Understanding the Tao te Ching: A Guide to Taoist Peace and Understanding

Chapter 49: Love to All

2012-03-10T01:12:00.000-08:00

The wise man has no fixed heart; in the hearts of the people he finds his own.

The good he treats with goodness; the not-good he also treats with goodness, for de [teh] is goodness. The faithful ones he treats with good faith; the unfaithful he also treats with good faith, for de [teh] is good faith.

The wise man lives in the world but he lives cautiously, dealing with the world cautiously. He universalizes his heart; the people give him their eyes and ears, but he treats them as his children.

Interpretation:

This chapter repeats the earlier message about listening. Now it observes that listening to the hearts and desires of others is a useful guide for choosing our own feelings.

It also shares a message from Buddhism. The Buddha observed that being angry with someone is like holding a coal that you mean to throw at another person. Whatever happens to the other person, we can be sure your hand will get burned. This same sentiment is reflected here where the author suggests the wise person treats all people with good heart whether they are bad or good themselves.

The first stanza reminds up to be flexible in our feelings. To understand the people around us and let them move our hearts.

The seconds stanza can be seen to say that compassion is universal. Who needs compassion more than those whose hearts are so sick that they hate and treat us unfairly?

The third stanza repeats a frequent message from the Dao de Ching, careful action is the road to good life. it also reminds us to care for all people as if they were our children. This is in agreement with the teachings of the Christian Bible which tells us to "love our neighbors as ourselves."

Chapter 48: The Limits of Learning

2012-03-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

He who attends daily to learning increases in learning. He who practices Dao daily diminishes. Again and again he humbles himself. Thus he attains to non-doing (wu wei). He practices non-doing and yet there is nothing left undone.

To command the empire one must not employ craft. If one uses craft he is not fit to command the empire.

Interpretation:

There is a common saying, "The wise are not learned and the learned are not wise. This stanza may be seen as comparison between learning for the sake of control and learning to be content. We are can easily imagine a scatterbrained scientist who has memorized thousands of species names and endless details about birds but cannot remember to take care of a pet. Then there is the person who has lived in nature and knows nothing of the names or scientific details of animals but can raise them and love them as family. How does the second man, the wise man, acquire this ability? By being still and observing. Listening rather than doing. This can be seen as the message of this chapter.

Stanza one points out the difference between the person who seeks intellectual knowledge and the the person who seek the Dao.

The second stanza observes that the intellectual eventually fails. This can be seen to say that the intellectual who is out of touch with the natural wisdom of listening and non-doing cannot value what he learns

Chapter 47: Seeing Within

2012-03-07T01:20:00.000-08:00

For this chapter we will use Susuki's translation:

"Without passing out of the gate The world's course I prognosticate. Without peeping through the window
The heavenly Reason I contemplate. The further one goes, The less one knows."

Therefore the holy man does not travel, and yet he has knowledge. He does not see things, and yet he defines them. He does not labor, and yet he completes.

Interpretation:

Since the Daoist seeks to understand the world and life from the place before form, they need not trave to seek knowledge, by looking within, he can seek the structures and forms that lie beneath for. If you look to the place before yen and yan, before light and dark, you look also to the place before here and there. From this place before, all forms that rise from the Tao seem natural and understandable without study or intellectual understanding.

Stanza one observes that the knowledge of the dao comes from still contemplation not movement. The last stanza, "the further one goes, the less one knows." Can be interpreted to mean any movement, study, thought, away from still contemplation.

The second stanza tells us the benefits of seeking this stillness. Internal knowledge, understanding, and wu wei, completion through non-action.

Chapter 46: Contentment

2012-03-05T03:35:00.000-08:00

When the world yields to Dao, race horses will be used to haul manure. When the world ignores Dao war horses are pastured on the public common.

There is no sin greater than desire. There is no misfortune greater than discontent. There is no calamity greater than acquisitiveness.

Therefore to know extreme contentment is simply to be content.

Interpretation:

It is sometimes surprising how many people have never examined what and why they desire. For example, there are very many people in the world who, when you greet them, will immediately and consistently tell you what is wrong, with them, with the weather, with the world. Since they tend to always respond this way, they must have some desire. They must be seeking some gratification. But what? And why?

This chapter is perhaps the most accessible to the western mind. It begins with an observation of social behavior and then personalizes it.

The first stanza observes that horses can serve prosperous ends when Dao is followed but destructive ends when it is not.

The second stanza states clearly that it is desire, (and the Buddha might add, "the inability to acquire what we desire) that keeps us discontent.

The third stanza might be interpreted as "contentment comes from being happy for no reason. always we want things, the weekend, the new TV, the better job. How do we feel when we are experiencing a simple pleasure? petting the dog? Combing long hair slowly? Is it possible to feel content simply for the sake of feeling content without any stimuli?

