-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
/
index.html
1596 lines (1589 loc) · 77.9 KB
/
index.html
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854
855
856
857
858
859
860
861
862
863
864
865
866
867
868
869
870
871
872
873
874
875
876
877
878
879
880
881
882
883
884
885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
898
899
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
913
914
915
916
917
918
919
920
921
922
923
924
925
926
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
937
938
939
940
941
942
943
944
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
966
967
968
969
970
971
972
973
974
975
976
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
985
986
987
988
989
990
991
992
993
994
995
996
997
998
999
1000
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Fredericka+the+Great&family=Sail&family=Tangerine:wght@400;700&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="styling.css">
<!-- <script src="app.js"></script> -->
</head>
<body>
<header>
<h1 title>The Tao Te Ching</h1>
<p author>By Lao Tzu, 400BC</p>
<p subtitle>A Modern Paraphrase (1996), Translated by<br><span translator>John H. McDonald</span></p>
<p license>For the Public Domain. Please distribute freely.</p>
</header>
<main mode="index">
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-1"><a href="#chapter-1">Chapter 1</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The tao that can be described <br>
is not the eternal Tao. <br>
The name that can be spoken <br>
is not the eternal Name.</p>
<p>The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth. <br>
The named is the mother of creation.</p>
<p>Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery. <br>
By having desire, you can only see what is visibly real.</p>
<p>Yet mystery and reality <br>
emerge from the same source. <br>
This source is called darkness.</p>
<p>Darkness born from darkness. <br>
The beginning of all understanding.</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-2"><a href="#chapter-2">Chapter 2</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When people see things as beautiful, <br>
ugliness is created. <br>
When people see things as good, <br>
evil is created.</p>
<p>Being and non-being produce each other. <br>
Difficult and easy complement each other. <br>
Long and short define each other. <br>
High and low oppose each other. <br>
Fore and aft follow each other.</p>
<p>Therefore the Master <br>
can act without doing anything <br>
and teach without saying a word. <br>
Things come her way and she does not stop them; <br>
things leave and she lets them go. <br>
She has without possessing, <br>
and acts without any expectations. <br>
When her work is done, she takes no credit. <br>
That is why it will last forever. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-3"><a href="#chapter-3">Chapter 3</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you over esteem talented individuals, <br>
people will become overly competitive. <br>
If you overvalue possessions, <br>
people will begin to steal.</p>
<p>Do not display your treasures <br>
or people will become envious.</p>
<p>The Master leads by <br>
emptying people's minds, <br>
filling their bellies, <br>
weakening their ambitions, <br>
and making them become strong. <br>
Preferring simplicity and freedom from desires, <br>
avoiding the pitfalls of knowledge and wrong action.</p>
<p>For those who practice not-doing, <br>
everything will fall into place. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-4"><a href="#chapter-4">Chapter 4</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao is like an empty container: <br>
it can never be emptied and can never be filled. <br>
Infinitely deep, it is the source of all things. <br>
It dulls the sharp, unties the knotted, <br>
shades the lighted, and unites all of creation with dust.</p>
<p>It is hidden but always present. <br>
I don't know who gave birth to it. <br>
It is older than the concept of God. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-5"><a href="#chapter-5">Chapter 5</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Heaven and Earth are impartial; <br>
they treat all of creation as straw dogs. <br>
The Master doesn't take sides; <br>
she treats everyone like a straw dog.</p>
<p>The space between Heaven and Earth is like a bellows; <br>
it is empty, yet has not lost its power. <br>
The more it is used, the more it produces; <br>
the more you talk of it, the less you comprehend.</p>
