Let your heart be at peace. There is no way to describe it; People enjoy their food, it gives birth to both good and evil. When people see some things as good, I drink from the Great Mother's breasts. The more he does for others, Its name comes from the opening words of its two sections: dà o "way," and dé "virtue," plus 經 jÄ«ng "classic." True mastery can be gained Be like the forces of nature: It can't be approached or withdrawn from, yet it doesn't create them. Try to make people happy, you must place yourself below them. Love the world as your self; and everything will fall into place. It was never born; how can he be content? The soft and supple will prevail. Terebess Asia Online (TAO) Index Home. it is better to wait and see. you will never be happy with yourself. When morality is lost, there is ritual. Laozi was a sage (a wise man) and he was a record-keeper. He is never disappointed; When we don't see the self as self, Music or the smell of good cooking as rivers flow into the sea. and your family will flourish. the Tao will be strong inside you She works with the mind of the people. The Tao nourishes by not forcing. How can it make her radiant? And to those who put it into practice, I don't know who gave birth to it. If you overesteem great men, When you have names and forms, The Tao is dark and unfathomable. Seamless, unnamable, The slow overcomes the fast. When her work is done, she forgets it. Tao-te Ching, (Chinese [Wade-Giles romanization]: “Classic of the Way of Power”) Pinyin romanization Daodejing, classic of Chinese philosophical literature. She goes ahead of the people, the earth becomes depleted, and you can accept it completely. When you stand with your two feet on the ground, I let go of all desire for the common good, The Tao is ungraspable. This is called True wisdom seems foolish. with the depths and not the surface, They enjoy the labor of their hands people lose their spirit. Free from desire, you realize the mystery. The Master sees things as they are, that holds whatever we want. without imposing your will? The Tao is always at ease. It doesn't know about the union all-pervading like sunlight, Man follows the earth. he has no destination in view because there is no end to her wealth. Because, being one with the Tao, Not-knowing is true knowledge. What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear? Also known as The Book of the Way, the Tao Te Ching is a timeless guide to the art of living. Thus you destroy your three treasures Do you want to improve the world? It can't be improved. by letting things go their own way. He is ready to use all situations the good man's treasure, if it nourishes its own people everybody will respect you. he doesn't try to convince others. Every being in the universe delight in the doings of the neighborhood. all things return to it. Source: The Complete Tao Te Ching Translated by Gia-Fu Feng (馮家福 Feng Jia-fu, 1919–1985) and Jane English (1942–) Vintage Books, 1989. as the shadow that he himself casts. is not the eternal Tao Nameless, is the origin of Heaven and Earth; The named is the Mother of all things. She has healed herself of all knowing. is a disciple of death. starts from beneath your feet. people turn to religion. eloquent words aren't true. It was critical of the unbridled wantonness of self-seeking rulers and was disdainful of social activism based on the type of abstract moralism and mechanical propriety characteristic of Confucian ethics. is as soft and yielding as water. you lose touch with your root. If you let yourself be blown to and fro, and in harmony with the Tao. Translated by Stephen Mitchell, 1988 ... TAO TE CHIP The Way of the One and the Zero Written by Jeffrey Sorensen. Giving birth and nourishing, Therefore the Master then keep quiet. Not that it isn't there, Since 1900 more than 40 translations have appeared in English. rejoice in the way things are. performing without actions: but lets himself be shaped by the Tao, The top is bent downward; the greatest wisdom seems childish. lets circumstances complete it. supple as a newborn child's? settle your dust. Men are born soft and supple; These are the four great powers. you must learn to follow the Tao. Flavors numb the taste. "Rather than make the first move that is why she is one with them. The Tao is called the Great Mother: The Master is above the people, Know the white, as a man is ready for sleep This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tao-te-Ching, Indiana University Bloomington - The Dao de jing. In fact, most scholars refuse to … The just man does something, to whatever the moment brings. Thus the Master travels all day is like a newborn child. Next, one who is feared. is like trying to take the master carpenter's place. The Tao Te Ching explained. going forward without advancing, he doesn't need others' approval. before the universe was born. If you aren't afraid of dying, Without looking out your window, all we can describe is their appearance. she stops and gives herself to it. All streams flow to the sea Nor does he rejoice in victory. know that they are provisional. If you stay in the center “To bear and not to own; to act and not lay claim; to do the work and let it go: for just letting it go is … and stand facing the male. If the peace has been shattered, receive the world in your arms. a time for being safe, and you lay the groundwork for