Chapter 45: Finding Vigor

2012-02-25T03:34:00.000-08:00

For this chapter we will use Legge's Translation:

Who thinks his great achievements poor Shall find his vigour long endure. Of greatest fulness, deemed a void, Exhaustion ne'er shall stem the tide.

Do thou what's straight still crooked deem; Thy greatest art still stupid seem, And eloquence a stammering scream.

Constant action overcomes cold; being still overcomes heat. Purity and stillness give the correct law to all under heaven.

Interpretation:

Here the author talks about finding strength and remaining strong.

In the first stanza they make the observation, as they have before that being proud of your achievements will exhaust you. They also point out that those who are happy with nothing, "filled with a void" are not easily tired.

Legge occasionally chose to rhyme his translation of the Dao and Stanza two is an example. There is no reference to screaming of outcry of any kind in other translations of this chapter. What the translations do seem to agree on is that, when you follow the natural path, your way will seem crooked. This can be understood to mean that a Daoist uses least energy, holds his vigor, by following the lines of least resistance in life. Or at least choosing paths free of unnecessary conflict.

The third stanza may be seen to be somewhat cleverly pointing out that seemingly opposite actions can be best in different circumstances. If it's cold out, keeping busy will keep you warm. On the other hand, if it's hot, finding a shaded corner to rest in will help you cool down. How often are the rules of life fixed? How often to they require adaptation to the moment?

Chapter 44: Moderation

2012-02-22T04:46:00.000-08:00

Which is nearer, a name or a person? Which is more, personality or treasure? Is it more painful to gain or to suffer loss?

Extreme indulgence certainly greatly wastes. Much hoarding certainly invites severe loss.

A contented person is not despised. One who knows when to stop is not endangered; he will be able therefore to continue.

Interpretation:

This chapter makes the point that having to much of anything invites disaster.

In the "classic" style of the Tao teh Ching, the first stanza asks a series of questions. Do you feel closer to a person or to that persons name? In other words, do titles matter more than the personality of the person? Do you value people or treasure more? Everyone enjoys gaining, is the pleasure more than the pain of loss?

The second stanza observes that if you indulge, you almost certainly waste and that gathering together more than you need invites loss. A small house is easy to keep in order, but who can keep track of all that comes and goes from a mansion. More importantly, contentment never comes to those who are always fearful that they will lose what they have.

The third stanza finds two benefits to moderation. First, the person who is not always longing does not make enemies. Second, the person who knows when to stop does not put himself in danger. These two create an opening for a good and long life within the bounds of moderation.

Chapter 43: The Benefit of Non-Action (Wu Wei)

2012-02-19T04:57:00.000-08:00

For this chapter we will use Legge's translation:

The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest;

That which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice.

I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose). There are few in the world who attain to the teaching without words, and the advantage arising from non-action.

Interpretation:

This chapter returns to the concept of Wu Wie, the idea that inaction is often the best action.

The first stanza can be seen to be describing the action of water which, though it has no form of its own can overcome or wear down anything having a set form.

The second stanza curiously parallels quantum physics which has discovered a range of massless or near massless particles capable of passing through solid matter as if it were transparent. The same can be said to a lesser extent of radio signals, x-rays and other massless energy forms.

The third stanza suggests that non-action results in the ability to penetrate seemingly intractable problems. Can you think of an example where direct opposition to a problem was ineffective but waiting would have created an opening?

Chapter 41: The Dangers of Power

2012-02-17T03:39:00.000-08:00

For this Chapter we will use Legge's Translation:

The Dao produced One; One produced Two; Two produced Three; Three produced All things.

All things leave behind them the Obscurity (out of which they have come), and go forward to embrace the Brightness (into which they have emerged), while they are harmonised by the Breath of Vacancy.

What men dislike is to be orphans, to have little virtue, to be as carriages without naves; and yet these are the designations which kings and princes use for themselves. So it is that some things are increased by being diminished, and others are diminished by being increased.

What other men (thus) teach, I also teach.

The violent and strong do not die their natural death. I will make this the basis of my teaching.

Interpretation:

This chapter may be seen to have an inverted structure will the earlier stanza used to build to the final line.

In stanzas one the author reminds us that all form rises from the formless.

The translation of stanza two is somewhat in doubt. Some translators translate this stanza to mean that all things have positive and negative attributes which are held in balance buy the unmanifested nature of the Dao. Susuki translates it this way:

"The ten thousand things are sustained by Yin [the negative principle]; they are encompassed by Yang [the positive principle], and the immaterial breath renders them harmonious."

This translation seems more likely because it ties more clearly to the overall message.

After having asserted that all things have positive and negative attributes, the author goes on to assert that some negative (or weak) attributes are actually desirable. The example he gives is from an earlier chapter where they pointed out that humility, in this case claiming low station, is advantageous for rulers.

Finally, the author says that they, like other teachers before, will teach that seeking only to be strong and violent will not grant you long life.

The overall message of this stanza can be read thus: All things rise from the Dao with both positive and negative (strengthening and weakening, or expressive and receptive) properties. Even the strongest of use find use for the weakest tools. Therefor, those who seek only power and violence doom themselves.

