those whose desires are great go astray.”
The sage acts in accordance with the Way. By acting only when necessary they protect themself from retaliation. They oppose no one and so no one opposes them. By not showing off one prevents jealously.
“For this reason the Master embraces the Dao, as an example for the world to follow…Because she wants nothing from the world, the world can not overcome her.”
By not boasting one is respected.
“Because she does not boast of herself, she becomes a shining example.”
Therefore they don’t bother defending their position because they could be wrong.
“Because she does not glorify herself, she becomes a person of merit.”
Chapter 24: Effortless Action, Humility, Usefulness
The sage does not engage in useless action such as striving or being arrogant.
“Those who stand on tiptoes do not stand firmly. Those who rush ahead don’t get very far.”
Arrogance is the opposite of humility and causes disrespect and failure.
“Those who try to outshine others dim their own light. Those who call themselves righteous can’t know how wrong they are. Those who boast of their accomplishments diminish the things they have done. Compared to the Dao, these actions are unworthy. If we are to follow the Dao, we must not do these things.”
Chapter 25: The Way, Nature
The Way is changeless yet runs in cycles.
“Before the universe was born there was something in the chaos of the heavens. It stands alone and empty, solitary and unchanging. It is ever present and secure.”
It has created all of nature including the earth and heavens. It brought about plants, animals, insects, and creatures both large and small. It made all things animate.
“It may be regarded as the Mother of the universe.”
It is the flow of the universe and all of creation. It is called the Way for convenience sake.
“Because I do not know its name, I call it the Dao. If forced to give it a name, I would call it great.”
Chapter 26: Leadership, Effortless Action
A leader never rushes into decisions.
“Why should the lord of a thousand chariots be amused at the foolishness of the world?…If you let yourself become distracted, you will lose the basis of your power.”
Chapter 27: Compassion
The sage helps those who are alone or isolated. They make sure that people have what they need to survive.
“Thus the Master is willing to help everyone, and doesn’t know the meaning of rejection. She is there to help all of creation, and doesn’t abandon even the smallest creature. This is called embracing the light.”
Chapter 28: The Way, Harmony, Simplicity, Emptiness, Humility
Simplicity allows one to return to a child like state.
“If you embrace the world, the Dao will never leave you and you become as a little child.”
Humility means that one becomes like a valley and never abandons the lowly.
“Know the honorable, but do not shun the disgraced: embracing the world as it is.”
They become like an uncarved block which is full of potential.
“If you embrace the world with compassion, then your virtue will return you to the uncarved block.”
Without simplicity one’s essence is divided and their energy weakened.
“The block of wood is carved into utensils by carving void into the wood. The Master uses the utensils, yet prefers to keep to the block because of its limitless possibilities. Great works do not involve discarding substance.”
Chapter 29: Simplicity, Moderation, Contentment
The sage knows they can’t conquer the world so they don’t bother trying.
“Do you want to rule the world and control it? I don’t think it can ever be done. The world is a sacred vessel and it can not be controlled. You will only make it worse if you try. It may slip through your fingers and disappear.”
They avoid excess and extravagance.
“The Master accepts things as they are, and out of compassion avoids extravagance, excess and the extremes.”
Chapter 30: Effortless Action, Leadership, Effortless Action, Simplicity, Usefulness
A leader recognizes that violence only leads to retaliation.
“Those who lead people by following the Dao don’t use weapons to enforce their will. Using force always leads to unseen troubles. In the places where armies march, thorns and briars bloom and grow.”
They find the minimal action needed and then go no further.
“The skillful commander strikes a decisive blow then stops.”
Even though the sage doesn’t force action there are times when they need to act. They never do so with pride, benefit, or domination.
“When victory is won over the enemy through war it is not a thing of great pride. When the battle is over, arrogance is the new enemy. War can result when no other alternative is given, so the one who overcomes an enemy should not dominate them.”
