Transcription
Next Level Soul Publishing presents the Tao Te Ching by Laozi, read by William Sterling.
Introduction to the Tao Te Ching.
Imagine, if you will, a flowing river. Its waters winding effortlessly, embracing the curves of the land, neither resisting nor forcing its path. This river is not separate from the mountains it carves, the skies it reflects, or the sea it ultimately joins. It is, in essence, a movement of the Tao, the way, the ineffable current that courses through the cosmos, touching all things, yet belonging to none.
The Tao Te Ching, attributed to the sage Lao Tzu, is a work of profound simplicity and boundless depth. To approach it is not to master a philosophy, nor to gain answers, but to open oneself to a way of seeing. It is the whisper of nature, the silence between notes of music, the pause in the breath that reveals the ungraspable essence of life.
"The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao," Lao Tzu begins. How fitting then that this text is not a roadmap to truth, but a mirror reflecting your own essence. Words, after all, are like the ripples upon the water, beautiful in their way, but distortions of the depths below. The Tao is not something to know, but something to be. And the knowing of it, if it comes at all, emerges in the spaces where the mind lets go.
A journey of paradox.
To read the Tao Te Ching is to embark on a journey riddled with paradox. It tells you that action through non-action, wu wei, achieves all things, that the soft overcomes the hard, and that emptiness is full. These are not riddles to solve, but invitations to dance with the rhythm of existence itself. They ask you to leave behind the clutter of certainty and discover the elegance of unknowing.
Yet Lao Tzu does not demand that you renounce the world. The Tao is not a retreat into the mountains or the cloister, though it is there, too. It is in the bustling market, in the laughter of children, in the falling of autumn leaves. To live the Tao is to align with the natural order, to find harmony even amid chaos, and to act with a quiet grace that leaves no trace.
The Master's Wisdom.
Lao Tzu speaks of the Master, an enigmatic figure who embodies the Tao without striving for it. The Master leads by following, teaches without words, and remains serene in the face of life's ebbs and flows. "The sage is like water," Lao Tzu tells us, "nourishing all without striving." The Master is not an otherworldly figure, but a reflection of your highest self, unclouded by ego and aligned with the way.
The Master is not without challenges, for the Tao does not promise an escape from life's trials. Instead, it offers a path through them, revealing that gentleness can overcome force, humility can overcome pride, and stillness can overcome restlessness. In this, the Master becomes a living testament to the profound strength in yielding.
Letting go of control.
At the heart of the Tao Te Ching is the art of letting go, of ambitions, desires, and even the need to understand. This does not mean apathy or passivity, but rather a profound trust in the unfolding of life. The more tightly you grip the reins, the more life slips through your fingers. The Tao calls you to loosen your grasp and feel the wind carry you.
Letting go is not the same as giving up. It is an active surrender, a willingness to flow with the currents rather than swim against them. In this surrender, you may find a freedom that no amount of control could ever offer. A freedom rooted in the acceptance of what is.
Why read the Tao Te Ching?
In our modern world brimming with noise and haste, the Tao Te Ching offers a sanctuary of stillness. It reminds us that life is not a problem to solve, but a mystery to embrace. Its verses do not prescribe, but awaken. Nudging you toward the clarity that comes when the waters of the mind grow still.
The Tao Te Ching is not merely a book, but a companion for life. Its wisdom adapts as you do, revealing new insights as you return to it over time. It does not ask you to agree or disagree, but to reflect, to feel, and to see. It offers no answers, but guides you to the questions that matter most.
The Next Level Soul Edition.
In this Next Level Soul Edition of the Tao Te Ching, each chapter is accompanied by a reflection of the way, a summary designed to help you absorb the ancient wisdom more deeply. These reflections distill the essence of each chapter, providing clarity and context to guide your understanding. They offer a bridge between the profound simplicity of Lao Tzu's words and the practical application of his teachings in your everyday life.
As you step into this ancient text, let go of expectations. Approach it as a child might approach a meadow, with curiosity, wonder, and no intent to claim it. The Tao Te Ching is not meant to be read once and set aside, but returned to again and again, as a friend who always has more to reveal.