<p>It is better not to speak of things you do not understand. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-6"><a href="#chapter-6">Chapter 6</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The spirit of emptiness is immortal. <br>
It is called the Great Mother <br>
because it gives birth to Heaven and Earth.</p>
<p>It is like a vapor, <br>
barely seen but always present. <br>
Use it effortlessly. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-7"><a href="#chapter-7">Chapter 7</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao of Heaven is eternal, <br>
and the earth is long enduring. <br>
Why are they long enduring? <br>
They do not live for themselves; <br>
thus they are present for all beings.</p>
<p>The Master puts herself last; <br>
And finds herself in the place of authority. <br>
She detaches herself from all things; <br>
Therefore she is united with all things. <br>
She gives no thought to self. <br>
She is perfectly fulfilled. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-8"><a href="#chapter-8">Chapter 8</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The supreme good is like water, <br>
which benefits all of creation <br>
without trying to compete with it. <br>
It gathers in unpopular places. <br>
Thus it is like the Tao.</p>
<p>The location makes the dwelling good. <br>
Depth of understanding makes the mind good. <br>
A kind heart makes the giving good. <br>
Integrity makes the government good. <br>
Accomplishment makes your labors good. <br>
Proper timing makes a decision good.</p>
<p>Only when there is no competition <br>
will we all live in peace. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-9"><a href="#chapter-9">Chapter 9</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>It is easier to carry an empty cup <br>
than one that is filled to the brim.</p>
<p>The sharper the knife <br>
the easier it is to dull. <br>
The more wealth you possess <br>
the harder it is to protect. <br>
Pride brings its own trouble.</p>
<p>When you have accomplished your goal <br>
simply walk away. <br>
This is the pathway to Heaven. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-10"><a href="#chapter-10">Chapter 10</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Nurture the darkness of your soul <br>
until you become whole. <br>
Can you do this and not fail? <br>
Can you focus your life-breath until you become <br>
supple as a newborn child? <br>
While you cleanse your inner vision <br>
will you be found without fault? <br>
Can you love people and lead them <br>
without forcing your will on them? <br>
When Heaven gives and takes away <br>
can you be content with the outcome? <br>
When you understand all things <br>
can you step back from your own understanding?</p>
<p>Giving birth and nourishing, <br>
making without possessing, <br>
expecting nothing in return. <br>
To grow, yet not to control: <br>
This is the mysterious virtue. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-11"><a href="#chapter-11">Chapter 11</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel, <br>
but it is the center hole <br>
that allows the wheel to function.</p>
<p>We mold clay into a pot, <br>
but it is the <mark>emptiness</mark> inside <br>
that makes the vessel useful.</p>
<p>We fashion wood for a house, <br>
but it is the <mark>emptiness</mark> inside <br>
that makes it livable.</p>
<p>We work with the substantial, <br>
but the <mark>emptiness</mark> is what we use. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-12"><a href="#chapter-12">Chapter 12</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Five colors blind the eye. <br>
Five notes deafen the ear. <br>
Five flavors make the palate go stale. <br>
Too much activity deranges the mind. <br>
Too much wealth causes crime. <br>
The Master acts on what she feels and not what she sees. <br>
She shuns the latter, and prefers to seek the former. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-13"><a href="#chapter-13">Chapter 13</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Success is as dangerous as failure, <br>
and we are often our own worst enemy.</p>
<p>What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? <br>
He who is superior is also someone's subordinate. <br>
Receiving favor and losing it both cause alarm. <br>
That is what is meant by success is as dangerous as failure.
<br>
What does it mean that we are often our own worst enemy? <br>
The reason I have an enemy is because I have "self". <br>
If I no longer had a "self", I would no longer have an enemy.
