Tao te ching_ annotated & explained - Derek Lin [12]
The net effect of all these techniques is a translation that tunes in to the Tao Te Ching with maximum fidelity and minimum static. I understand that not everyone places as much importance on this as I do; at the same time, my opinion is that a translation for a sacred text should be a mirror that reflects the original as perfectly as possible. Warped mirrors may be amusing for the funhouse, but they are not so great for daily use, which is the ultimate goal of the Tao Te Ching—to be both an inspiration and a practical guide to your path through this life.
1
The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao1
The name that can be named is not the eternal name2
The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth3
The named is the mother of myriad things4
Thus, constantly without desire, one observes its essence
Constantly with desire, one observes its manifestations5
These two emerge together but differ in name
The unity is said to be the mystery
Mystery of mysteries, the door to all wonders6
2
When the world knows beauty as beauty, ugliness arises
When it knows good as good, evil arises
Thus being and nonbeing produce each other
Difficult and easy bring about each other1
Long and short reveal each other
High and low support each other
Music and voice harmonize each other
Front and back follow each other2
Therefore the sages:
Manage the work of detached actions
Conduct the teaching of no words
They work with myriad things but do not control
They create but do not possess
They act but do not presume
They succeed but do not dwell on success
It is because they do not dwell on success
That it never goes away
3
Do not glorify the achievers
So the people will not squabble
Do not treasure goods that are hard to obtain
So the people will not become thieves
Do not show the desired things
So their hearts will not be confused1
Thus the governance of the sage:
Empties their hearts
Fills their bellies
Weakens their ambitions
Strengthens their bones2
Let the people have no cunning and no greed
So those who scheme will not dare to meddle3
Act without contrivance
And nothing will be beyond control
4
The Tao is empty
When utilized, it is not filled up1
So deep! It seems to be the source of all things
It blunts the sharpness
Unravels the knots
Dims the glare
Mixes the dusts2
So indistinct! It seems to exist3
I do not know whose offspring it is4
Its image is the predecessor of the Emperor5
5
Heaven and Earth are impartial1
And regard myriad things as straw dogs
The sages are impartial
And regard people as straw dogs2
The space between Heaven and Earth
Is it not like a bellows?
Empty, and yet never exhausted
It moves, and produces more
Too many words hasten failure3
Cannot compare to keeping quiet4
6
The valley spirit, undying
Is called the Mystic Female1
The gateway of the Mystic Female
Is called the root of Heaven and Earth2
It flows continuously, barely perceptible
When utilized, it is never exhausted3
7
Heaven and Earth are everlasting
The reason Heaven and Earth can last forever
Is that they do not exist for themselves
Thus they can last forever1
Therefore the sages:
Place themselves last but end up in front2
Are outside of themselves and yet survive
Is it not all due to their selflessness?
That is how they can achieve their own goals3
8
The highest goodness resembles water
Water greatly benefits myriad things without contention
It stays in places that people dislike
Therefore it is similar to the Tao1
Dwelling at the right place
Heart with great depth2
Giving with great kindness3
Words with