So, take Take settle into the moment, and let the words of Lao Tzu guide you to the edge of the ineffable. There, you may glimpse the Tao, not as something distant, but as the ever-present essence of your own being. As the river flows effortlessly toward the sea, may you find your own way in harmony with the Tao.
One. The Tao, the way of nature.
The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name. Conceived of as having no name, it is the originator of heaven and earth. Conceived of as having a name, it is the mother of all things. Always without desire we must be found if its deep mystery we would sound, but if desire always within us be, its outer fringe is all that we shall see. Under these two aspects, it is really the same, but as development takes place, it receives the different names. Together we call them the mystery. Where the mystery is the deepest is the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful.
Reflections on the way.
The Tao, the way, is the invisible force that guides all things in the universe. It is the source of everything and cannot be fully described in words or grasped by the mind. To understand the Tao, one must observe life and let go of rigid thinking. It is best felt by being in tune with nature and accepting life as it unfolds.
Two. Embracing opposites.
All in the world know the beauty of the beautiful, and in doing this, they have the idea of what ugliness is. They all know the skill of the skillful, and in doing this, they have the idea of what the want of skill is. So it is that existence and non-existence give birth the one to the idea of the other. That difficulty and ease produce the one the idea of the other. That length and shortness fashion out the one the figure of the other. That the ideas of height and lowness arise from the contrast of the one with the other. That the musical notes and tones become harmonious through the relation of one with another. And that being before and behind give the idea of one following another. Therefore, the sage manages affairs without doing anything and conveys his instructions without the use of speech. All things spring up, and there is not one which declines to show of itself. They grow, and there is no claim made for their ownership. They go through their processes, and there is no expectation of a reward for the results. The work is accomplished, and there is no resting in it as an achievement. The work is done, but how no one can see. Tis this that makes the power not cease to be.
Reflections on the way.
Life is full of opposites. Light and dark, joy and sorrow, success and failure. These contrasts give meaning to each other, like day and night. Wisdom comes from recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and accepting life's natural rhythms.
Three. Non-action, wu wei.
Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves. Not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves. Not to show them what is likely to excite their desires is the way to keep their minds from disorder. Therefore, the sage, in the exercise of his government, empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens their bones. He constantly tries to keep them without knowledge and without desire. And where there are those who have knowledge, to keep them from presuming to act on it. When there is this abstinence from action, good order is universal.
Reflections on the way.
Non-action means acting in harmony with the flow of life instead of forcing things. Like water flowing around rocks, align your actions with the natural course of events. Trying to control or resist life creates struggle. Letting go and adapting allows things to work out naturally.
Four. Simplicity and contentment.
The Dow is like the emptiness of a vessel. And in our employment of it, we must be on our guard against all fullness. How deep and unfathomable it is, as if it were the honored ancestor of all things. We should blunt our sharp points and unravel the complications of the things. We should adjust our brightness and bring ourselves into agreement with the obscurity of others. How pure and still the Dow is, as if it would ever so continue. I do not know whose son it is. It might appear to have been before a god.
Reflections on the way.
Happiness comes from appreciating simplicity. Endless desires for wealth, status, and possessions lead to dissatisfaction. Live simply, avoid extremes, and be content with what you have. This creates inner peace and balance.
Five. Humility and leadership.
Heaven and Earth do not act from the impulse of any wish to be benevolent. They deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt with. The sages do not act from any wish to be benevolent. They deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with. May not the space between heaven and Earth be compared to a bellows? 'Tis emptied, yet it loses not its power. 'Tis moved again and sends forth air the more. Much speech to swift exhaustion lead, we see. Your inner being guard and keep it free.
Reflections on the way.
The best leaders are humble and selfless. They serve others without seeking recognition, like water nourishing everything around it without effort. By staying in the background, a wise leader inspires trust and allows people to grow and thrive on their own.
Six. The strength of gentleness.
The valley spirit dies not. I the same. The female mystery thus do we name. Its gate, from which at first they issued forth, is called the root from which grew heaven and Earth. Long and unbroken does its power remain, used gently and without the touch of pain.
Reflections on the way.