</p>
<p>Love the whole world as if it were your self; <br>
then you will truly care for all things. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-14"><a href="#chapter-14">Chapter 14</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Look for it, and it can't be seen. <br>
Listen for it, and it can't be heard. <br>
Grasp for it, and it can't be caught. <br>
These three cannot be further described, <br>
so we treat them as The One.</p>
<p>Its highest is not bright. <br>
Its depths are not dark. <br>
Unending, unnamable, it returns to nothingness. <br>
Formless forms, and imageless images, <br>
subtle, beyond all understanding.</p>
<p>Approach it and you will not see a beginning; <br>
follow it and there will be no end. <br>
When we grasp the Tao of the ancient ones, <br>
we can use it to direct our life today. <br>
To know the ancient origin of Tao: <br>
this is the beginning of wisdom. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-15"><a href="#chapter-15">Chapter 15</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Sages of old were profound <br>
and knew the ways of subtlety and discernment. <br>
Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension. <br>
Because their knowledge was so far superior <br>
I can only give a poor description.</p>
<p>They were careful <br>
as someone crossing an frozen stream in winter. <br>
Alert as if surrounded on all sides by the enemy. <br>
Courteous as a guest. <br>
Fluid as melting ice. <br>
Whole as an uncarved block of wood. <br>
Receptive as a valley. <br>
Turbid as muddied water.</p>
<p>Who can be still <br>
until their mud settles <br>
and the water is cleared by itself? <br>
Can you remain tranquil until right action occurs by itself?</p>
<p>The Master doesn't seek fulfillment. <br>
For only those who are not full are able to be used <br>
which brings the feeling of completeness. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-16"><a href="#chapter-16">Chapter 16</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you can empty your mind of all thoughts <br>
your heart will embrace the tranquility of peace. <br>
Watch the workings of all of creation, <br>
but contemplate their return to the source.</p>
<p>All creatures in the universe <br>
return to the point where they began. <br>
Returning to the source is tranquility <br>
because we submit to Heavens mandate.</p>
<p>Returning to Heavens mandate is called being constant. <br>
Knowing the constant is called 'enlightenment'. <br>
Not knowing the constant is the source of evil deeds <br>
because we have no roots. <br>
By knowing the constant we can accept things as they are. <br>
By accepting things as they are, we become impartial. <br>
By being impartial, we become one with Heaven. <br>
By being one with Heaven, we become one with Tao. <br>
Being one with Tao, we are no longer concerned about <br>
losing our life because we know the Tao is constant <br>
and we are one with Tao. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-17"><a href="#chapter-17">Chapter 17</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist. <br>
The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. <br>
Next comes the one who is feared. <br>
The worst one is the leader that is despised.</p>
<p>If you don't trust the people, <br>
they will become untrustworthy.</p>
<p>The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly. <br>
When she has accomplished her task, <br>
the people say, "Amazing: <br>
we did it, all by ourselves!" </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-18"><a href="#chapter-18">Chapter 18</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When the great Tao is abandoned, <br>
charity and righteousness appear. <br>
When intellectualism arises, <br>
hypocrisy is close behind.</p>
<p>When there is strife in the family unit, <br>
people talk about 'brotherly love'.</p>
<p>When the country falls into chaos, <br>
politicians talk about 'patriotism'. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-19"><a href="#chapter-19">Chapter 19</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Forget about knowledge and wisdom, <br>
and people will be a hundred times better off. <br>
Throw away charity and righteousness, <br>
and people will return to brotherly love. <br>
Throw away profit and greed, <br>
and there won't be any thieves.</p>
<p>These three are superficial and aren't enough <br>
to keep us at the center of the circle, so we must also:</p>
<p>Embrace simplicity. <br>
Put others first. <br>
Desire little. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-20"><a href="#chapter-20">Chapter 20</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Renounce knowledge and your problems will end. <br>
What is the difference between yes and no? <br>
What is the difference between good and evil? <br>
<mark>Must you fear what others fear?</mark> <br>
Nonsense, look how far you have missed the mark!</p>
<p>Other people are joyous, <br>
as though they were at a spring festival. <br>
I alone am unconcerned and expressionless, <br>
like an infant before it has learned to smile. <br>
Other people have more than they need; <br>