Or, as has been stated many times before, a balanced life is best.

Chapter 42: Leaving Concepts Behind

2012-02-15T03:37:00.000-08:00

The superior scholar when he considers Dao earnestly practices it;

An average scholar listening to Dao sometimes follows it and sometimes loses it;

An inferior scholar listening to Dao ridicules it. Were it not thus ridiculed it could not be regarded as Dao.

Therefore the writer says:

Those who are most illumined by Dao are the most obscure. Those advanced in Dao are most retiring. Those best guided by Dao are the least prepossessing.

The high in virtue (de [teh]) resemble a lowly valley; the whitest are most likely to be put to shame; the broadest in virtue resemble the inefficient.

The most firmly established in virtue resemble the remiss. The simplest chastity resembles the fickle, the greatest square has no corner,

the largest vessel is never filled. The greatest sound is void of speech, the greatest form has no shape.

Tao is obscure and without name, and yet it is precisely this Dao that alone can give and complete.

Interpretation:

In this notoriously obscure chapter, the author may be seen to be challenging us to "be" rather than to "do" to "experience" rather than to "know."

The first three stanzas make what seem like logical assertions. A disciplined person will practice the Dao religiously. A mediocre person with practice the Dao when they remember it. And a fool laughs when told about the Dao. Then comes a most startling sentence. It appears to say that the fools laughter is the only true proof of Dao. Why would the author say this? Surely the scholar has the most access, the most correct understanding of the Dao.

Understanding of the author's meaning and a gateway to deeper contact with the Tao may be found in the realization the Tao te Ching is about life at its most natural, its simplest state. All of nature, trees, cows, dogs, planets have their own nature and are able to experience existing purely and without hesitation. Only humans, in our experience of the universe thus far, cling to concepts and ideas. Try explaining to your dog why it is important to vote democrat or republican in the next election and you'll begin to see what I mean. He will not explain to you that chasing squirrels is more important. He will however follow his nature and miss the election, gleefully chasing squirrels all afternoon.

This head full of concepts is useful. Humans have incredible control over their environment but they suffer for their concepts. There is no separation from nature. The walls of our houses are made from timber and gypsum. The floors from gravel and lime. Even the plastic cases of our computers are made of natural materials welded together using the natural forces of heat and pressure. Yet a human will sit in the middle of the Dao, the middle of this house made of the universe around him and say, "I need to get back to nature."

If you can see that this person is constantly surrounded by nature and is actually asking to get away from his endless sea of concepts and back to the inherent flow of the Universe, then you can begin to understand the laughter of the fool. Even objects that seem very real to us are still bound by our concepts. To us a road is clearly a means of travel, but this solid identity is still bound to our concepts. To the turtle, whose feet are its means of travel, the road becomes a good place to warm yourself in the morning.

So the wise man makes a concept of the Doa, studies it vigorously and never gains any joy from it. The fool, on the other hand, is free of concepts, is living the direct experience of life. When he is told of the Tao, he laughs, because he is being offered a concept. He doesn't need concepts because he is already joyously following his nature.

So, how do we abandon our pursuit of the concept Dao and begin to experience it directly? The author makes some suggestions.

In stanza four the author observes that true followers of Tao are obscure. They have no title or rank, no conceptual identity. The are simply living their lives.

In stanza five he adds that success and high accomplishment are not needed to be at one with the Dao.

Stanza six reminds us that things like chastity and virtue are also concepts. The phrase the "the greatest square has no corner." clues us to remember that all concepts fall short of their goal.

Stanza seven extends the virtue of conceptlessness out to the boundaries of the physical universe, back to the unmanifested, pure Dao. Here, they say in stanza seven, is the completeness we all feel deep inside us.

How do we move away from ideas and questions? How do we stop reading and writing, making concepts of the Dao, and start living it? What would we say and do, if we had no concepts?

The Tao te Ching Chapter 40: Being at Rest

2012-02-14T00:19:00.000-08:00

Text:

Retirement is characteristic of Dao just as weakness appears to be a characteristic of its activity.

Heaven and earth and everything are produced from existence, but existence comes from nonexistence.

Interpretation:

It is often difficult for people to understand that the Tao te Ching clearly recommends doing nothing as a useful activity. We do hold the clue to this in our society however. Many of us wait anxiously for the weekend or lunch break or any time that we can "zone out" for a while. These moments of peaceful inactivity are as essential to our ability to live effectively as our moments of activity. The Tao te Ching may be said to embrace this notion. This chapter may be interpreted to say, Relaxing is very healthy.

The first stanza observes that the Tao lies at rest and reiterates the earlier theme that the Tao appears weak.

The second stanza observes that everything thing that is (and is active) came from the formlessness of the Dao (and was inactive.) Perhaps this can be interpreted to mean that the state of rest is the true form of the universe at its core.

