The Dao, vast beyond measure, pervades all dimensions. Transcending spatial binaries of left/right or containment, it sustains the cyclical dance of existence while remaining inseparable from all beings.
The Dao exists under heaven like valleys that silently receive rivers. It is eternal, unnamed, and simple. Hidden and imperceptible, no one can dominate it.
Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler of movement.Therefore a wise prince, marching the whole day, does not go far from his baggage waggons. Although he may have brilliant prospects to look at, he quietly remains (in his proper place), indifferent to them. How should the lord of a myriad chariots carry…
This chapter unravels the ontology of the Dao, with Laozi proposing the four great entities: “Dao,” “Heaven,” “Earth,” and “Human.”
He who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm; he who stretches his legs does not walk (easily). (So), he who displays himself does not shine; he who asserts his own views is not distinguished; he who vaunts himself does not find his merit acknowledged; he who is self- conceited has no superiority…
Abstaining from speech marks him who is obeying the spontaneity of his nature. A violent wind does not last for a whole morning; a sudden rain does not last for the whole day. To whom is it that these (two) things are owing? To Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth cannot make such…
The partial becomes complete; the crooked, straight; the empty, full; the worn out, new. He whose (desires) are few gets them; he whose (desires) are many goes astray.Therefore the sage holds in his embrace the one thing (of humility), and manifests it to all the world. He is free from self- display, and therefore…