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26 Annotations

1 “Heaviness” here refers to the quality of gravitas in human affairs. Although Tao sages possess a gentle sense of humor, they are able to approach a situation with the appropriate degree of seriousness when necessary. This attribute is often associated with deliberation and dignity. “Lightness” is the opposite—a frivolous disregard for the matter at hand. In this context, it is often associated with restlessness and carelessness. (back to text)

2 “Travel” here refers to the journey of life, and the heavy supplies are the essentials—the most important stuff, the basics. Sages are the ones who traverse through life without ever losing track of the fundamental essence that makes us human. Although there are many tempting sights of luxuries—the illusions of the material world that would distract us from the real goal—the sages remain unmoved. (back to text)

3 “Ten thousand chariots” is a metaphor for great responsibility. In life, when we encounter a great responsibility, whether it’s an important project at work or starting a family or anything else, we need to approach it with somber attitude and firm footing. Those who treat it lightly will be easily distracted and uprooted by the winds of adversity. (back to text)

27 Annotations

1 Skilled travelers in the journey of life follow the path of nature. They do not force their way through obstacles or trample over fellow travelers. They leave no signs of their passing. If we are similarly skillful in personal interactions, we would also follow the path of nature and not use words to find fault in others. To do so would be to leave unskillful skid marks all over the emotional landscape. (back to text)

2 In ancient China, doors were locked from the inside with a wooden bar set horizontally. Thus, this line is talking about how we can capture people’s attention so they naturally gravitate to us, as if they are locked in, but without the wooden bar. The key is to connect with them at a deep level, and form bonds that are stronger than any knots tied with ropes. (back to text)

3 Sages do not give up on anyone. Everyone plays a role, and everyone has an impact. Good individuals can serve as teachers and examples for us. Not-so-good individuals are just as useful, because we can observe the consequences of their negative actions and learn what not to do. (back to text)

4 This line describes the passing on of spiritual knowledge from one generation to the next. “Following enlightenment” means walking in the footsteps of past sages, to take their illuminating wisdom as our own. Some translators render the characters as “stealing light,” which strays far from the original meaning. (back to text)

5 Most of us do not value everyone equally. We develop likes and dislikes, preferences and aversions. We shower some with attention while ignoring others. We favor certain individuals while finding others barely tolerable. Most of us pay lip service to the concept of universal love, but few of us actually practice it. Lao Tzu would definitely see us as “greatly confused.” (back to text)

28 Annotations

1 Know the advantages of being forward and active, but keep to the principle of quietude and tranquility. We need both yin and yang to be truly complete. (back to text)

2 The watercourse of the world is a converging point, the nexus for the exchange of energy among people. To play this role, we need to know not only the importance of being dynamic and proactive but also how to handle people with courtesy and diplomacy. (back to text)

3 The state of the infant refers to the purity and simplicity of nature. We all manifested this state effortlessly when we were little, but the older we get, the further we stray from it. (back to text)

4 In this context, white means being highly visible, and black means being subtle. Sages understand the appropriate use of both. (back to text)

5 To be boundless means being able to move and act without being bound by limitations. Because we do not seek the limelight,