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Chapter 17 of the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) establishes a hierarchy of governance where political excellence is measured by its operational invisibility.
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Chapter 16 of the Dao De Jing synthesizes two pillars of spiritual practice: the cultivation of stability and the cultivation of wisdom.
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Dao belongs to the metaphysical realm. We cannot perceive it through sight, hearing or touch.
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The five colors blind the eyes;the five tones deafen the ears;the five flavors dull the palate;galloping and hunting madden the heart;rare and precious goods lead one’s conduct astray. Thus, the sage seeks fulfillment for the belly, not for the eyes—therefore he discards the one and chooses the other.