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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
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<header>
<h1 title>The Tao Te Ching</h1>
<p author>By Lao Tzu, 400BC</p>
<p subtitle>A Modern Paraphrase (1996), Translated by<br><span translator>John H. McDonald</span></p>
<p license>For the Public Domain. Please distribute freely.</p>
</header>
<main mode="index">
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-1"><a href="#chapter-1">Chapter 1</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The tao that can be described <br>
is not the eternal Tao. <br>
The name that can be spoken <br>
is not the eternal Name.</p>
<p>The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth. <br>
The named is the mother of creation.</p>
<p>Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery. <br>
By having desire, you can only see what is visibly real.</p>
<p>Yet mystery and reality <br>
emerge from the same source. <br>
This source is called darkness.</p>
<p>Darkness born from darkness. <br>
The beginning of all understanding.</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-2"><a href="#chapter-2">Chapter 2</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When people see things as beautiful, <br>
ugliness is created. <br>
When people see things as good, <br>
evil is created.</p>
<p>Being and non-being produce each other. <br>
Difficult and easy complement each other. <br>
Long and short define each other. <br>
High and low oppose each other. <br>
Fore and aft follow each other.</p>
<p>Therefore the Master <br>
can act without doing anything <br>
and teach without saying a word. <br>
Things come her way and she does not stop them; <br>
things leave and she lets them go. <br>
She has without possessing, <br>
and acts without any expectations. <br>
When her work is done, she takes no credit. <br>
That is why it will last forever. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-3"><a href="#chapter-3">Chapter 3</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you over esteem talented individuals, <br>
people will become overly competitive. <br>
If you overvalue possessions, <br>
people will begin to steal.</p>
<p>Do not display your treasures <br>
or people will become envious.</p>
<p>The Master leads by <br>
emptying people's minds, <br>
filling their bellies, <br>
weakening their ambitions, <br>
and making them become strong. <br>
Preferring simplicity and freedom from desires, <br>
avoiding the pitfalls of knowledge and wrong action.</p>
<p>For those who practice not-doing, <br>
everything will fall into place. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-4"><a href="#chapter-4">Chapter 4</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao is like an empty container: <br>
it can never be emptied and can never be filled. <br>
Infinitely deep, it is the source of all things. <br>
It dulls the sharp, unties the knotted, <br>
shades the lighted, and unites all of creation with dust.</p>
<p>It is hidden but always present. <br>
I don't know who gave birth to it. <br>
It is older than the concept of God. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-5"><a href="#chapter-5">Chapter 5</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Heaven and Earth are impartial; <br>
they treat all of creation as straw dogs. <br>
The Master doesn't take sides; <br>
she treats everyone like a straw dog.</p>
<p>The space between Heaven and Earth is like a bellows; <br>
it is empty, yet has not lost its power. <br>
The more it is used, the more it produces; <br>
the more you talk of it, the less you comprehend.</p>
<p>It is better not to speak of things you do not understand. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-6"><a href="#chapter-6">Chapter 6</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The spirit of emptiness is immortal. <br>
It is called the Great Mother <br>
because it gives birth to Heaven and Earth.</p>
<p>It is like a vapor, <br>
barely seen but always present. <br>
Use it effortlessly. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-7"><a href="#chapter-7">Chapter 7</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao of Heaven is eternal, <br>
and the earth is long enduring. <br>
Why are they long enduring? <br>
They do not live for themselves; <br>
thus they are present for all beings.</p>
<p>The Master puts herself last; <br>
And finds herself in the place of authority. <br>
She detaches herself from all things; <br>
Therefore she is united with all things. <br>
She gives no thought to self. <br>
She is perfectly fulfilled. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-8"><a href="#chapter-8">Chapter 8</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The supreme good is like water, <br>