I alone seem to possess nothing. <br>
I am lost and drift about with no place to go. <br>
I am like a fool, my mind is in chaos.</p>
<p>Ordinary people are bright; <br>
I alone am dark. <br>
Ordinary people are clever; <br>
I alone am dull. <br>
Ordinary people seem discriminating; <br>
I alone am muddled and confused. <br>
I drift on the waves on the ocean, <br>
blown at the mercy of the wind. <br>
Other people have their goals, <br>
I alone am dull and uncouth.</p>
<p>I am different from ordinary people. <br>
I nurse from the Great Mother's breasts. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-21"><a href="#chapter-21">Chapter 21</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The greatest virtue you can have <br>
comes from following only the Tao; <br>
which takes a form that is intangible and evasive.</p>
<p>Even though the Tao is intangible and evasive, <br>
we are able to know it exists. <br>
Intangible and evasive, yet it has a manifestation. <br>
Secluded and dark, yet there is a vitality within it. <br>
Its vitality is very genuine. <br>
Within it we can find order.</p>
<p>Since the beginning of time, the Tao has always existed. <br>
It is beyond existing and not existing. <br>
How do I know where creation comes from? <br>
I look inside myself and see it. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-22"><a href="#chapter-22">Chapter 22</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you want to become whole, <br>
first let yourself become broken. <br>
If you want to become straight, <br>
first let yourself become twisted. <br>
If you want to become full, <br>
first let yourself become empty. <br>
If you want to become new, <br>
first let yourself become old. <br>
Those whose desires are few get them, <br>
those whose desires are great go astray.</p>
<p>For this reason the Master embraces the Tao, <br>
as an example for the world to follow. <br>
Because she isn't self centered, <br>
people can see the light in her. <br>
Because she does not boast of herself, <br>
she becomes a shining example. <br>
Because she does not glorify herself, <br>
she becomes a person of merit. <br>
Because she wants nothing from the world, <br>
the world can not overcome her.</p>
<p>When the ancient Masters said, <br>
"If you want to become whole, <br>
then first let yourself be broken," <br>
they weren't using empty words. <br>
All who do this will be made complete. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-23"><a href="#chapter-23">Chapter 23</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Nature uses few words: <br>
when the gale blows, it will not last long; <br>
when it rains hard, it lasts but a little while; <br>
What causes these to happen? Heaven and Earth.</p>
<p>Why do we humans go on endlessly about little <br>
when nature does much in a little time? <br>
If you open yourself to the Tao, <br>
you and Tao become one. <br>
If you open yourself to Virtue, <br>
then you can become virtuous. <br>
If you open yourself to loss, <br>
then you will become lost.</p>
<p>If you open yourself to the Tao, <br>
the Tao will eagerly welcome you. <br>
If you open yourself to virtue, <br>
virtue will become a part of you. <br>
If you open yourself to loss, <br>
the lost are glad to see you.</p>
<p>"When you do not trust people, <br>
people will become untrustworthy." </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-24"><a href="#chapter-24">Chapter 24</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who stand on tiptoes <br>
do not stand firmly. <br>
Those who rush ahead <br>
don't get very far. <br>
Those who try to outshine others <br>
dim their own light. <br>
Those who call themselves righteous <br>
can't know how wrong they are. <br>
Those who boast of their accomplishments <br>
diminish the things they have done.</p>
<p>Compared to the Tao, these actions are unworthy. <br>
If we are to follow the Tao, we must not do these things.</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-25"><a href="#chapter-25">Chapter 25</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Before the universe was born <br>
there was something in the chaos of the heavens. <br>
It stands alone and empty, <br>
solitary and unchanging. <br>
It is ever present and secure. <br>
It may be regarded as the Mother of the universe. <br>
Because I do not know its name, <br>
I call it the Tao. <br>
If forced to give it a name, <br>
I would call it 'Great'.</p>
<p>Because it is Great means it is everywhere. <br>
Being everywhere means it is eternal. <br>
Being eternal means everything returns to it.</p>
<p>Tao is great. <br>
Heaven is great. <br>
Earth is great. <br>
Humanity is great. <br>
Within the universe, these are the four great things.</p>
<p>Humanity follows the earth. <br>
Earth follows Heaven. <br>
Heaven follows the Tao. <br>
The Tao follows only itself. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-26"><a href="#chapter-26">Chapter 26</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Heaviness is the basis of lightness. <br>
Stillness is the standard of activity.</p>
<p>Thus the Master travels all day <br>