The Tao te Ching Chapter 39: Keeping The Self Healthy

2012-01-31T05:12:00.000-08:00

It has been said of old, only those who attain unity attain self-hood. . . .

Heaven attained unity and thereby is space. Earth attained unity, thereby it is solid. Spirit attained unity, thereby it became mind. Valleys attained unity, therefore rivers flow down them. All things have unity and thereby have life. Princes and kings as they attain unity become standards of conduct for the nation. And the highest unity is that which produces unity.

If heaven were not space it might crack, if earth were not solid it might bend. If spirits were not unified into mind they might vanish, if valleys were not adapted to rivers they would be parched. Everything if it were not for life would burn up. Even princes and kings if they overestimate themselves and cease to be standards will presumably fall.

Therefore nobles find their roots among the commoners; the high is always founded upon the low. The reason why princes and kings speak of themselves as orphans, inferiors and unworthy, is because they recognize that their roots run down to the common life; is it not so?

If a carriage goes to pieces it is no longer a carriage, its unity is gone.

A true self-hood does not desire to be overvalued as a gem, nor to be undervalued as a mere stone.

Interpretation:

This chapter turns the issue of balance into to look at the individual. How do we with all of life's stress and change maintain a healthy sense of who we are?

The author's answer lies in the issue of balance.

The first stanza may be seen as saying that each of the names objects, space, mind, etc. does not stand as a single object but is a unification of several components together.

The second stanza goes on to observe that this union creates the properties of the objects. So, for example, if the unity of Earth is disturbed, as for example by heating the rock until it become lava, then it is no longer suitable for walking on. The disturbance of its unity has made it both too hot and too liquid to useful in the ways we find Earth useful.

The third stanza repeats a caution heard time and again int the Tao te Ching, high and low, good and bad, create each other. In this context this may be taken to mean that the balance of union is to be found in the place that is neither high nor low.

The fourth stanza, though very short, is one of this blogger's very favorites. "If a carriage goes to pieces, it is no longer a carriage. Looked at in depth, this line shows us that a car is only a car because we perceive this union of metal an rubber as a car. If we change the state enough, we will cease to see it as a car. It will have lost the balance. The question rises, is a possible for anything to be in an of itself, or do we only ever perceive unions of objects in transition? This is the key to the Buddha's teaching on interdependent origination. Interesting that it is mirrored here. Can you think of other places this teaching exists?

The final stanza is a small bit of an adjustment from earlier chapters. Having earlier repeated many times that the ego dangerously overestimates the self, this stanza brings that view into balance with the comment that we should also not consider ourselves to only be a stone.

The Tao Te Ching Chapter 38: Being Genuine

2012-01-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

For this Chapter we will use Legge's translation:

(Those who) possessed in highest degree the attributes (of the Dao) did not (seek) to show them, and therefore they possessed them (in fullest measure). (Those who) possessed in a lower degree those attributes (sought how) not to lose them, and therefore they did not possess them (in fullest measure)

(Those who) possessed in the highest degree those attributes did nothing (with a purpose), and had no need to do anything. (Those who) possessed them in a lower degree were (always) doing, and had need to be so doing.

(Those who) possessed the highest benevolence were (always seeking) to carry it out, and had no need to be doing so. (Those who) possessed the highest righteousness were (always seeking) to carry it out, and had need to be so doing.

(Those who) possessed the highest (sense of) propriety were (always seeking) to show it, and when men did not respond to it, they bared the arm and marched up to them.

Thus it was that when the Dao was lost, its attributes appeared; when its attributes were lost, benevolence appeared; when benevolence was lost, righteousness appeared; and when righteousness was lost, the proprieties appeared.

Now propriety is the attenuated form of leal-heartedness and good faith, and is also the commencement of disorder; swift apprehension is (only) a flower of the Dao, and is the beginning of stupidity.

Thus it is that the Great man abides by what is solid, and eschews what is flimsy; dwells with the fruit and not with the flower. It is thus that he puts away the one and makes choice of the other.

Interpretation:

One of the longest chapters in the Tao te Ching, Chapter 38 is also one of the easiest to interpret.

Here the author makes the observation that those who understand the Dao often do not show it and, conversely, those who seek to demonstrate their daoism, (or any other virtue) do not fully understand the way. The first stanza states exactly that.

The second stanza can be described as wu wei. Those who are masters at the dao do not need to act in order to be so. It is simply their nature to be acting in accordance with the way.

The third stanza can be seen at a statement on the true nature of caring. Consider the person who helps another person but the person receiving the help does not respond with praise for the helper. If the helper is solely motivated by the urge to help another person, they do not need praise. If they seek glorification for their good deed, they are at least partly motivated by ego and self seeking.

The master taoist is the same. he or she never seeks praise for being a master taoist. It is simply who they are.

The fourth stanza contrasts the previous two stanza with person who is self serving. If they do not receive the praise they believe they deserve, they will become angry.