which benefits all of creation <br>
without trying to compete with it. <br>
It gathers in unpopular places. <br>
Thus it is like the Tao.</p>
<p>The location makes the dwelling good. <br>
Depth of understanding makes the mind good. <br>
A kind heart makes the giving good. <br>
Integrity makes the government good. <br>
Accomplishment makes your labors good. <br>
Proper timing makes a decision good.</p>
<p>Only when there is no competition <br>
will we all live in peace. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-9"><a href="#chapter-9">Chapter 9</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>It is easier to carry an empty cup <br>
than one that is filled to the brim.</p>
<p>The sharper the knife <br>
the easier it is to dull. <br>
The more wealth you possess <br>
the harder it is to protect. <br>
Pride brings its own trouble.</p>
<p>When you have accomplished your goal <br>
simply walk away. <br>
This is the pathway to Heaven. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-10"><a href="#chapter-10">Chapter 10</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Nurture the darkness of your soul <br>
until you become whole. <br>
Can you do this and not fail? <br>
Can you focus your life-breath until you become <br>
supple as a newborn child? <br>
While you cleanse your inner vision <br>
will you be found without fault? <br>
Can you love people and lead them <br>
without forcing your will on them? <br>
When Heaven gives and takes away <br>
can you be content with the outcome? <br>
When you understand all things <br>
can you step back from your own understanding?</p>
<p>Giving birth and nourishing, <br>
making without possessing, <br>
expecting nothing in return. <br>
To grow, yet not to control: <br>
This is the mysterious virtue. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-11"><a href="#chapter-11">Chapter 11</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel, <br>
but it is the center hole <br>
that allows the wheel to function.</p>
<p>We mold clay into a pot, <br>
but it is the <mark>emptiness</mark> inside <br>
that makes the vessel useful.</p>
<p>We fashion wood for a house, <br>
but it is the <mark>emptiness</mark> inside <br>
that makes it livable.</p>
<p>We work with the substantial, <br>
but the <mark>emptiness</mark> is what we use. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-12"><a href="#chapter-12">Chapter 12</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Five colors blind the eye. <br>
Five notes deafen the ear. <br>
Five flavors make the palate go stale. <br>
Too much activity deranges the mind. <br>
Too much wealth causes crime. <br>
The Master acts on what she feels and not what she sees. <br>
She shuns the latter, and prefers to seek the former. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-13"><a href="#chapter-13">Chapter 13</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Success is as dangerous as failure, <br>
and we are often our own worst enemy.</p>
<p>What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? <br>
He who is superior is also someone's subordinate. <br>
Receiving favor and losing it both cause alarm. <br>
That is what is meant by success is as dangerous as failure.
<br>
What does it mean that we are often our own worst enemy? <br>
The reason I have an enemy is because I have "self". <br>
If I no longer had a "self", I would no longer have an enemy.
</p>
<p>Love the whole world as if it were your self; <br>
then you will truly care for all things. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-14"><a href="#chapter-14">Chapter 14</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Look for it, and it can't be seen. <br>
Listen for it, and it can't be heard. <br>
Grasp for it, and it can't be caught. <br>
These three cannot be further described, <br>
so we treat them as The One.</p>
<p>Its highest is not bright. <br>
Its depths are not dark. <br>
Unending, unnamable, it returns to nothingness. <br>
Formless forms, and imageless images, <br>
subtle, beyond all understanding.</p>
<p>Approach it and you will not see a beginning; <br>
follow it and there will be no end. <br>
When we grasp the Tao of the ancient ones, <br>
we can use it to direct our life today. <br>
To know the ancient origin of Tao: <br>
this is the beginning of wisdom. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-15"><a href="#chapter-15">Chapter 15</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Sages of old were profound <br>
and knew the ways of subtlety and discernment. <br>
Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension. <br>
Because their knowledge was so far superior <br>