Gentleness and flexibility are powerful. Just as water can wear down stone over time, patience and adaptability overcome challenges. Cultivate kindness, humility, and forgiveness. These qualities bring lasting strength and peace.
Seven, the value of emptiness.
Heaven is long enduring and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is it because they do not live of or for themselves. This is how they are the able to continue and endure. Therefore, the sage puts his own person last and yet it is found into the foremost place. He treats his person as if it were foreign to him and yet that person is preserved. Is it not because he has no personal and private ends that therefore such ends are realized?
Reflections on the way.
Emptiness holds potential. A wheel works because of its empty hub and a room is useful because of the empty space inside. Embrace stillness and space in life. By letting go of the need to fill every moment or control everything, you create room for growth and creativity.
Eight, wisdom through silence.
The highest excellence is like that of water. The excellence of of water appears in its benefiting all things and in its occupying, without striving to the contrary, the low place which all men dislike. Hence, its way is near to that of the Tao. The excellence of a residence is in the suitability of the place. That of the mind is in abysmal stillness. That of associations is into their being with the virtuous. That of government is in its securing good order. That of the conduct of affairs is in its ability. And that of the initiation of any movement is in its timeliness. And when one with the highest excellence does not wrangle about of his low position, no one finds fault with him.
Reflections on the way.
Silence and reflection lead to true wisdom. Talking too much or seeking constant stimulation clouds the mind. A wise person listens more than they speak and acts thoughtfully, trusting in the quiet power of understanding.
Nine. The flow of the Dow.
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been resharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness. When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe. When wealth and honors lead to arrogance, this brings its evil on itself. When the work is done and one's name is becoming distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of heaven.
Reflections on the way.
The Dow nourishes all things without trying to possess or control them. It gives life and allows it to unfold naturally. Follow the example of the Dow. Give freely. Act without expecting rewards and trust the process of life.
10. Living in harmony.
When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept from separating. When one gives undivided attention to the vital breath and brings it to the utmost degree of pliancy, he can become as a tender babe. When he has cleansed away the most mysterious sights of his imagination, he can become without a flaw. In loving the people and ruling the state, cannot he proceed without any purpose of action? In the opening and shutting of his gates of heaven, cannot he do so as a female bird? While his intelligence reaches in every direction, cannot he appear to be without knowledge? The Tao produces all things and nourishes them. It produces them and does not claim them as its own. It does all and yet does not boast of it. It presides over all and yet does not control them. This is what is called the mysterious quality of the Tao.
Reflections on the way.
To live in harmony with the Tao, let go of ego and personal ambition. Trust the interconnectedness of all things and act in alignment with the greater good. By embracing simplicity, and balance, you can find peace within yourself and harmony with the world around you.
11. Trusting the natural order.
The 30 spokes unite in the one nave, but it is on the empty space for the axle that the use of the wheel depends. Clay is fashioned into vessels, but it is on their empty hollowness that their use depends. The door and windows are cut out from the walls to form an apartment, but it is on the empty space within that its use depends. Therefore, what has a positive existence serves for profitable adaptation and what has not that for actual usefulness.
Reflections on the way.
The universe follows its own natural order, and trying to control it often leads to struggle and failure. Trusting the Tao means letting go of rigid plans and allowing life to unfold as it should. The more you release control, the more things align and flow effortlessly.
12, avoiding excess.
Colors five hues from the eyes their sight will take. Music's five notes the ears as deaf can make. The flavors five deprive the mouth of taste. The chariot course and the wild hunting waste make mad the mind. And objects rare and strange sought for, men's conduct will to evil change. Therefore, the sage seeks to satisfy the craving of the belly and not the insatiable longing of the eyes. He puts from him the latter and prefers to seek the former.
Reflections on the way.
Overindulgence in food, wealth, power, or even knowledge can create imbalance and discontent. Too much stimulation of the senses clouds judgment and disturbs peace. A wise person seeks balance, valuing moderation over extremes, and prioritizing what truly matters.
13, leading without force.
