Tao te ching_ annotated & explained - Derek Lin [42]
51 Annotations
1 “Them” refers to all living things. “Virtue” in this context means the inherent power in everything. All living things grow and develop by virtue of the life force within them. Therefore, their “virtue” is their inherent power to live—an essential part of the Tao. (back to text)
2 “Things” and “forces” refer to the tangible aspects of the environment. These aspects challenge all living things as they grow. If they survive the challenges, they become better adapted and more experienced. (back to text)
3 This line points out that all living things have an inborn regard for the value of life within them. Indeed, they will fight to protect it at all costs. No one forced them to be this way; their instinct for self-preservation is as natural as their ability to breathe. (back to text)
4We, too, are part of nature. We, too, come from the Tao, the ultimate source. We are also shaped by our environment and tested by various forces. Although many may not be aware of it, we all learn, grow, and mature within the embrace of the Tao. The physical aspect of this growth happens automatically; the spiritual aspect of it is up to us. (back to text)
5 We observe and emulate the Tao. This leads us to refrain from being possessive, immodest, and domineering. (back to text)
6 It is because sages practice Mystic Virtue that they are so highly regarded. Just as all living things respect the Tao and treasure virtue, so too do the people who have received assistance, mentoring, or guidance from sages regard them with the highest respect and cherish the time spent with them. No one forced them to be this way; it is simply natural. (back to text)
52 Annotations
1 All effects can be traced back to causes, and when we trace the cause of everything back as far as we can, we arrive at the ultimate cause, the Tao. Thus, sages regard the Tao as the mother of all things. (back to text)
2 The children of this mother are nothing less than all of existence. This includes us, so we, too, are the children of the Tao. When we realize that we come from this universal source and must eventually return to it, we begin to see reality more clearly. This clarity leads to greater understanding about life itself. (back to text)
3 Knowing the Tao also leads one to a natural reduction of materialistic desires. Understanding of the Tao closes the doors and passages leading to temptations and distractions. This means one can easily focus on the task at hand and concentrate on cultivation.
As I also point out in chapter 56, the mouth is a major opening for temptations and distractions. It plays a central role in our various food and substance addictions; it is also where we unleash lies, vicious rumors, and intellectual sophistry. Those who cannot close the mouth are literally beyond help. (back to text)
4 “Clarity” here means the ability to see things as they are, not as we wish them to be. In seeing things as they are, we understand the importance of details; we also understand how we can gain insights about the big picture from small things. (back to text)
5 “Strength” in this context means inner strength, another defining characteristic of Tao cultivators. This strength does not manifest itself as physical force or an assertive personality, but as gentleness and kindness in dealing with others. (back to text)
6 “Practicing constancy” is the application of discipline in our lives. Constant practice of the Tao involves repetitions and reminders, until the wisdom becomes second nature. (back to text)
53 Annotations
1 In this chapter, we see the Tao as a path through life. The smartest thing we can do is to walk this path and not stray from it. (back to text)
2 The path is wide, flat, and perfect for walking. This means the teachings of the Tao are plain, easy to understand, and easy to put into practice. (back to text)
3 Traversing on the path of Tao is a gradual and steady process. Shortcuts seem appealing because they