I can only give a poor description.</p>
<p>They were careful <br>
as someone crossing an frozen stream in winter. <br>
Alert as if surrounded on all sides by the enemy. <br>
Courteous as a guest. <br>
Fluid as melting ice. <br>
Whole as an uncarved block of wood. <br>
Receptive as a valley. <br>
Turbid as muddied water.</p>
<p>Who can be still <br>
until their mud settles <br>
and the water is cleared by itself? <br>
Can you remain tranquil until right action occurs by itself?</p>
<p>The Master doesn't seek fulfillment. <br>
For only those who are not full are able to be used <br>
which brings the feeling of completeness. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-16"><a href="#chapter-16">Chapter 16</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you can empty your mind of all thoughts <br>
your heart will embrace the tranquility of peace. <br>
Watch the workings of all of creation, <br>
but contemplate their return to the source.</p>
<p>All creatures in the universe <br>
return to the point where they began. <br>
Returning to the source is tranquility <br>
because we submit to Heavens mandate.</p>
<p>Returning to Heavens mandate is called being constant. <br>
Knowing the constant is called 'enlightenment'. <br>
Not knowing the constant is the source of evil deeds <br>
because we have no roots. <br>
By knowing the constant we can accept things as they are. <br>
By accepting things as they are, we become impartial. <br>
By being impartial, we become one with Heaven. <br>
By being one with Heaven, we become one with Tao. <br>
Being one with Tao, we are no longer concerned about <br>
losing our life because we know the Tao is constant <br>
and we are one with Tao. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-17"><a href="#chapter-17">Chapter 17</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist. <br>
The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. <br>
Next comes the one who is feared. <br>
The worst one is the leader that is despised.</p>
<p>If you don't trust the people, <br>
they will become untrustworthy.</p>
<p>The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly. <br>
When she has accomplished her task, <br>
the people say, "Amazing: <br>
we did it, all by ourselves!" </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-18"><a href="#chapter-18">Chapter 18</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When the great Tao is abandoned, <br>
charity and righteousness appear. <br>
When intellectualism arises, <br>
hypocrisy is close behind.</p>
<p>When there is strife in the family unit, <br>
people talk about 'brotherly love'.</p>
<p>When the country falls into chaos, <br>
politicians talk about 'patriotism'. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-19"><a href="#chapter-19">Chapter 19</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Forget about knowledge and wisdom, <br>
and people will be a hundred times better off. <br>
Throw away charity and righteousness, <br>
and people will return to brotherly love. <br>
Throw away profit and greed, <br>
and there won't be any thieves.</p>
<p>These three are superficial and aren't enough <br>
to keep us at the center of the circle, so we must also:</p>
<p>Embrace simplicity. <br>
Put others first. <br>
Desire little. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-20"><a href="#chapter-20">Chapter 20</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Renounce knowledge and your problems will end. <br>
What is the difference between yes and no? <br>
What is the difference between good and evil? <br>
<mark>Must you fear what others fear?</mark> <br>
Nonsense, look how far you have missed the mark!</p>
<p>Other people are joyous, <br>
as though they were at a spring festival. <br>
I alone am unconcerned and expressionless, <br>
like an infant before it has learned to smile. <br>
Other people have more than they need; <br>
I alone seem to possess nothing. <br>
I am lost and drift about with no place to go. <br>
I am like a fool, my mind is in chaos.</p>
<p>Ordinary people are bright; <br>
I alone am dark. <br>
Ordinary people are clever; <br>
I alone am dull. <br>
Ordinary people seem discriminating; <br>
I alone am muddled and confused. <br>
I drift on the waves on the ocean, <br>
blown at the mercy of the wind. <br>
Other people have their goals, <br>
I alone am dull and uncouth.</p>
<p>I am different from ordinary people. <br>
I nurse from the Great Mother's breasts. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-21"><a href="#chapter-21">Chapter 21</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The greatest virtue you can have <br>
comes from following only the Tao; <br>