Favor and disgrace would seem equally to be feared. Honor and great calamity to be regarded as personal conditions of the same kind. What is meant by speaking thus of favor and disgrace? Disgrace is being in a low position after the enjoyment of favor. The getting that favor leads to the apprehension of losing it, and the losing it leads to the fear of still greater calamity. This is what is meant by saying that favor and disgrace would seem equally to be feared. And what is meant by saying that honor and great calamity are to be similarly regarded as personal conditions. What makes me liable to great calamity is my having the body which I call myself. If I had not the body, what great calamity could come to me? Therefore, he who would administer the kingdom, honoring it as he honors his own person, may be employed to govern it. And he who would administer it with the love which he bears to his own person, may be entrusted with it.
Reflections on the way.
True leadership comes from serving others selflessly and creating an environment where they can flourish. The sage does not dominate, but guides with gentleness and wisdom. Leadership based on force or manipulation breeds resentment, while leadership through humility and compassion fosters harmony.
14. Embracing mystery.
We look at it and we do not see it, and we name it the equable. We listen to it and we do not hear it, and we name it the inaudible. We try to grasp it and do not get hold of it, and we name it the subtle. With these three qualities, it cannot be made the subject of description, and hence we blend them together and obtain the one. Its upper part is not bright, and its lower part is not obscure. Ceaseless in its action, it yet cannot be named, and then it again returns and becomes nothing. This is called the form of the formless and the semblance of the invisible. This is called the fleeting and indeterminable. We meet it and do not see its front. We follow it and do not see its back. When we can lay hold of the Dow of old to direct the things of the present day and are able to know it as it was of old in the beginning, this is called unwinding the clue of Dow.
Reflections on the way.
The Dow is mysterious and beyond human understanding. It is invisible, intangible, and cannot be fully grasped, yet it is the source of everything. Accepting this mystery allows you to see the world with wonder and live without the need for absolute certainty.
15 Patience and stillness.
The skillful masters of the Dow in old times with a subtle and exquisite penetration comprehended its mysteries and were deep also so as to elude men's knowledge. As they were thus beyond men's knowledge, I will make an effort to describe of what sort they would appear to be. Shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in winter. Irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them. Grave like a guest in awe of his host. Evanescent like ice that is melting away. Unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into anything. Vacant like a valley and dull like muddy water. Who can make the muddy water clear? Let it be still and it will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest? Let movement go on and the condition of rest will gradually arise. They who preserve this method of the Tao do not wish to be full of themselves. It is through their not being full of themselves that if they can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete.
Reflections on the way.
Patience is key to living in harmony with the Tao. Like muddy water that becomes clear when left undisturbed, clarity comes when you are still and patient. By cultivating stillness and trusting the process, life resolves itself naturally.
16. Letting go of ego.
The state of vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigor. All things alike go through their processes of activity, and then we see them return to their original state. When things in the vegetable world have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root. This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness, and that stillness may be called a reporting that they have fulfilled their appointed end. The report of that fulfillment is the regular unchanging rule. To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent. Not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues. The knowledge of that unchanging rule produces a grand capacity and forbearance, and that capacity and forbearance lead to a community of feeling with all things. From this community of feeling comes a kingliness of character, and he who is king-like goes on to be heaven-like. In that likeness to heaven, he possesses the Tao. Possessed of the Tao, he endures long, and to the end of his bodily life is exempt from all danger of decay.
Reflections on the way.
The ego often drives us to seek recognition, power, and control. But this creates conflict and unhappiness. Letting go of ego allows us to act selflessly and find peace. When we stop striving to be something, we align with the natural flow and discover our true selves.
17, the art of simplicity.
In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were their rulers. In the next age, they loved them and praised them. In the next, they feared them. In the next, they despised them. Thus it was that when faith in the Dow was deficient in the rulers, a want of faith in them ensued in the people. How irresolute did those earliest rulers appear, showing by their reticence the importance which they set upon their words. Their work was done and their undertakings were successful while the people all said, "We are as we are of ourselves."
Reflections on the way.
Simplicity is not only about material possessions, but also about thoughts and actions. A simple life is free from unnecessary complexity and full of clarity and purpose. By simplifying your life, you can focus on what is truly important and create space for joy and peace.