Chapter 31: Leadership, Contentment
A leader can bring contentment to others. Their goal should be peace and they avoid using force.
“Weapons are the bearers of bad news; all people should detest them...Weapons are meant for destruction, and thus are avoided by the wise. Only as a last resort will a wise person use a deadly weapon. If peace is her true objective how can she rejoice in the victory of war? Those who rejoice in victory delight in the slaughter of humanity. Those who resort to violence will never bring peace to the world.”
Chapter 32: The Way, Harmony, Nature, Contentment, Moderation, Humility
While nothing is greater than the Way, it always remains humble. It never demands honor and never dominates. The virtue of the Way differs from human morality which is capricious and unjust.
“The Dao is nameless and unchanging. Although it appears insignificant, nothing in the world can contain it.”
When in harmony all things take care of themselves and one becomes interconnected with existence.
“If a ruler abides by its principles, then her people will willingly follow. Heaven would then reign on earth, like sweet rain falling on paradise. People would have no need for laws, because the law would be written on their hearts.”
The world includes so much complexity with numerous rules and reams of knowledge. Everything has been labeled and categorized. The sage knows it is best to avoid complexity and protects themself by doing so. Accumulating human knowledge does not lead to contentment.
“Naming is a necessity for order, but naming can not order all things. Naming often makes things impersonal, so we should know when naming should end. Knowing when to stop naming, you can avoid the pitfall it brings.”
The sage spends time outdoors to help them become grounded, calm, and in harmony. Nature provides examples of humility and compassion as the valley is the root of the world and full of virtue. The Way is like the stream feeding the sea. It gives nature life, energy, and strength.
“All things end in the Dao just as the small streams and the largest rivers flow through valleys to the sea.“
Chapter 34: The Way, Humility, Nature, Effortless Action, Success
Even though all things depend on the Way, it doesn’t demand obedience or honor. It is always low and humble. It never demands praise for its accomplishments.
“The great Dao flows unobstructed in every direction. All things rely on it to conceive and be born, and it does not deny even the smallest of creation. When it has accomplished great wonders, it does not claim them for itself.”
It provides food, shelter, and clothing, yet has no desires of its own. Even though it is great it can be called small. It accomplishes everything yet is yielding and demands no honor.
“It nourishes infinite worlds, yet it doesn’t seek to master the smallest creature. Since it is without wants and desires, it can be considered humble.”
The sage remains humble and does not seek to control others.
“All of creation seeks it for refuge yet it does not seek to master or control.“
Ironically the sage succeeds by not striving.
“Because it does not seek greatness; it is able to accomplish truly great things.”
Chapter 35: Emptiness, Simplicity, Contentment, Leadership
If one follows the Way they find peace and contentment.
“She who follows the way of the Dao will draw the world to her steps. She can go without fear of being injured, because she has found peace and tranquility in her heart.”
Chapter 36: Moderation, Flexibility
Flexibility helps the sage find balance in their life. They recognize that some things need to be reduced while others expanded.
“If you want something to return to the source, you must first allow it to spread out.”
Some situations require strength while others weakness.
“If you want something to weaken, you must first allow it to become strong.“
Some things are liked more and others less.
“If you want something to be removed, you must first allow it to flourish.”
This flexibility leads to success.
“The soft and pliable overcomes the hard and inflexible.”
Chapter 37: Effortless Action, Simplicity, Contentment
Even though the sage doesn’t act everything gets taken care of.
“The Dao never acts with force, yet there is nothing that it can not do.”
The sage becomes content by focusing on simplicity.
“If selfish desires were to arise after their transformation, I would erase them with the power of the Uncarved Block.”
In this way simplicity leads to both calm and grounding.
“By the power of the Uncarved Block, future generations would lose their selfish desires. By losing their selfish desires, the world would naturally settle into peace.”
Resource:
Tao Te Ching, Laozi, A Translation for the Public Domain by J.H. Mcdonald, 1996.