The fifth stanza refers to a time when the Tao simply was. In this time there would have been no conditions or states described as the Tao. The Tao simply was. The following is a progression that can be seen as a very human descent from a state of grace, to one of rules, to one of meaningless ritual.

The fifth stanza states bluntly that moving away from natural alignment with the Dao is not wise.

Finally, the author reminds us that the Taoist sticks to what is real and practical and stays away from needless flash and showiness.

The Tao te Ching Chapter 37: Leading Naturally

2012-01-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

Tao is apparently inactive (wu wei) and yet nothing remains undone. If princes and kings desire to keep) everything in order, they must first reform themselves. (If princes and kings would follow the example of Dao, then all things will reform themselves.

If they still desire to change, I would pacify them by the simplicity of the ineffable Dao.

This simplicity will end desire, and if desire be absent there is quietness. All people will of themselves be satisfied.

Interpretation:

This chapter is again about the rule of people but may also be interpreted as advice on management of the self as well.

It is important to note, here as in other chapters, the author does not indicate that the Tao does not act. Wu wei suggests natural action rather than action inspired by desire. The practitioner of Wu wei will stay at rest unless and until they are motivated, they will act in accordance with the need and then return to rest without claiming credit or glory for themselves. There was a television show once about sailors in Indonesia. It described their actions this way; "I never heard Captain Tundry give an order but the crew responded at once to the needs of the ship." A very wu wei sort of leadership and crew and very much the message of this Chapter.

The first stanza restates the function of wu wei and observes that, like Captain Tundry's crew, the people with respond with wu wei to a leader who practices wu wei.

The second stanza may be interpreted to mean the the author advocates the teach of Tao, or that Tao can be used like television to keep the masses at rest.

The third stanza agrees that a desireless person or nation will remain at rest and that people can of their own accord remain at peace.

The Tao te Ching Chapter 36: Understanding The Rising and Falling

2012-01-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

That which has a tendency to contract must first have been extended; that which has a tendency to weaken itself must first have been strong; that which shows a tendency to destroy itself must first have been raised up; that which shows a tendency to scatter must first have been gathered.

This is the explanation of a seeming contradiction: the tender and yielding conquer the rigid and strong.

The fish would be foolish to seek escape from its natural environment. There is no gain to a nation to compel by a show of force.

Interpretation:

This chapter is one of the cases where the Tao te Ching is so obvious that many people miss the point and so the value.

The first stanza may be taken to say that all things have an origin. No balloon ever popped that was not first blown up. No tree ever grew strong that was not first a seedling.

The second stanza makes a subtle but very important point. That which is young and flexible tends to overcome the strong. For example: Stone yields to the prying of tender tree roots. The new movable type printing press allowed the people of France to communicate quickly and freely and so spawned the French Revolution and the end of the centuries old Monarchy. Can you think of an example where something tender and yielding overcame something rigid? Water beneath the foundation of a house perhaps.

The interpretation of the third stanza is more challenging. The first in the first sentence may be said to be the nation in the second sentence. Perhaps the author means to suggest that "compelling by a show of force" is not the natural environment for a nation. If this is not the natural manner of action for a nation, what is?

The Tao te Ching Chapter 35: The Quiet Master

2012-01-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

For this chapter we will use Legge's translation

To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Dao), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him, and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feeling of ease.

Music and dainties will make the passing guest stop (for a time). But though the Dao as it comes from the mouth, seems insipid and has no flavour, though it seems not worth being looked at or listened to, the use of it is inexhaustible.

Interpretation

This small and straight forward chapter holds many clues about how to be and recognize a great person.

The first stanza makes the observation that those who understand the Tao are safe, good friends who will bring comfort to those around them.

The second stanza can be seen to be making a more subtle point. It says that while "music and dainties" can attract a person for a short time, the seemingly insignificant Dao has unlimited uses.

It seems strange in a society dedicated to always having more to consider the value of nothing. There are some clues to this in western culture. Consider "deep listening" the practice of sitting with those in crisis and listening to their story without directing or judging. Consider the young child, who when they lose their temper, is allowed to sit in a quiet room rather than being punished. Consider the value of a quiet walk in the park after a hectic days work. Truly nothing can be as valuable as something!

Perhaps the author means to suggest that you may know a great person, someone filled by the Tao by the fact that they do not require anything from you. "Music and dainties" can be seen and any entertainment and distraction. The phone call from the television company offering you another hundred channels is appealing but would you not rather have a call from a friend who can listen without complaint to your troubles?

Understanding the Tao te Ching Chapter 34: The Greatest is Smallest

2012-01-17T05:08:00.000-08:00

For this chapter we will use Legge's translation:

All-pervading is the Great Dao! It may be found on the left hand and on the right.

All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to them, not one refusing obedience to it. When its work is accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it. It clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being their lord;--it may be named in the smallest things. All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so;--it may be named in the greatest things.

Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can accomplish them.