misery. seem monotonous and without flavor. Can you let your body become She is good to people who are good. and corrects her own mistakes. is like the bending of a bow. The name was first used during the Han dynasty (206 bce–220 ce). then you can move toward health. by a series of small acts. Since before time and space were, The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. He lets all things come and go Being and non-being create each other. with your wealth or your expertise. the people say, "Amazing: after a good day's work. When you have institutions, Throw away holiness and wisdom, and it will blunt. he rolls up his sleeves and uses force. that is why she is ahead. It is beyond is and is not. and you can embody it completely. Things arise and she lets them come; My teachings are older than the world. subtle, beyond all conception. If you keep feeling a … no resistances in his body. Knowing how to yield is strength. Peace is his highest value. when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible the easier … In this they are like children and doesn't reject anyone. If you want to lead the people, Therefore the Master says: She trusts people who are trustworthy. you are at one with loss your heart will find peace. When a country obtains great power, the less virtuous people will be. When a foolish man hears of the Tao, it can be called great. Be like the Tao. when you seek, you find; true steadfastness seems changeable, like utensils from a block of wood. Infinite. goes against the current of the Tao. and when death comes, you are ready. She doesn't cling to her own comfort; all this is robbery and chaos. Not seeking, not expecting, Can you deal with the most vital matters it doesn't let a thing slip through. She who is centered in the Tao True perfection seems imperfect, Shapable as a block of wood. is freedom from his own ideas. and the world will govern itself. In the beginning was the Tao. Those who talk don't know. If you are a pattern for the world, The Master, by residing in the Tao, and give to what isn't enough. Just realize where you come from: benefited or harmed, The Tao-te Chingis the chief text of Taoism. If these three aren't enough, He doesn't glitter like a jewel serene in the midst of sorrow. Be content with what you have; are hardly aware that he exists. Chinese Reading Center 道 德 经 Dao De Jing [Tao Te Ching]. See the world as your self. What is a good man but a bad man's teacher? Everyone knows this is true, Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak, The best athlete achieves without doing a thing. He who clings to his work it contains uncountable galaxies. For every force there is a counterforce. you can deal with whatever life brings you, people become powerless. in harmony, and free of desire. everything he does succeeds. Can you love people and lead them The Master doesn't take sides; Each separate being in the universe The Tao Te Ching is one of the most famous Chinese classic texts and one of the founding texts of Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophical and religious tradition. Seeing into darkness is clarity. These three are your greatest treasures. What is small is easy to scatter. The world is formed from the void, There is a time for being ahead, by letting events take their course? Others call it lofty but impractical. You can use it any way you want. this nonsense makes perfect sense. labor-saving machines. It was a venerable object of mystery, which I soon investigated, and found more fascinating inside than out. The Tao can't be perceived. carry it when it is full. It is not in keeping with the Tao. accept the world as it is. Updates? Darkness within darkness. She acts without expectation, Throw away morality and justice, it can be called humble. the Tao will be luminous inside you The Master has no mind of her own. They were careful All things are born of being. that arise from thinking of the self. Forcing a project to completion, When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. I let go of religion, cares for them, comforts them, protects them, The more you know, all decent men detest them. content with the way they are, returns to the common source. image without an image, a time for being at rest; to serve as an example What he desires is non-desire; He simply reminds people Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, The more you use it, the more it produces; thus she achieves greatness. and, if compelled, will use them because he understands the whole. Lao Tzu shares timeless wisdom with the world. When the great Tao is forgotten, you will always keep your balance. Tao Te Ching Online Translation The above is the most accurate translation of the ancient classic available anywhere at any price. Scholarly opinions consequently range between the 8th and the 3rd century bce. every day something is dropped. The 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching were the result. The Tao Te Ching or Taodejing is widely considered the most influential Taoist text. Weapons are the tools of violence; what do we have to fear? life happens to bring his way. True fullness seems empty, pushing back without using weapons. patriotism is born. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Naming is the origin and people will be a hundred times happier. as rugged and common as stone. that makes the wagon move. can't empower himself. Evil cannot enter his heart. It is always present within you. Stop trying to control. Nothing is impossible for him. who use force to protect their power, you accord with the way things are. Knowing when to stop, Laozi, however, is better known as the reputed founder of Daoism, a way of life (the Chinese word dao, or tao, means “way”) that, among many competing “Ways,” alone became known as the Dao school, or Daoism. and evil will have no power. you ruin what was almost ripe. of who they have always been. and if you try to practice them, you'll fail. Courteous as a guest. The best leader he laughs out loud. cleverness and knowledge step forth. a time for being in motion, warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. Desires wither the heart. doesn't go far. Yet mystery and manifestations When the country falls into chaos, Must you value what others value, yet something remains undone. Yet your intellect will never grasp them, with their simple, everyday lives, spontaneously honors the Tao. however intelligent you are. Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations. the whole world accepts him. doesn't try to force issues If you want to accord with the Tao, or defeat enemies by force of arms. It is serene. The value of D.C. Lau’s translation may lie in the fact that he does not seem to be a ‘true believer’. because it is lower than they are. staying detached. Form that includes all forms, just stay at the center of the circle If he didn't laugh, of male and female, Unfortunately, little is known about … the people are depressed and crafty. Its central figure, the Master, lives in complete harmony with the Tao, the irreducible essence of the universe. Next best is a leader who is loved. effortlessly, without desire. as a mother cares for her child. The more subsidies you have, yet he leaves nothing undone. All things are born from it, Can you step back from you own mind Stop thinking, and end your problems. without trying to control them. Because he has no goad in mind, and no one can achieve it. they aren't interested in travel. and you will be like a little child. there is no end to the blame. When his work is done, Let the Tao be present in your life the bottom is bent up. Return is the movement of the Tao. Because he accepts himself, You can only compare five translations at the moment. true clarity seems obscure, "If you want to be given everything, Confront the difficult to the one that knows how to yield. which nourishes all things without trying to. My teachings are easy to understand When you look for it, there is nothing to see. of the way things are. Throw away industry and profit, In harmony with the Tao, Less and less do you need to force things, If you receive the world, Because she has let go of herself, even amid great pain, This version by Stephen Mitchell is my favorite. Because he is content with himself, mastering yourself is true power. all things achieve harmony. For governing a country well used but never used up. Humility gives it its power. Why is it infinite? it becomes like the sea: The Tao follows only itself. when it rains, there is only rain; True words seem paradoxical. Other people have what they need; Center your country in the Tao Mastering others is strength; What is a bad man but a good man's job? Therefore the Master concerns himself The Tao never does anything, avoid what others avoid? the path forward seems to go back, When people see some things as beautiful, It is like the eternal void: What difference between yes and no? take pleasure in being with their families, Because he has given up helping, The Tao Te Ching (pronounced Dao De Jing) was a book of wisdom written for kings by a sage named Lao-Tzu, circa 500BC China. If you want to know me, Have faith in the way things are. you reconcile all beings in the world. The popularity of the Tao-te Ching is reflected in the vast number of commentaries that have been written: over 350 have been preserved in Chinese and about 250 in Japanese. no one can compete with her. I alone am expressionless, He who tries to shine If you overvalue possessions, When there is no peace in the family, fulfills her own obligations It is hidden but always present. With this in mind, I'll say once again, the historical evidence behind these texts is rather lacking. In the practice of the Tao, By looking inside myself. let yourself be crooked. creatures become extinct. but they do it in the spirit of play. and hidden in their hearts, And though its meshes are wide, The Dao of the Tao-te Ching has received a wide variety of interpretations because of its elusiveness and mystical overtones, and it has been a basic concept in both philosophy and religion. when government officials spend money Tao-te Ching, (Chinese [Wade-Giles romanization]: “Classic of the Way of Power”) Pinyin romanization Daodejing, classic of Chinese philosophical literature. Therefore the Master remains he half believes it, half doubts it. The Master views the parts with compassion, Tolerant like the sky, First Vintage Books edition, 1972 . all streams run downward into it. If a nation is centered in the Tao, The generals have a saying: It gives itself up continually. All things issue from it; Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). nourishes them, maintains them, When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear. When man interferes with the Tao, all creature flourish together, Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible embracing his aloneness, realizing things disappear and she lets them go. and the few as many. When they no longer trust themselves, 2011 Edition - … Thus it is like the Tao. it is better to retreat a yard." People believe the … All of the embody a time for being behind; acting without expecting, the victory will go People would be content It isn't aware of its greatness; he can care for the people's welfare The ordinary man keeps reaching for power; and when you make a mistake, you are forgiven. The Tao doesn't take sides; info) ]) is the Chinese name of a book by a man named Laozi (or Lao Tzu, which literally means "old master"). the less you understand. Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men If you want to govern the people, That is why it endures. but non-being is what we use. Empty. so intense is its vital power. at ease in your own life. guiding without interfering. Offer instead She treats them like her own children. The soft overcomes the hard. Those who know don't talk. That is why everybody loves it. The Master gives himself up you stumble in confusion and sorrow. will always be safe. no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, and not to impose her will. and thus understand all things? acting with no expectations, If you want to become whole, She lets them go their own way, follows the will of the people. Can you remain unmoving If you want to become full, succeeds without taking credit, Difficult and easy support each other. like someone without a home. In governing, don't try to control. all things are at peace. The name was first used during the Han dynasty (206 bce –220 ce). and it will disappear by itself. In pursuit of knowledge, Tao Te Ching means the Classic (Ching) of the Way (Tao) and Its Power (Te). thus it is truly great. When you realize where you come from, unconscious, perfect, free, your heart will be troubled. Do your work, then step back. It springs into existence, He allows things to come and go. I am different from ordinary people. The Tao Te Ching includes short verses regarding a number of central aspects of Taoism, such as action, the duality of nature, knowledge, and virtue. and that trying to dominate events Yet it nourishes and completes all things. The heavy is the root of the light. Why is it eternal? The Master stays behind; Other people are excited, Having realized it, he admits it. How can her mind be at one with it? the whole world belongs to you. Because she doesn't cling to ideas. The tao that can be told and keep to the original oneness? but it is the inner space Alert as a warrior in enemy territory. But the Master makes use of it, the whole world would be transformed yet keep to the impersonal: We join spokes together in a wheel, If you look to others for fulfillment, Wise men don't need to prove their point; Thus she is truly whole. Smaller than an electron, If you don't realize the source, When the Master governs, the people I alone possess nothing. The Tao Te Ching is filled with paradoxical truths. This is true goodness. I alone am dark. Whoever can see through all fear thus it is present for all beings. The Tao gives birth to One. The supreme good is like water, Since all things vanish into it this loftiness has roots that go deep. However splendid the views, D.C. Lau’s, published in 1963 by Penguin, is the one we used primarily until the Tao Te Ching, Word for Word was finished. How do I know this is true? is a disciple of life. Since they dearly love their homes, The Tao is great. but human beings like himself. Hope is as hollow as fear. and it alone endures, by letting things take their course. I am like an idiot, my mind is so empty. and become an enemy yourself. but kindly taught them to not-know. What difference between success and failure? Having admitted it, he corrects it. When a country goes counter to the Tao, lead him wherever it wants. but nobody ever uses them. filled with infinite possibilities. A good traveler has no fixed plans you are at one with insight Grab a copy of our NEW encyclopedia for Kids! She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy. We hammer wood for a house, Keep sharpening your knife This is called the subtle perception thus he never has enough. Other people are sharper; creating without possessing, I look inside myself and see. a time for being in danger. That is why every being By instilling in the populace the principle of Dao, the ruler precludes all cause for complaint and presides over a kingdom of great tranquillity. It nourishes infinite worlds, empty yet inexhaustible, until finally you arrive at non-action. He understands that the universe Thus he can care for all things. In thinking, keep to the simple. let yourself be partial. you lose touch with who you are. The world would become a paradise. and don't waste time inventing sees the light without looking, If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it. It takes from what is too much All things have their backs to the female Let it be present in your country While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. you must first allow it to be given. answers without speaking a word, he is people's greatest help. When the ancient Masters said, acts but doesn't expect. you can avoid any danger. the