which takes a form that is intangible and evasive.</p>
<p>Even though the Tao is intangible and evasive, <br>
we are able to know it exists. <br>
Intangible and evasive, yet it has a manifestation. <br>
Secluded and dark, yet there is a vitality within it. <br>
Its vitality is very genuine. <br>
Within it we can find order.</p>
<p>Since the beginning of time, the Tao has always existed. <br>
It is beyond existing and not existing. <br>
How do I know where creation comes from? <br>
I look inside myself and see it. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-22"><a href="#chapter-22">Chapter 22</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you want to become whole, <br>
first let yourself become broken. <br>
If you want to become straight, <br>
first let yourself become twisted. <br>
If you want to become full, <br>
first let yourself become empty. <br>
If you want to become new, <br>
first let yourself become old. <br>
Those whose desires are few get them, <br>
those whose desires are great go astray.</p>
<p>For this reason the Master embraces the Tao, <br>
as an example for the world to follow. <br>
Because she isn't self centered, <br>
people can see the light in her. <br>
Because she does not boast of herself, <br>
she becomes a shining example. <br>
Because she does not glorify herself, <br>
she becomes a person of merit. <br>
Because she wants nothing from the world, <br>
the world can not overcome her.</p>
<p>When the ancient Masters said, <br>
"If you want to become whole, <br>
then first let yourself be broken," <br>
they weren't using empty words. <br>
All who do this will be made complete. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-23"><a href="#chapter-23">Chapter 23</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Nature uses few words: <br>
when the gale blows, it will not last long; <br>
when it rains hard, it lasts but a little while; <br>
What causes these to happen? Heaven and Earth.</p>
<p>Why do we humans go on endlessly about little <br>
when nature does much in a little time? <br>
If you open yourself to the Tao, <br>
you and Tao become one. <br>
If you open yourself to Virtue, <br>
then you can become virtuous. <br>
If you open yourself to loss, <br>
then you will become lost.</p>
<p>If you open yourself to the Tao, <br>
the Tao will eagerly welcome you. <br>
If you open yourself to virtue, <br>
virtue will become a part of you. <br>
If you open yourself to loss, <br>
the lost are glad to see you.</p>
<p>"When you do not trust people, <br>
people will become untrustworthy." </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-24"><a href="#chapter-24">Chapter 24</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who stand on tiptoes <br>
do not stand firmly. <br>
Those who rush ahead <br>
don't get very far. <br>
Those who try to outshine others <br>
dim their own light. <br>
Those who call themselves righteous <br>
can't know how wrong they are. <br>
Those who boast of their accomplishments <br>
diminish the things they have done.</p>
<p>Compared to the Tao, these actions are unworthy. <br>
If we are to follow the Tao, we must not do these things.</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-25"><a href="#chapter-25">Chapter 25</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Before the universe was born <br>
there was something in the chaos of the heavens. <br>
It stands alone and empty, <br>
solitary and unchanging. <br>
It is ever present and secure. <br>
It may be regarded as the Mother of the universe. <br>
Because I do not know its name, <br>
I call it the Tao. <br>
If forced to give it a name, <br>
I would call it 'Great'.</p>
<p>Because it is Great means it is everywhere. <br>
Being everywhere means it is eternal. <br>
Being eternal means everything returns to it.</p>
<p>Tao is great. <br>
Heaven is great. <br>
Earth is great. <br>
Humanity is great. <br>
Within the universe, these are the four great things.</p>
<p>Humanity follows the earth. <br>
Earth follows Heaven. <br>
Heaven follows the Tao. <br>
The Tao follows only itself. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-26"><a href="#chapter-26">Chapter 26</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Heaviness is the basis of lightness. <br>
Stillness is the standard of activity.</p>
<p>Thus the Master travels all day <br>
without ever leaving her wagon. <br>
Even though she has much to see, <br>
she is at peace in her indifference.</p>
<p>Why should the lord of a thousand chariots <br>
be amused at the foolishness of the world? <br>
If you abandon yourself to foolishness, <br>
you lose touch with your beginnings. <br>
If you let yourself become distracted, <br>