Interpretation:

This chapter brings together and restates many of the earlier chapters.

In the first stanza the author makes what can be seen as an important comment on an earlier chapter. Earlier, the author said that left (wisdom) is preferable to right (strength.) This is however, only in the context of the conduct of people. Now the author switches focus back to the Dao itself so they first say, (The Dao) "may be found on the left hand and on the right" or The Dao is found in all things.

In the second stanza, the author points out again that the Tao is the source of all things, clothes all things, gives all things shape. But they also point out that the Tao desires no credit for this, no reward. It never draws attention to itself. In this way it is both greatest and least of all things.

The third stanza states plainly that the wise person acts the same way. Though the can accomplish great things, he requests and requires no status or reward. It is through remaining small, like the Dao, that he achieves greatness, also like the Tao.

There is a clear parallel between this stanza and a comment made several times in the Bible by Jesus. For example Mark 9:35: " "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Does this message appear in other great teachings? Why do you think this parallel exists?

Understanding the Tao te Ching Chapter 33: Enlightening Yourself

2012-01-16T06:48:00.000-08:00

For this Chapter we will use Susuki's Translation:

One who knows others is clever, but one who knows himself is enlightened. One who conquers others is powerful, but one who conquers himself is mighty. One who knows contentment is rich and one who pushes with vigor has will.

One who loses not his place endures. One who may die but will not perish, has life everlasting.

Interpretation:

Here the author speaks directly about the benefits to the individual of taoist behavior.

The two sentences of the first stanza seem generally well understood. Happiness and unhappiness are conditions of our own existence. Understanding others, learning to manipulate others can never be as effective as addressing the sources of happiness and unhappiness in ourselves.

The first part of the stanza also seems clear and is common in western thought. If you are content you have all the riches you need. The second half of the stanza is somewhat in doubt however. It is not clear from this translation whether "will" is a desirable thing to have.

The original text reads this way:

自勝者強

And may suggest that a person of great will is better able to live with contentment. Or perhaps seek enlightenment within.

The second stanza hints at a common trait among taoist. Most who follow the Tao do not fear death. It is as naturally a part of the natural order as is birth. The rising and falling of all things, even the self is seen as right and natural. Perhaps this view can be understood by seeing that the taoist does not view himself as separate from the world around him. An iceberg is still water, does it make sense that the iceberg should be prevented from melting back into the ocean as it passes into warmer water? The Taoist does not die, he or she moves from form to form as is natural.

The Tao te Ching Chapter 32: The Nature of the Tao

2012-01-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

Tao in its eternal aspect is unnamable.

Its simplicity appears insignificant, but the whole world cannot control it. If princes and kings employ it every one of themselves will pay willing homage. Heaven and Earth by it are harmoniously combined and drop sweet dew. People will have no need of rulers, because of themselves they will be righteous.

As soon as Dao expresses itself in orderly creation then it becomes comprehensible. When one recognizes the presence of Dao he understands where to stop. Knowing where to stop he is free from danger.

To illustrate the nature of Dao's place in the universe: Dao is like the brooks and streams in their relation to the great rivers and the ocean.

Interpretation:

It is sometimes difficult to explain to western thinkers that you are describing something that cannot be grasped by thought. In chapter 1 of the Tao te Ching, the author tells us that the originating force of the universe has no name or face. Perhaps it is easiest to think about it like this; The Tao is the experience of the universe happening, thoughts and words are a way of describing the universe happening. Wanting now to talk directly about the Tao again, the author begins this chapter with a reminder that that which we are describing is the unnamed force behind all things.

The second stanza makes several statements. I says that it is easy to overlook the power of the Tao but those who see its use willingly offer loyalty to it. The third sentence can be taken to mean the "sweet" or perhaps "goodness" fall naturally from it. The final sentence observes that those who follow Dao need no rulers since they themselves will be of good heart and honest nature.

The third stanza says that when the Dao begins to take form, it becomes understandable to the human mind. Seeing the Dao behind all things gives one insight into when to stop acting, thus protecting them from danger.

The third stanza may seem to say that the Dao is like brooks and streams, smaller than rivers, but probably should be taken to mean, comes before. If there were not brooks and streams, there would be no rivers and oceans. Although we cannot see the stream when we look at the river, we know it must be there.

Understanding the Tao te Ching Chapter 31: Avoiding Warfare

2012-01-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Even successful arms, among all implements, are unblessed. All men come to detest them. Therefore the one who follows Dao does not rely on them. Arms are of all tools unblessed, they are not the implements of a wise man. Only as a last resort does he use them.

In propitious affairs the place of honor is the left, but in unpropitious affairs we honor the right.

Peace and quietude are esteemed by the wise man, and even when victorious he does not rejoice, because rejoicing over a victory is the same as rejoicing over the killing of men. If he rejoices over killing men, do you think he will ever really master the Empire?

