Category: translation

Chapter 32. Rational virtue The absolute Tao has no name. Even if it is lowly in its original simplicity, the world dares not to mock it. If the king could hold it in his hand, the world would willingly submit to him. The heaven and the earth would form a pact to provide for him.… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 32. Rational virtue

Chapter 29. Idleness When a man who wants to cure the world takes it to his hand I understand there is no end to his task. Spiritual vessels cannot be formed in the world He who makes, destroys. He who grapples, loses. For it is unavoidable that if one advances another is left behind. If… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 29. Idleness

Chapter 28. Becoming a child He who being a man, stays a woman, becomes a conduit of the universe. As he is a conduit of the universe the eternal virtue never parts with him. He becomes a small child again.¹ He who has come to the light yet stays in the dimness becomes a model… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 28. Becoming a child

Chapter 27. Utility of skillfulness A good walker does not leave dirt in his trail. A good speaker doesn’t cause debate. A good calculator doesn’t need calculating sticks. A good keeper does not need locks or bolts and no-one can open what he has closed. A good binder does not need rope and no-one can… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 27. Utility of skillfulness

Chapter 25. Grasping emptyness Before heaven and earth there was the initial essence in the nature. It was clear, it was unmeasurable. It was self-existing, it was uniform. It was everywhere and it didn’t tolerate borders. It must be considered the omnipresent mother. I do not know its name but I call it the Tao.… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 25. Grasping emptyness

Chapter 24. The honor that is not desirable When standing on one’s toes one cannot stay still. Going apart from your brothers one cannot advance. Showcasing oneself one does not shine. Conceit does not earn respect. To praise oneself is not merit. The one who raises himself doesn’t stand high. These things are to the… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 24. The honor that is not desirable

Chapter 22. Lifting the little ones The one who adjusts, he stays until the end. The one who bends is straightened. The one who empties himself is filled. The one who wears himself out is rejuvenated. The one who demotes himself is promoted.¹ The one who promotes himself is demoted. This is why the wise… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 22. Lifting the little ones

Chapter 17. Being natural In the first Age of mankind people acknowledged their rulers. In the second Age they worshipped them and flattered them. In the third Age they feared them. In the fourth Age they despised them.¹ Where there is lack of faith no trust is awoken. How careful they were in their statements!… Continue reading Translation: Tao Te King – Chapter 17. Being natural