you will lose the basis of your power. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-27"><a href="#chapter-27">Chapter 27</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>A good traveler leaves no tracks, <br>
and a skillful speaker is well rehearsed. <br>
A good bookkeeper has an excellent memory, <br>
and a well made door is easy to open and needs no locks. <br>
A good knot needs no rope and it can not come undone.</p>
<p>Thus the Master is willing to help everyone, <br>
and doesn't know the meaning of rejection. <br>
She is there to help all of creation, <br>
and doesn't abandon even the smallest creature. <br>
This is called embracing the light.</p>
<p>What is a good person but a bad person's teacher? <br>
What is a bad person but raw material for his teacher? <br>
If you fail to honor your teacher or fail to enjoy your student,
<br>
you will become deluded no matter how smart you are. <br>
It is the secret of prime importance. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-28"><a href="#chapter-28">Chapter 28</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Know the masculine, <br>
but keep to the feminine: <br>
and become a watershed to the world. <br>
If you embrace the world, <br>
the Tao will never leave you <br>
and you become as a little child.</p>
<p>Know the white, <br>
yet keep to the black: <br>
be a model for the world. <br>
If you are a model for the world, <br>
the Tao inside you will strengthen <br>
and you will return whole to your eternal beginning.</p>
<p>Know the honorable, <br>
but do not shun the disgraced: <br>
embracing the world as it is. <br>
If you embrace the world with compassion, <br>
then your virtue will return you to the Uncarved Block.</p>
<p>The block of wood is carved into utensils <br>
by carving void into the wood. <br>
The Master uses the utensils, yet prefers to keep to the block
<br>
because of its limitless possibilities. <br>
Great works do not involve discarding substance. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-29"><a href="#chapter-29">Chapter 29</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Do you want to rule the world and control it? <br>
I don't think it can ever be done.</p>
<p>The world is sacred vessel <br>
and it can not be controlled. <br>
You will only it make it worse if you try. <br>
It may slip through your fingers and disappear.</p>
<p>Some are meant to lead, <br>
and others are meant to follow; <br>
Some must always strain, <br>
and others have an easy time; <br>
Some are naturally big and strong, <br>
and others will always be small; <br>
Some will be protected and nurtured, <br>
and others will meet with destruction.</p>
<p>The Master accepts things as they are, <br>
and out of compassion avoids extravagance, <br>
excess and the extremes. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-30"><a href="#chapter-30">Chapter 30</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who lead people by following the Tao <br>
don't use weapons to enforce their will. <br>
Using force always leads to unseen troubles.</p>
<p>In the places where armies march, <br>
thorns and briars bloom and grow. <br>
After armies take to war, <br>
bad years must always follow. <br>
The skillful commander <br>
strikes a decisive blow then stops. <br>
When victory is won over the enemy through war <br>
it is not a thing of great pride. <br>
When the battle is over, <br>
arrogance is the new enemy. <br>
War can result when no other alternative is given, <br>
so the one who overcomes an enemy should not dominate them. <br>
The strong always weakened with time.</p>
<p>This is not the way of the Tao. <br>
That which is not of the Tao will soon end. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-31"><a href="#chapter-31">Chapter 31</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Weapons are the bearers of bad news; <br>
all people should detest them.</p>
<p>The wise man values the left side, <br>
and in time of war he values the right. <br>
Weapons are meant for destruction, <br>
and thus are avoided by the wise. <br>
Only as a last resort <br>
will a wise person use a deadly weapon. <br>
If peace is her true objective <br>
how can she rejoice in the victory of war? <br>
Those who rejoice in victory <br>
delight in the slaughter of humanity. <br>
Those who resort to violence <br>
will never bring peace to the world. <br>
The left side is a place of honor on happy occasions. <br>
The right side is reserved for mourning at a funeral. <br>
When the lieutenants take the left side to prepare for war, <br>
the general should be on the right side, <br>
because he knows the outcome will be death. <br>
The death of many should be greeted with great sorrow, <br>
and the victory celebration should honor those who have died.