without ever leaving her wagon. <br>
Even though she has much to see, <br>
she is at peace in her indifference.</p>
<p>Why should the lord of a thousand chariots <br>
be amused at the foolishness of the world? <br>
If you abandon yourself to foolishness, <br>
you lose touch with your beginnings. <br>
If you let yourself become distracted, <br>
you will lose the basis of your power. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-27"><a href="#chapter-27">Chapter 27</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>A good traveler leaves no tracks, <br>
and a skillful speaker is well rehearsed. <br>
A good bookkeeper has an excellent memory, <br>
and a well made door is easy to open and needs no locks. <br>
A good knot needs no rope and it can not come undone.</p>
<p>Thus the Master is willing to help everyone, <br>
and doesn't know the meaning of rejection. <br>
She is there to help all of creation, <br>
and doesn't abandon even the smallest creature. <br>
This is called embracing the light.</p>
<p>What is a good person but a bad person's teacher? <br>
What is a bad person but raw material for his teacher? <br>
If you fail to honor your teacher or fail to enjoy your student,
<br>
you will become deluded no matter how smart you are. <br>
It is the secret of prime importance. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-28"><a href="#chapter-28">Chapter 28</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Know the masculine, <br>
but keep to the feminine: <br>
and become a watershed to the world. <br>
If you embrace the world, <br>
the Tao will never leave you <br>
and you become as a little child.</p>
<p>Know the white, <br>
yet keep to the black: <br>
be a model for the world. <br>
If you are a model for the world, <br>
the Tao inside you will strengthen <br>
and you will return whole to your eternal beginning.</p>
<p>Know the honorable, <br>
but do not shun the disgraced: <br>
embracing the world as it is. <br>
If you embrace the world with compassion, <br>
then your virtue will return you to the Uncarved Block.</p>
<p>The block of wood is carved into utensils <br>
by carving void into the wood. <br>
The Master uses the utensils, yet prefers to keep to the block
<br>
because of its limitless possibilities. <br>
Great works do not involve discarding substance. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-29"><a href="#chapter-29">Chapter 29</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Do you want to rule the world and control it? <br>
I don't think it can ever be done.</p>
<p>The world is sacred vessel <br>
and it can not be controlled. <br>
You will only it make it worse if you try. <br>
It may slip through your fingers and disappear.</p>
<p>Some are meant to lead, <br>
and others are meant to follow; <br>
Some must always strain, <br>
and others have an easy time; <br>
Some are naturally big and strong, <br>
and others will always be small; <br>
Some will be protected and nurtured, <br>
and others will meet with destruction.</p>
<p>The Master accepts things as they are, <br>
and out of compassion avoids extravagance, <br>
excess and the extremes. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-30"><a href="#chapter-30">Chapter 30</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who lead people by following the Tao <br>
don't use weapons to enforce their will. <br>
Using force always leads to unseen troubles.</p>
<p>In the places where armies march, <br>
thorns and briars bloom and grow. <br>
After armies take to war, <br>
bad years must always follow. <br>
The skillful commander <br>
strikes a decisive blow then stops. <br>
When victory is won over the enemy through war <br>
it is not a thing of great pride. <br>
When the battle is over, <br>
arrogance is the new enemy. <br>
War can result when no other alternative is given, <br>
so the one who overcomes an enemy should not dominate them. <br>
The strong always weakened with time.</p>
<p>This is not the way of the Tao. <br>
That which is not of the Tao will soon end. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-31"><a href="#chapter-31">Chapter 31</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Weapons are the bearers of bad news; <br>
all people should detest them.</p>
<p>The wise man values the left side, <br>
and in time of war he values the right. <br>
Weapons are meant for destruction, <br>
and thus are avoided by the wise. <br>
Only as a last resort <br>
will a wise person use a deadly weapon. <br>
If peace is her true objective <br>
how can she rejoice in the victory of war? <br>
Those who rejoice in victory <br>
delight in the slaughter of humanity. <br>
Those who resort to violence <br>
will never bring peace to the world. <br>
The left side is a place of honor on happy occasions. <br>
The right side is reserved for mourning at a funeral. <br>
When the lieutenants take the left side to prepare for war, <br>
the general should be on the right side, <br>
because he knows the outcome will be death. <br>
The death of many should be greeted with great sorrow, <br>
and the victory celebration should honor those who have died.