18, compassion and kindness.
When the great Dow way or method ceased to be observed, benevolence and righteousness came into vogue. Then appeared wisdom and shrewdness, and there ensued great hypocrisy. When harmony no longer prevailed throughout the six kinships, filial sons found their manifestation. When the states and clans fell into disorder, loyal ministers appeared.
Reflections on the way.
Compassion is a central virtue of the Dow. By treating others with kindness and understanding, we create a harmonious world. Our recompensing injury with kindness diffuses conflict and nurtures the connections that sustain us all.
19. Accepting impermanence.
If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce it our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly. If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our scheming for gain, there would be no thieves nor robbers. Those three methods of government, thought olden ways in elegance did fail and made these names their want of worth to veil. But simple views and courses plain and true would selfish ends and many lusts eschew.
Reflections on the way.
Everything in life is impermanent, from seasons to emotions. Accepting change as a natural part of life helps us live without fear or attachment. Embracing impermanence allows us to appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
20. The quiet power of the Dow.
When we renounce learning, we have no troubles. The ready, yes, and flattering yay. Small is the difference they display, but mark their issues, good and ill. What space the gulf between shall fill? What all men fear is indeed to be feared. But how wide and without end is the range of questions asking to be discussed? The multitude of men look satisfied and pleased as if enjoying a full banquet, as if mounted on a tower in spring. I alone seem listless and still. My desires having as yet given no indication of their presence. I am like an infant which has not yet smiled. I look dejected and forlorn as if I had no home to go to. The multitude of the men all have enough and to spare. I alone seem to have lost everything. My mind is that of a stupid man. I am in a state of chaos. Ordinary men look bright and intelligent while I alone seem to be benighted. They look full of discrimination while I alone am dull and confused. I seem to be carried about as on the sea, drifting as if I had nowhere to rest. All men have their spheres of action while I alone seem dull and incapable like a rude borderer. Thus I alone am different from other men, but I value the nursing mother, the Tao.
Reflections on the way.
The Tao works quietly without drawing attention to itself. Yet its influence is profound. It nourishes all things without claiming ownership. Live in alignment with the Tao by acting without seeking recognition and giving without expecting returns. This creates harmony and balance.
31: The Value of Humility.
Now arms, however beautiful, are instruments of evil omen, hateful, it may be said, to all creatures. Therefore, they who have the Tao do not like to employ them. The superior man ordinarily considers the left hand the most honorable place, but in time of war, the right hand. Though sharp weapons are instruments of evil omen and not the instruments of the superior man, he uses them only on the compulsion of necessity. Calm and repose are what he prizes. Victory by force of arms is to him undesirable. To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men, and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom. On occasions of festivity, to be on the left hand is the prized position. On occasions of mourning, the right hand. The second in command of the army has his place on the left. The general commanding in chief has his on the right. His place, that is, is assigned to him as in the rites of mourning. He who has killed multitudes of men should weep for them with the bitterest grief. And the victor in battle has his place rightly according to those rights.
Reflections on the way.
Weapons and warfare are tools of last resort. They go against the Tao's nature of peace and harmony. The wise mourn the loss of life and approach conflict with solemnity, avoiding arrogance or triumphalism.
32. The power of simplicity.
The Tao, considered as unchanging, has no name. Though in its primordial simplicity it may be small, the whole world dares not deal with one embodying it as a minister. If the feudal prince or the king could guard and hold it, all would spontaneously submit themselves to him. Heaven and earth under its guidance unite together and send down the sweet dew, which without the directions of men reaches equally everywhere as of its own accord. As soon as it proceeds to action, it has a name. When it once has that name, men can know to rest in it. When they know to rest in it, they can be free from all risk of failure and error. The relation of the Tao to all the world is like that of the great rivers and seas to the streams from the valleys.
Reflections on the way.
The Tao is simple, yet profound. By living simply and letting go of excessive desires, we align with its power. Even a small understanding of the Tao can bring immense peace and order to life.
33 True strength and wisdom.
He who knows other men is discerning. He who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong. He who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich. He who goes on acting with energy has a firm will. He who does not fail in the requirements of his position continues long. He who dies and yet does not perish has longevity.