</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-32"><a href="#chapter-32">Chapter 32</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao is nameless and unchanging. <br>
Although it appears insignificant, <br>
nothing in the world can contain it.</p>
<p>If a ruler abides by its principles, <br>
then her people will willingly follow. <br>
Heaven would then reign on earth, <br>
like sweet rain falling on paradise. <br>
People would have no need for laws, <br>
because the law would be written on their hearts.</p>
<p>Naming is a necessity for order, <br>
but naming can not order all things. <br>
Naming often makes things impersonal, <br>
so we should know when naming should end. <br>
Knowing when to stop naming, <br>
you can avoid the pitfall it brings.</p>
<p>All things end in the Tao <br>
just as the small streams and the largest rivers <br>
flow through valleys to the sea. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-33"><a href="#chapter-33">Chapter 33</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who know others are intelligent; <br>
those who know themselves are truly wise. <br>
Those who master others are strong; <br>
those who master themselves have true power.</p>
<p>Those who know they have enough are truly wealthy.</p>
<p>Those who persist will reach their goal.</p>
<p>Those who keep their course have a strong will. <br>
Those who embrace death will not perish, <br>
but have life everlasting. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-34"><a href="#chapter-34">Chapter 34</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The great Tao flows unobstructed in every direction. <br>
All things rely on it to conceive and be born, <br>
and it does not deny even the smallest of creation. <br>
When it has accomplished great wonders, <br>
it does not claim them for itself. <br>
It nourishes infinite worlds, <br>
yet it doesn't seek to master the smallest creature. <br>
Since it is without wants and desires, <br>
it can be considered humble. <br>
All of creation seeks it for refuge <br>
yet it does not seek to master or control. <br>
Because it does not seek greatness; <br>
it is able to accomplish truly great things. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-35"><a href="#chapter-35">Chapter 35</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>She who follows the way of the Tao <br>
will draw the world to her steps. <br>
She can go without fear of being injured, <br>
because she has found peace and tranquility in her heart.</p>
<p>Where there is music and good food, <br>
people will stop to enjoy it. <br>
But words spoken of the Tao <br>
seem to them boring and stale. <br>
When looked at, there is nothing for them to see. <br>
When listen for, there is nothing for them to hear. <br>
Yet if they put it to use, it would never be exhausted. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-36"><a href="#chapter-36">Chapter 36</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you want something to return to the source, <br>
you must first allow it to spread out. <br>
If you want something to weaken, <br>
you must first allow it to become strong. <br>
If you want something to be removed, <br>
you must first allow it to flourish. <br>
If you want to possess something, <br>
you must first give it away.</p>
<p>This is called the subtle understanding <br>
of how things are meant to be.</p>
<p>The soft and pliable overcomes the hard and inflexible.</p>
<p>Just as fish remain hidden in deep waters, <br>
it is best to keep weapons out of sight. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-37"><a href="#chapter-37">Chapter 37</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao never acts with force, <br>
yet there is nothing that it can not do.</p>
<p>If rulers could follow the way of the Tao, <br>
then all of creation would willingly follow their example. <br>
If selfish desires were to arise after their transformation,
<br>
I would erase them with the power of the Uncarved Block.</p>
<p>By the power of the Uncarved Block, <br>
future generations would lose their selfish desires. <br>
By losing their selfish desires, <br>
the world would naturally settle into peace. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-38"><a href="#chapter-38">Chapter 38</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The highest good is not to seek to do good, <br>
but to allow yourself to become it. <br>
The ordinary person seeks to do good things, <br>
and finds that they can not do them continually.</p>
<p>The Master does not force virtue on others, <br>
thus she is able to accomplish her task. <br>
The ordinary person who uses force, <br>
will find that they accomplish nothing.</p>
<p>The kind person acts from the heart, <br>
and accomplishes a multitude of things. <br>
The righteous person acts out of pity, <br>
yet leaves many things undone. <br>
The moral person will act out of duty, <br>
and when no one will respond <br>
will roll up his sleeves and uses force.</p>
<p>When the Tao is forgotten, there is righteousness. <br>
When righteousness is forgotten, there is morality. <br>
When morality is forgotten, there is the law. <br>
The law is the husk of faith, <br>
and trust is the beginning of chaos.</p>
<p>Our basic understandings are not from the Tao <br>
because they come from the depths of our misunderstanding. <br>
The master abides in the fruit and not in the husk. <br>
She dwells in the Tao, <br>
and not with the things that hide it. <br>
This is how she increases in wisdom. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-39"><a href="#chapter-39">Chapter 39</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The masters of old attained unity with the Tao. <br>
Heaven attained unity and became pure. <br>
The earth attained unity and found peace. <br>
The spirits attained unity so they could minister. <br>
The valleys attained unity that they might be full. <br>
Humanity attained unity that they might flourish. <br>
Their leaders attained unity that they might set the example.