</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-32"><a href="#chapter-32">Chapter 32</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao is nameless and unchanging. <br>
Although it appears insignificant, <br>
nothing in the world can contain it.</p>
<p>If a ruler abides by its principles, <br>
then her people will willingly follow. <br>
Heaven would then reign on earth, <br>
like sweet rain falling on paradise. <br>
People would have no need for laws, <br>
because the law would be written on their hearts.</p>
<p>Naming is a necessity for order, <br>
but naming can not order all things. <br>
Naming often makes things impersonal, <br>
so we should know when naming should end. <br>
Knowing when to stop naming, <br>
you can avoid the pitfall it brings.</p>
<p>All things end in the Tao <br>
just as the small streams and the largest rivers <br>
flow through valleys to the sea. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-33"><a href="#chapter-33">Chapter 33</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who know others are intelligent; <br>
those who know themselves are truly wise. <br>
Those who master others are strong; <br>
those who master themselves have true power.</p>
<p>Those who know they have enough are truly wealthy.</p>
<p>Those who persist will reach their goal.</p>
<p>Those who keep their course have a strong will. <br>
Those who embrace death will not perish, <br>
but have life everlasting. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-34"><a href="#chapter-34">Chapter 34</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The great Tao flows unobstructed in every direction. <br>
All things rely on it to conceive and be born, <br>
and it does not deny even the smallest of creation. <br>
When it has accomplished great wonders, <br>
it does not claim them for itself. <br>
It nourishes infinite worlds, <br>
yet it doesn't seek to master the smallest creature. <br>
Since it is without wants and desires, <br>
it can be considered humble. <br>
All of creation seeks it for refuge <br>
yet it does not seek to master or control. <br>
Because it does not seek greatness; <br>
it is able to accomplish truly great things. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-35"><a href="#chapter-35">Chapter 35</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>She who follows the way of the Tao <br>
will draw the world to her steps. <br>
She can go without fear of being injured, <br>
because she has found peace and tranquility in her heart.</p>
<p>Where there is music and good food, <br>
people will stop to enjoy it. <br>
But words spoken of the Tao <br>
seem to them boring and stale. <br>
When looked at, there is nothing for them to see. <br>
When listen for, there is nothing for them to hear. <br>
Yet if they put it to use, it would never be exhausted. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-36"><a href="#chapter-36">Chapter 36</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>If you want something to return to the source, <br>
you must first allow it to spread out. <br>
If you want something to weaken, <br>
you must first allow it to become strong. <br>
If you want something to be removed, <br>
you must first allow it to flourish. <br>
If you want to possess something, <br>
you must first give it away.</p>
<p>This is called the subtle understanding <br>
of how things are meant to be.</p>
<p>The soft and pliable overcomes the hard and inflexible.</p>
<p>Just as fish remain hidden in deep waters, <br>
it is best to keep weapons out of sight. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-37"><a href="#chapter-37">Chapter 37</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao never acts with force, <br>
yet there is nothing that it can not do.</p>
<p>If rulers could follow the way of the Tao, <br>
then all of creation would willingly follow their example. <br>
If selfish desires were to arise after their transformation,
<br>
I would erase them with the power of the Uncarved Block.</p>
<p>By the power of the Uncarved Block, <br>
future generations would lose their selfish desires. <br>
By losing their selfish desires, <br>
the world would naturally settle into peace. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-38"><a href="#chapter-38">Chapter 38</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The highest good is not to seek to do good, <br>
but to allow yourself to become it. <br>
The ordinary person seeks to do good things, <br>
and finds that they can not do them continually.</p>
<p>The Master does not force virtue on others, <br>
thus she is able to accomplish her task. <br>
The ordinary person who uses force, <br>
will find that they accomplish nothing.</p>
<p>The kind person acts from the heart, <br>
and accomplishes a multitude of things. <br>
The righteous person acts out of pity, <br>
yet leaves many things undone. <br>
The moral person will act out of duty, <br>
and when no one will respond <br>
will roll up his sleeves and uses force.</p>
<p>When the Tao is forgotten, there is righteousness. <br>
When righteousness is forgotten, there is morality. <br>
When morality is forgotten, there is the law. <br>
The law is the husk of faith, <br>
and trust is the beginning of chaos.</p>
<p>Our basic understandings are not from the Tao <br>
because they come from the depths of our misunderstanding. <br>
The master abides in the fruit and not in the husk. <br>
She dwells in the Tao, <br>
and not with the things that hide it. <br>
This is how she increases in wisdom. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-39"><a href="#chapter-39">Chapter 39</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The masters of old attained unity with the Tao. <br>
Heaven attained unity and became pure. <br>
The earth attained unity and found peace. <br>
The spirits attained unity so they could minister. <br>
The valleys attained unity that they might be full. <br>
Humanity attained unity that they might flourish. <br>
Their leaders attained unity that they might set the example.