The strong man while at home esteems the left as the place of honor, but when armed for war it is as though he esteems the right hand, the place of less honor. Thus a funeral ceremony is so arranged. The place of a subordinate army officer is also on the left and the place of his superior officer is on the right. The killing of men fills multitudes with sorrow; we lament with tears because of it, and rightly honor the victor as if he was attending a funeral ceremony.

Interpretation:

This chapter again cautions against the use of violence to resolve conflicts. Specifically, it is opposed to weapons.

Stanza one says that all weapons, even very good ones, are undesirable. It is important to note, that the author does not say a wise man would never use one, only that their use is the "last resort."

Stanza to becomes clear when we understand that, in Chinese culture, the left hand is considered wise and the right hand strong. If a Chinese person has a left handed child, it is considered a sign that that child will be smart. So this stanza is a comment that wisdom is preferred over strength.

The third stanza says that even when a wise man is victorious (presumably in an issue of violence) he does not rejoice. It goes on to question whether or not violence really brings control. Perhaps it is wise to consider whether or not it is possible to kill without building resentment among the survivors.

The final stanza restates the earlier comments and observes that the winner in battle is in a no happier place than a man attending a funeral.

There is an apparent paradox in the chapter because killing is natural and part of the Dao for many creatures. Perhaps the author is observing that killing is not natural for humans or at least not for humans in the context of society.

Understanding the Tao te Ching 30: The Dangers of Violence

2012-01-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

When the magistrate follows Dao, he has no need to resort to force of arms to strengthen the Empire, because his business methods alone will show good returns.

Briars and thorns grow rank where an army camps. Bad harvests are the sequence of a great war. The good ruler will be resolute and then stop, he dare not take by force.

One should be resolute but not boastful; resolute but not haughty; resolute but not arrogant; resolute but yielding when it cannot be avoided; resolute but he must not resort to violence.

By a resort to force, things flourish for a time but then decay. This is not like the Dao and that which is not Dao-like will soon cease.

Interpretation:

While the taoist sees that nature creates and allows to decay all things, the author cautions that resorting to violence as a policy in conduct of the kingdom, is expensive and dangerous.

The first stanza observes that the business of the Empire can be conducted without violence.

The second stanza observes that destruction follows the army. The author uses examples from classical Chinese warfare, thorns and bad harvest where army have occupied and lands have not been attended.

The third stanza acknowledges the rulers need to be strong but not violent. It again cautions against the ego. Is it possible that ego is the seed of violence?

The translation of the third stanza is in doubt and the available translations disagree strongly on its meaning. Certainly the first sentence is in keeping with the theme of the chapter; the apparent success of violence is followed by swift decay.

The last sentence however is problematic. While the Dao is eternal, all things of form do rise and then decay. This is the natural order. The original text reads this way:

物壯則老，是謂不道，不道早已。

The phrase, "是謂不道" can be read, "Things strengthening through affection"

Perhaps the author wishes to say that "strengthening through affection" is the natural way rather than through violence.

Understanding the Tao te Ching Chapter 29: Wu Wei

2012-01-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

For this chapter we will use Susuki's translation:

When one desires to take in hand the empire and make it, I see him not succeed. The empire is a divine vessel which cannot be made. One who makes it, mars it. One who takes it, loses it.

And it is said of beings:
" Some are obsequious, others move boldly, Some breathe warmly, others coldly, Some are strong and others weak, Some rise proudly, others sneak."

Therefore the holy man abandons excess, he abandons extravagance, he abandons indulgence.

Interpretation:

One of the key concepts of Taoism, Wu Wei, is explored in this chapter. Wu Wei can be described as having the wisdom to know when to act. It is summed up quite nicely in Reinhold Niebuhr's serenity prayer:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

Knowing that the author favors Wu Wei, this chapter can be interpreted to be a caution against over action.

Stanza one observes that control cannot really be taken. By attempting to do so, we often destroy or change that which we wish to control.

The second stanza observes that humans nature is varied and different people approach issues differently.

The third stanza can be seen as saying, "regardless of your nature, you are wise to limit your interference. Practice Wu Wei.

Understanding the Tao te Ching Ch. 28: Finding Simplicity

2012-01-10T04:45:00.000-08:00

He who knows his manhood and understands his womanhood becomes useful like the valleys of earth (which bring water). Being like the valleys of earth, eternal vitality (de [teh]) will not depart from him, he will come again to the nature of a little child

He who knows his innocence and recognizes his sin becomes the world's model. Being a world's model, infinite de [teh] will not fail, he will return to the Absolute.

He who knows the glory of his nature and recognizes also his limitations becomes useful like the world's valleys. Being like the world'svalleys, eternal de [teh] will not fail him, he will revert to simplicity.

Radiating simplicity he will make of men vessels of usefulness. The wise man then will employ them as officials and chiefs. A great administration of such will harm no one.

Interpretation:

These stanza may be said to represent a ladder of progress toward simple life.

The first stanza suggest that we learn to understand our yin and yang, our expressive and receptive abilities.