<br>
This is the power of unity.</p>
<p>Without unity, the sky becomes filthy. <br>
Without unity, the earth becomes unstable. <br>
Without unity, the spirits become unresponsive and disappear.
<br>
Without unity, the valleys become dry as a desert. <br>
Without unity, human kind can't reproduce and becomes extinct.
<br>
Without unity, our leaders become corrupt and fall.</p>
<p>The great view the small as their source, <br>
and the high takes the low as their foundation. <br>
Their greatest asset becomes their humility. <br>
They speak of themselves as orphans and widows, <br>
thus they truly seek humility. <br>
Do not shine like the precious gem, <br>
but be as dull as a common stone. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-40"><a href="#chapter-40">Chapter 40</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>All movement returns to the Tao. <br>
Weakness is how the Tao works.</p>
<p>All of creation is born from substance. <br>
Substance is born of nothing-ness. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-41"><a href="#chapter-41">Chapter 41</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When a superior person hears of the Tao, <br>
She diligently puts it into practice. <br>
When an average person hears of the Tao, <br>
he believes half of it, and doubts the other half. <br>
When a foolish person hears of the Tao, <br>
he laughs out loud at the very idea. <br>
If he didn't laugh, <br>
it wouldn't be the Tao.</p>
<p>Thus it is said: <br>
The brightness of the Tao seems like darkness, <br>
the advancement of the Tao seems like retreat, <br>
the level path seems rough, <br>
the superior path seems empty, <br>
the pure seems to be tarnished, <br>
and true virtue doesn't seem to be enough. <br>
The virtue of caution seems like cowardice, <br>
the pure seems to be polluted, <br>
the true square seems to have no corners, <br>
the best vessels take the most time to finish, <br>
the greatest sounds cannot be heard, <br>
and the greatest image has no form.</p>
<p>The Tao hides in the unnamed, <br>
Yet it alone nourishes and completes all things. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-42"><a href="#chapter-42">Chapter 42</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao gave birth to One. <br>
The One gave birth to Two. <br>
The Two gave birth to Three. <br>
The Three gave birth to all of creation.</p>
<p>All things carry Yin <br>
yet embrace Yang. <br>
They blend their life breaths <br>
in order to produce harmony.</p>
<p>People despise being orphaned, widowed and poor. <br>
But the noble ones take these as their titles. <br>
In losing, much is gained, <br>
and in gaining, much is lost.</p>
<p>What others teach I too will teach: <br>
"The strong and violent will not die a natural death." </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-43"><a href="#chapter-43">Chapter 43</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>That which offers no resistance, <br>
overcomes the hardest substances. <br>
That which offers no resistance <br>
can enter where there is no space.</p>
<p>Few in the world can comprehend <br>
the teaching without words, <br>
or understand the value of non-action. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-44"><a href="#chapter-44">Chapter 44</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Which is more important, your honor or your life? <br>
Which is more valuable, your possessions or your person? <br>
Which is more destructive, success or failure?</p>
<p>Because of this, great love extracts a great cost <br>
and true wealth requires greater loss.</p>
<p>Knowing when you have enough avoids dishonor, <br>
and knowing when to stop will keep you from danger <br>
and bring you a long, happy life. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-45"><a href="#chapter-45">Chapter 45</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The greatest accomplishments seem imperfect, <br>
yet their usefulness is not diminished. <br>
The greatest fullness seems empty, <br>
yet it will be inexhaustible.</p>
<p>The greatest straightness seems crooked. <br>
The most valued skill seems like clumsiness. <br>