Reflections on the way.
Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Controlling others is power. Controlling yourself is true strength. Contentment with what you have brings lasting peace, while endless striving leads to dissatisfaction.
34 The Dow gives freely.
All pervading is the great Dow. 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.
Reflections on the way.
The Dow nourishes all life without demanding recognition or reward. It acts selflessly like a parent caring for their children. Live in the spirit of the Dow by giving freely, helping others, and seeking no personal gain.
35 Finding peace in the Dow.
To him who holds in his hands the great image of the invisible Dow, 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 Dow, as it comes from the mouth, seems insipid and has no flavor, though it seems not worth being looked at or listened to, the use of it is inexhaustible.
Reflections on the way.
Those who align with the Tao find peace and fulfillment. Like a great image that attracts all, the Tao draws us without effort or force. Its benefits are subtle but endless, offering rest and harmony to those who embrace it.
36. The wisdom of yielding.
When one is about to take an inspiration, he is sure to make a previous expiration. When he is going to weaken another, he will first strengthen him. When he is going to overthrow another, he will first have raised him up. When he is going to despoil another, he will first have made gifts to him. This is called hiding the light of his procedure. The soft overcomes the hard, and the weak the strong. Fishes should not be taken from the deep. Instruments for the profit of a state should not be shown to the people.
Reflections on the way.
To strengthen something, first allow it to weaken. To take something, first let it go. This is the Tao's way of balancing life. The soft and yielding always overcome the hard and rigid. True power comes from flexibility and patience.
37. Non-action brings everything.
The Tao in its regular course does nothing for the sake of doing it. And so, there is nothing which it does not do. If princes and kings were able to maintain it, all things would of themselves be transformed by them. If this transformation became to me an object of desire, I would express the desire by the nameless simplicity. Simplicity without a name is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, all things go right as of their will.
Reflections on the way.
The Dow accomplishes everything by doing nothing. It flows naturally and allows all things to thrive without interference. By practicing non-action and letting life unfold, you create space for harmony and success.
38: True virtue.
Those who possessed in highest degree the attributes of the Dow 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 Dow 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 Dow and is the beginning of stupidity. Thus it is that the great man abides by what is solid and issues 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.
Reflections on the way.
True virtue arises from living in alignment with the Dow, not from trying to appear virtuous. The more one tries to be good for show, the further they drift from true goodness. Simplicity and authenticity are at the heart of real virtue.
39 Unity with the Dow.
The things which from of old have got the one, the Dow, are heaven which by it is bright and pure, earth rendered thereby firm and sure, spirits with powers by it supplied, valleys kept full throughout their void. All creatures which through it do live, princes and kings who from it get the model which to all they give. All these are the results of the one Dow. If heaven were not thus pure, it soon would rend. If earth were not thus sure, would break and bend. Without these powers, the spirits soon would fail. If not so filled, the drought would parch each vale. Without that life, creatures would pass away. Princes and kings without that moral sway, however grand and high, would all decay. Thus it is that dignity finds its firm root in its previous meanness. And what is lofty finds its stability in the lowness from which it rises. Hence, princes and kings call themselves orphans, men of small virtue, and as carriages without a knave. Is not this an acknowledgement that in their considering themselves mean, they see the foundation of their dignity? So it is that in the enumeration of the different parts of a carriage, we do not come on what makes it answer the ends of a carriage. They do not wish to show themselves elegant looking as jade, but prefer to be coarse looking as an ordinary stone.
Reflections on the way.
The Dow unites all things from heaven and earth to kings and common people. When we align with the Dow, we find balance and harmony in all aspects of life. Pride and arrogance lead to separation, while humility brings connection and peace.
40. The way of return.
The movement of the Dow by contraries proceeds. And weakness marks the course of Dow's mighty deeds. All things under heaven sprang from it as existing and named. That existence sprang from it as non-existent and not named.
Reflections on the way.
The Dow's movement is a return to simplicity and stillness. Weakness and softness are its strengths. Embrace these qualities and you align with the eternal flow of life.
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