<br>
This is the power of unity.</p>
<p>Without unity, the sky becomes filthy. <br>
Without unity, the earth becomes unstable. <br>
Without unity, the spirits become unresponsive and disappear.
<br>
Without unity, the valleys become dry as a desert. <br>
Without unity, human kind can't reproduce and becomes extinct.
<br>
Without unity, our leaders become corrupt and fall.</p>
<p>The great view the small as their source, <br>
and the high takes the low as their foundation. <br>
Their greatest asset becomes their humility. <br>
They speak of themselves as orphans and widows, <br>
thus they truly seek humility. <br>
Do not shine like the precious gem, <br>
but be as dull as a common stone. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-40"><a href="#chapter-40">Chapter 40</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>All movement returns to the Tao. <br>
Weakness is how the Tao works.</p>
<p>All of creation is born from substance. <br>
Substance is born of nothing-ness. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-41"><a href="#chapter-41">Chapter 41</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When a superior person hears of the Tao, <br>
She diligently puts it into practice. <br>
When an average person hears of the Tao, <br>
he believes half of it, and doubts the other half. <br>
When a foolish person hears of the Tao, <br>
he laughs out loud at the very idea. <br>
If he didn't laugh, <br>
it wouldn't be the Tao.</p>
<p>Thus it is said: <br>
The brightness of the Tao seems like darkness, <br>
the advancement of the Tao seems like retreat, <br>
the level path seems rough, <br>
the superior path seems empty, <br>
the pure seems to be tarnished, <br>
and true virtue doesn't seem to be enough. <br>
The virtue of caution seems like cowardice, <br>
the pure seems to be polluted, <br>
the true square seems to have no corners, <br>
the best vessels take the most time to finish, <br>
the greatest sounds cannot be heard, <br>
and the greatest image has no form.</p>
<p>The Tao hides in the unnamed, <br>
Yet it alone nourishes and completes all things. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-42"><a href="#chapter-42">Chapter 42</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao gave birth to One. <br>
The One gave birth to Two. <br>
The Two gave birth to Three. <br>
The Three gave birth to all of creation.</p>
<p>All things carry Yin <br>
yet embrace Yang. <br>
They blend their life breaths <br>
in order to produce harmony.</p>
<p>People despise being orphaned, widowed and poor. <br>
But the noble ones take these as their titles. <br>
In losing, much is gained, <br>
and in gaining, much is lost.</p>
<p>What others teach I too will teach: <br>
"The strong and violent will not die a natural death." </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-43"><a href="#chapter-43">Chapter 43</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>That which offers no resistance, <br>
overcomes the hardest substances. <br>
That which offers no resistance <br>
can enter where there is no space.</p>
<p>Few in the world can comprehend <br>
the teaching without words, <br>
or understand the value of non-action. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-44"><a href="#chapter-44">Chapter 44</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Which is more important, your honor or your life? <br>
Which is more valuable, your possessions or your person? <br>
Which is more destructive, success or failure?</p>
<p>Because of this, great love extracts a great cost <br>
and true wealth requires greater loss.</p>
<p>Knowing when you have enough avoids dishonor, <br>
and knowing when to stop will keep you from danger <br>
and bring you a long, happy life. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-45"><a href="#chapter-45">Chapter 45</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The greatest accomplishments seem imperfect, <br>
yet their usefulness is not diminished. <br>
The greatest fullness seems empty, <br>
yet it will be inexhaustible.</p>
<p>The greatest straightness seems crooked. <br>
The most valued skill seems like clumsiness. <br>
