Chapter 5 of the Dao De Jing embodies Laozi’s philosophy on the operation of the Dao, the cosmic harmony between heaven and humanity, and the fundamental equality of all phenomena.
Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be benevolent; they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt with. The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent; they deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with. May not the space between heaven and earth be compared to a bellows?
‘Tis emptied, yet it loses not its power;
‘Tis moved again, and sends forth air the more.
Much speech to swift exhaustion lead we see;
Your inner being guard, and keep it free.
The Dao operates in both heaven and earth as well as in humanity. It lacks selfish preferences and shows no partiality, revealing an essential equality among all beings and all humans.
The action of the Dao resembles a bellows stoking a fire: though it appears like an empty vessel, it possesses transcendent utility.
We are like straw dogs or ritual straw figures: our relevance emerges only in specific contexts. Therefore, in adversity, it is wise to avoid despair; in prosperity, to reject arrogance.
Leave a Reply