The greatest speech seems full of stammers.</p>
<p>Movement overcomes the cold, <br>
and stillness overcomes the heat. <br>
That which is pure and still is the universal ideal. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-46"><a href="#chapter-46">Chapter 46</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When the world follows the Tao, <br>
horses run free to fertilize the fields. <br>
When the world does not follow the Tao, <br>
war horses are bread outside the cities.</p>
<p>There is no greater transgression <br>
than condoning peoples selfish desires, <br>
no greater disaster than being discontent, <br>
and no greater retribution than for greed.</p>
<p>Whoever knows contentment will be at peace forever. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-47"><a href="#chapter-47">Chapter 47</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Without opening your door, <br>
you can know the whole world. <br>
Without looking out your window, <br>
you can understand the way of the Tao.</p>
<p>The more knowledge you seek, <br>
the less you will understand.</p>
<p>The Master understands without leaving, <br>
sees clearly without looking, <br>
accomplishes much without doing anything. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-48"><a href="#chapter-48">Chapter 48</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>One who seeks knowledge learns something new every day. <br>
One who seeks the Tao unlearns something new every day. <br>
Less and less remains until you arrive at non-action. <br>
When you arrive at non-action, <br>
nothing will be left undone.</p>
<p>Mastery of the world is achieved <br>
by letting things take their natural course. <br>
You can not master the world by changing the natural way. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-49"><a href="#chapter-49">Chapter 49</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Master has no mind of her own. <br>
She understands the mind of the people.</p>
<p>To those who are good she treats as good. <br>
To those who aren't good she also treats as good. <br>
This is how she attains true goodness.</p>
<p>She trusts people who are trustworthy. <br>
She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy. <br>
This is how she gains true trust.</p>
<p>The Master's mind is shut off from the world. <br>
Only for the sake of the people does she muddle her mind. <br>
They look to her in anticipation. Yet she treats them all as her
children.</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-50"><a href="#chapter-50">Chapter 50</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who leave the womb at birth <br>
and those who enter their source at death, <br>
of these; three out of ten celebrate life, <br>
three out of ten celebrate death, <br>
and three out of ten simply go from life to death. <br>
What is the reason for this? <br>
Because they are afraid of dying, <br>
therefore they can not live.</p>
<p>I have heard that those who celebrate life <br>
walk safely among the wild animals. <br>
When they go into battle, they remain unharmed. <br>
The animals find no place to attack them <br>
and the weapons are unable to harm them. <br>
Why? Because they can find no place for death in them. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-51"><a href="#chapter-51">Chapter 51</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao gives birth to all of creation. <br>
The virtue of Tao in nature nurtures them, <br>
and their family gives them their form. <br>
Their environment then shapes them into completion. <br>
That is why every creature honors the Tao and its virtue.</p>
<p>No one tells them to honor the Tao and its virtue, <br>
it happens all by itself. <br>
So the Tao gives them birth, <br>
and its virtue cultivates them, <br>
cares for them, <br>
nurtures them, <br>
gives them a place of refuge and peace, <br>
helps them to grow and shelters them.</p>
<p>It gives them life without wanting to posses them, <br>
and cares for them expecting nothing in return. <br>
It is their master, but it does not seek to dominate them. <br>
This is called the dark and mysterious virtue. </p>