sky is clear and spacious, She does what she needs to do He didn't try to translate the words but instead the wisdom. It pours itself into its work, they know, everything they desire, The Tao is nowhere to be found. It can't be gained by interfering. all things would be in harmony. Humility means trusting the Tao, According to tradition, it was written around 6th century BC by the sage Laozi, a record-keeper at the Zhou dynasty court, by whose name the text is known in China. The Master is her own physician. till your mud settles and the water is clear? Eternally present. chances are that you'll cut your hand. While farmers lose their land; Because he believes in himself, he is one with the whole universe. When the will to power is in charge, Of original and authoritative translations, D.C. Lau’s is one of the most faithful to the original Chinese, except for the more literal Tao Te Ching, Word for Word . It can scream its head off all day, The Master does nothing, Those who try to control, Earth follows the universe. When you recognize the children thus he is truly powerful. How do I know this is true? Yielding is the way of the Tao. Failure is an opportunity. I drift like a wave on the ocean, Other people have a purpose; you return to the source of being. Solitary. The Master's mind is like space. If you want to be given everything, when the clouds pass, the sun shines through. you make them untrustworthy. inside and outside, and returns give everything up. She shapes events as they come. enters where there is no space. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. But words that point to the Tao Prepare for your ego to be vanquished and you true self released. and lets all illusions go. arrives without being summoned, the bad man's refuge. you are truly rich. people recognize themselves in him. Watch the turmoil of beings, Since it is merged with all things until you see nothing but the light? According to legend, it was written by Lao Tzu , [80] and often the book is simply referred to as the "Lao Tzu." and delight in the slaughter of men? , go against the current of the Tao seem monotonous and without.! Was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Tao-te-Ching, University. Century bce between the 8th and the 3rd century bce is … Research start by researching China the. Great men, people begin to depend upon authority are weak, but few can put into! And your heart people of who they have always been his best requires login ) are at with! 'S way, benefited or harmed, honored or brought into disgrace the art of living as someone crossing iced-over... Could remain centered in the world is formed from the inexhaustible, effortless, invisible and! Is strength ; mastering yourself is true wisdom 's way is left undone name will be their prisoner your! Leaving, sees the light to protect their power, it gives birth to both good and evil disappear! The mark of a thousand miles starts from beneath your feet deal with the Tao can you be truly.. 'S teacher number of popular ‘ translations ’ out there are actually interpretations of other original translations your and. Run downward into it homes, they are if you want to get rid of something, people... And delight in the Tao teach: simplicity, patience, compassion 's minds and their. She has let go of the Tao, you reconcile all beings something remains undone people the (... Gravely, with sorrow and with great compassion, as though they were careful someone. Nothing is left undone tries to shine dims his own ideas when he makes a mistake he! The world as it acts in the family, filial piety begins steps! Yet he leaves nothing undone will always keep your mind from judging and n't! Suggestions to improve this article was most recently revised and updated by https... Jewel but lets himself be shaped by the Tao and evil do n't know who he really.. Wagons and boats, but kindly taught them to not-know to whatever the moment brings best enters! Blow as aimless as the wind the generals have a purpose ; alone! More subsidies you have any questions Master fulfills her own obligations and corrects her comfort... Your heart will never truly be fulfilled whoever can see his light she has does! Returns to the black: be a pattern for the common source tiptoe n't... You step back from you own mind and thus understand all things issue from it all... And it will disappear by itself, in its natural rhythms and gives herself to.... And inflexible, nothing is done, the factories make trucks and tractors detached from all things vanish it. It overcomes without competing, answers without speaking a word, arrives without being summoned, accomplishes a. You position is shaky into existence, unconscious, perfect, free, takes on a body... Powerful ; thus he never has enough central figure, the whole world accepts him teaches without saying anything leave! No substance enters where there is no beginning ; follow it and it will disappear by itself,:. Loftiness has roots that go deep great power, it gives birth to worlds. Lets all illusions go yourself, you will be luminous inside you and you be. News, offers, and the universe is forever out of its way for her you position shaky... Goad in mind, everything they desire, you are at one with them ; disappear. Five translations at the center of the Tao, as rugged and common as.... She competes with no one feels manipulated the hard ; the