The translation of the second stanza is in doubt. The concepts of sin and innocence are not common in Taoism. Legge translates the same stanza this way:

"Who knows how white attracts,
Yet always keeps himself within black's shade,
The pattern of humility displayed,
Displayed in view of all beneath the sky;
He in the unchanging excellence arrayed,
Endless return to man's first state has made."

Translated this way, stanza two becomes a lesson in humility; a common theme in Taoism.

Stanza three returns to to the earlier message of the "glory" found within all things that arise from the Tao but reminds us to balance that with our limited nature. The combination of these three attributes; balance of yin and yang, humility, and glory matched to ability leads to a simple life.

The fourth stanza observes that a person skilled in these three skills can be of great use as leaders because they will not desire to harm anyone.

Understanding the Tao te Ching Chapter 27: Compassion for All

2012-01-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

Good walkers leave no tracks, good speakers make no errors, good counters need no abacus, good wardens have no need for bolts and locks for no one can get by them. Good binders can dispense with rope and cord, yet none can unloose their hold.

Therefore the wise man trusting in goodness always saves men, for there is no outcast to him. Trusting in goodness he saves all things for there is nothing valueless to him. This is recognizing concealed values.

Therefore the good man is the instructor of the evil man, and the evil man is the good man's wealth. He who does not esteem his instructors or value his wealth, though he be otherwise intelligent, becomes confused. Herein lies the significance of spirituality.

Interpretation:

The first stanza of the chapter observes that, when you are very good at a thing, it can sometimes appear as if you are not doing it at all. You have made it your nature.

The second stanza observes that a wise man chooses compassion. Choose to include all people in his scope of care. This is in keeping with earlier messages in the Tao te ching. Since we all rise from the same source, can we say that one of us is more or less worth of care "saving?"

Translations of the final stanza vary widely. Looking at the characters:

不善人者，善人之資。不貴
其師，不愛其資，雖智大迷，是謂要妙。

the first line does clearly state that the "bad" or "not to be looked down on" person is the wise person's treasure. The second sentence may or may not agree with Goddard's translation. The character 不 is negative and seems to suggest that the wise man does not 愛 "love" his treasure. Perhaps in light of earlier chapters on non-attachment this stanza is meant to suggest that the wise man values all men but does not become attached to them.

Understanding the Tao te Ching Chapter 26: Remaining Calm

2012-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

The heavy is the root of the light; the quiet is master of motion.

Therefore the wise man in all the experience of the day will not depart from dignity. Though he be surrounded with sights that are magnificent, he will remain calm and unconcerned.

How does it come to pass that the Emperor, master of ten thousand chariots, has lost the mastery of the Empire? Because being flippant himself, he has lost the respect of his subjects; being passionate himself, he has lost the control of the Empire.

Interpretation:

Here the author ties the issue of opposites to individual life. We know from earlier chapters that light and dark make each other, and the neither good nor evil can exist without the other. So if we wish to remain on the path, how do we react to the events around us? Too much excitement and we lose control, too much control and we lose passion. The author suggests to us that we do not overreact to any experience that we have. When the author asks how the master of the chariots can lose mastery of the kingdom, we can read them to say, if we cannot master our own responses, we cannot control the world around us.

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Understanding the Tao te Ching Chapter 25: The Greatness of All Things

2012-01-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

25.

There is Being that is all-inclusive and that existed before Heaven and Earth. Calm, indeed, and incorporeal! It is alone and changeless!

Everywhere it functions unhindered. It thereby becomes the world's mother. I do not know its nature; if I try to characterize it, I will call it Dao.

If forced to give it a name, I will call it the Great. The Great is evasive, the evasive is the distant, the distant is ever coming near.

Tao is Great. So is Heaven great, and so is Earth and so also is the representative of Heaven and Earth.

Man is derived from nature, nature is derived from Heaven, Heaven is derived from Dao. Dao is self-derived.

Interpretation:

What existed the moment before the big bang? It did not know time, it did not know space or movement. Does that mean there was nothing there? The Christians call the force from the time before time God. The first stanzas of the Bible are very similar to the the first stanza here.

"1 In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."

The second stanza asserts that the Tao, being unlimited acts without limitation and is the source of all things.

In the third stanza, the author makes a strange statement. They say, "The Great (tao) is evasive and distant, the distant is ever coming near." Why do you think the author would describe the Tao as "distant" and "ever coming near" when they in the same chapter make the observation that all things are part of the Tao?

The final two stanzas assert a message that at first seems to disagree with the earlier statements about the ego. Here the author says that all things are great and possessed of greatness by their nature. They are all of the Dao and the Dao is great, therefor all of us are great also.

Knowing that the author believe that serving the ego (asserting greatness) is contrary to the way, how are we to take this new message of greatness? Can we have greatness without ego? What does this greatness mean is a world where all things are also suffused with this greatness? Does this message parallel Jesus' sermon on the mount? Does it differ?