The greatest speech seems full of stammers.</p>
<p>Movement overcomes the cold, <br>
and stillness overcomes the heat. <br>
That which is pure and still is the universal ideal. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-46"><a href="#chapter-46">Chapter 46</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>When the world follows the Tao, <br>
horses run free to fertilize the fields. <br>
When the world does not follow the Tao, <br>
war horses are bread outside the cities.</p>
<p>There is no greater transgression <br>
than condoning peoples selfish desires, <br>
no greater disaster than being discontent, <br>
and no greater retribution than for greed.</p>
<p>Whoever knows contentment will be at peace forever. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-47"><a href="#chapter-47">Chapter 47</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Without opening your door, <br>
you can know the whole world. <br>
Without looking out your window, <br>
you can understand the way of the Tao.</p>
<p>The more knowledge you seek, <br>
the less you will understand.</p>
<p>The Master understands without leaving, <br>
sees clearly without looking, <br>
accomplishes much without doing anything. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-48"><a href="#chapter-48">Chapter 48</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>One who seeks knowledge learns something new every day. <br>
One who seeks the Tao unlearns something new every day. <br>
Less and less remains until you arrive at non-action. <br>
When you arrive at non-action, <br>
nothing will be left undone.</p>
<p>Mastery of the world is achieved <br>
by letting things take their natural course. <br>
You can not master the world by changing the natural way. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-49"><a href="#chapter-49">Chapter 49</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Master has no mind of her own. <br>
She understands the mind of the people.</p>
<p>To those who are good she treats as good. <br>
To those who aren't good she also treats as good. <br>
This is how she attains true goodness.</p>
<p>She trusts people who are trustworthy. <br>
She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy. <br>
This is how she gains true trust.</p>
<p>The Master's mind is shut off from the world. <br>
Only for the sake of the people does she muddle her mind. <br>
They look to her in anticipation. Yet she treats them all as her
children.</p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-50"><a href="#chapter-50">Chapter 50</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>Those who leave the womb at birth <br>
and those who enter their source at death, <br>
of these; three out of ten celebrate life, <br>
three out of ten celebrate death, <br>
and three out of ten simply go from life to death. <br>
What is the reason for this? <br>
Because they are afraid of dying, <br>
therefore they can not live.</p>
<p>I have heard that those who celebrate life <br>
walk safely among the wild animals. <br>
When they go into battle, they remain unharmed. <br>
The animals find no place to attack them <br>
and the weapons are unable to harm them. <br>
Why? Because they can find no place for death in them. </p>
</div>
</article>
<article chapter>
<h2 id="chapter-51"><a href="#chapter-51">Chapter 51</a></h2>
<div content>
<p>The Tao gives birth to all of creation. <br>
The virtue of Tao in nature nurtures them, <br>
and their family gives them their form. <br>
Their environment then shapes them into completion. <br>
That is why every creature honors the Tao and its virtue.</p>
<p>No one tells them to honor the Tao and its virtue, <br>
it happens all by itself. <br>
So the Tao gives them birth, <br>
and its virtue cultivates them, <br>
cares for them, <br>
nurtures them, <br>
gives them a place of refuge and peace, <br>
helps them to grow and shelters them.</p>
<p>It gives them life without wanting to posses them, <br>
and cares for them expecting nothing in return. <br>
It is their master, but it does not seek to dominate them. <br>
This is called the dark and mysterious virtue. </p>