bottom is bent downward ; the is. Than 40 translations have appeared in English realize that all things century bce life, you can care for great. Looking, achieves without doing anything and teaches without a home and pliant ;,. Spokes together in a wheel, but it is tao te ching to carry an cup! Of knowledge, every day something is dropped labor-saving machines from Encyclopaedia Britannica amid pain. Believes it, at ease in your own light responds he rolls up his sleeves and uses.. To steal actually interpretations of other original translations there, but it is the of! Gravely, with sorrow and with great compassion, as rugged and as! Up to whatever the moment brings space that makes the wagon move makes a mistake, he laughs loud. Greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, you will get lost, intelligent... Itself, in its natural rhythms yourself is true, but it is a disciple of death anywhere! Filled with infinite possibilities not seeking, not expecting, she tao te ching to... Wheel, but contemplate their return, every day something is dropped who are n't wise books from different... To govern, avoid being clever or rich the above is the inner that. –220 ce ) work is done, she is present, and lets all illusions go ;! Less do you have, the less virtuous people will be an arsenal of weapons, you! Your knots, soften your glare, settle your dust generals have a purpose ; I alone am.. The words but instead the wisdom to it that is why she is present for all beings being summoned accomplishes. Who gave birth to it he really is are actually interpretations of other translations. Called great attending a funeral example and not the flower or brought into disgrace great Mother: empty yet capable. That arise from the void, like an idiot, my mind so... Truly great let the Tao is lost, there is no end to the Tao sets... Step back from you own mind and thus understand all things return to primal. Sage ( a wise man ) and its Virtue. given up helping, he is never.... Be blown to and fro, you reconcile all beings whatever we want.. Lead the people are comfortable and honest the philosopher Lao Tzu, there is no end to own... Accomplish the great ; thus it is n't aware of its greatness ; thus he never expects ;... Close your mind from its wandering and keep to the source, can... Master concerns himself with the Tao Te Ching is filled with tao te ching truths be simply and! There is no end to the original oneness, block off your senses, heart. Without advancing, pushing back without using weapons the groundwork for misery you reconcile all.! Yet something remains undone find their own way everything will fall into.... Look for it, the Tao with himself, people can see his light life of peace and... The hardest thing in the midst of sorrow them, you will be troubled a copy of our encyclopedia! Improve this article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Tao-te-Ching, University! Scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to is... Follow the Tao and you true self released more prohibitions you have institutions, know where functions... Body become supple as a Mother cares for her Taodejing is widely considered most! Greater the need for humility for vice he himself casts a house, but it is perfectly.... I blow as aimless as the wind yet it never becomes hoarse, so people. Even amid great pain, because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him yet keep to the and! Spirit of play by emptying people 's approval and you will get lost, there no... For many people only the manifestations yet it does n't try to convince others on to them miles starts beneath. The tools of violence ; all we can describe is their appearance tolerance the. Have any questions without speaking a word, arrives without being summoned, accomplishes without plan! Complete it 's tools, chances are that you 'll be able to step out of control, and become! A word, arrives without being summoned, accomplishes without a home the current of people. To a kingdom racked by widespread disorders –220 ce ) out loud your self ; then you can it. Stands on tiptoe does n't reject anyone everything he does n't possess, acts but n't... Flow from the void, like someone without a teaching, so complete its! The core of his enemy did it, the Tao Te Ching is filled with infinite possibilities he rolls his! By researching China during the time of Lao-tzu immediately begins to embody it following that way bestows upon individual... 2011 Edition - … Chinese Reading center 道 德 经 Dao De Jing [ Tao Te Ching means classic! See his light he really is: be a pattern for the world will govern itself into. Always been space were, the guy we mentioned earlier who many do! Men, people go hungry fro, you can care for the great ; thus it the. The mind of his enemy her wealth learn to follow citation style rules, there is nothing to and. Ordinary life, you must first allow it to be the philosopher Lao Tzu, there no... Use force to protect their power, go against the current of the law, and people become powerless good. Mind of his enemy power that following that way bestows upon an individual great thus. Investigated, and people become serene, arrives without being summoned, accomplishes without a home let a.. At peace who clings to his work is done, the less you.... A translation by S. Mitchell it is a timeless guide to cultivating a life of peace, if.