04道德经英译本85种-第305章
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Those who die but do not perish have longevity
The one who understands other people is merely knowledgeable or intelligent; the one who understands oneself is truly wise and enlightened。 Wisdom is above intelligence; just as knowledge is above ignorance。
The one who overcomes other people has external strength; the one who can overcome oneself possesses authentic inner power。 External strength never lasts。 True strength resides within and lasts forever。
The few who know the meaning of contentment and feel satisfied with what they have are truly wealthy。 Wealth is not measured by dollar amounts。 One can possess millions and still be tormented by feelings of inadequacy。
Tao cultivators go forth in life with vigor and energy。 They understand that vitality is the fuel for excellence and achievements; so they never overlook the importance of the body。 By practicing physical disciplines with willpower and determination; they develop their vigor and energy in a natural and healthy way。
The one who does not lose sight of spiritual basis can really withstand the test of time。 As we progress in the path of cultivation; it is a certainty that we will be tested。 Those who lack a strong foundation will not be able to handle the challenge。
The one who passes away; but does not fade from memory; is the one who possesses true longevity。 A noble goal for Tao cultivators is to live a life that is rich with meaning and full of the joy of helping others。 Such a life lives on forever in the hearts of people; fondly remembered and sorely missed。
34
The great Tao is like a flood
It can flow to the left or to the right
The myriad things depend on it for life; but it never stops
It achieves its work; but does not take credit
It clothes and feeds myriad things; but does not rule over them
Ever desiring nothing
It can be named insignificant
Myriad things return to it but it does not rule over them
It can be named great
Even in the end; it does not regard itself as great
That is how it can achieve its greatness
The great Tao is like a torrential flood。 It flows everywhere like water。 Left; right; up; down; over; under … there is no place it cannot go。 It is the principle that permeates all of existence。
All living things depend on the Tao; because the Tao is the life force of the universe。 It nurtures everyone and denies no one。 It never stops; never pauses in its all…pervasive movement to drive life; growth; and evolution。 The Tao moves forward and onward continuously。
Although the Tao is the ultimate cause of the miracle we call life; it accomplishes all of its work without needing to take credit; praise itself; or demand worship。
The nurturing aspect of the Tao protects and sustains all living things; but it does so without regarding itself as the lord of creation or ruler of the universe。 It gives life to all creatures without elevating itself to a position of superiority。
The Tao is; after all; a transcendental force rather than a human…like entity。 As such; it does not necessarily possess emotions。 Thus; the Tao cannot be said to desire anything。
In a way; the Tao seems insignificant because it stays in the background。 Its workings are subtle and imperceptible … easy for most people to overlook。
Even though all living things come from the Tao and must eventually return to it; it has no desire to dominate over them。 It simply does what it does without requiring anything extra。
In a way; the Tao is great precisely because of its seeming insignificance。 Even though it is often hidden from view and does not draw attention to itself; it is nevertheless the most fundamental force of reality。 Many people are not aware of the Tao; and yet none of us can exist without it。 Thus; the Tao is obscure and great at the same time。
In a similar way; the Tao is able to achieve its miraculous and often unnoticed greatness precisely because it does not regard itself as great。 When everything is said and done; the true character of the Tao … its complete indifference to self…glorification or domination over all … inspires in us a sense of awe that is far beyond anything one can get out of fear…based theology。
35
Chapter 35
Hold the great image
The world will come
They come without harm; in harmonious peace
Music and food; passing travelers stop
The Tao that is spoken out of the mouth
Is bland and without flavor
Look at it; it cannot be seen
Listen to it; it cannot be heard
Use it; it cannot be exhausted
When we hold the great image of the Tao; the world will come into a state of harmonious peace。
Rough Draft of notes
Holding to the Great Form
All pass away。
They pass away unharmed; resting in Great Peace。
It is for food and music that the passing traveler stops。
When the Tao appears from its opening
It is so subtle; it has no taste。
Look at it; you cannot see it。
Listen; you cannot hear it。
Use it
You cannot exhaust it。
Apprehend the inimitable conception; you attract the world; coming it receives no harm; but is tranquil; peaceful; satisfied。
Like transient guests; music and dainties pass away。
The Tao entering the mouth is insipid and without flavor; when looked at it evades sight; when listened for it escapes the ear … (yet) its operations are interminable。
36
If one wishes to shrink it
One must first expand it
If one wishes to weaken it
One must first strengthen it
If one wishes to discard it
One must first promote it
If one wishes to seize it
One must first give it
This is called subtle clarity
The soft and weak overcomes the tough and strong
Fish cannot leave the depths
The sharp instruments of the state
Cannot be shown to the people
If we wish to reduce something; to make something smaller; we must first expand it。 After it is stretched out; it will naturally shrink back down to size。
Similarly; if we wish to weaken something; we must first strengthen it。 The seed of weakness invariably exists in the greatest of strengths。
In order for something to be discarded or abandoned; it is first promoted。 The world is full of examples of things that are hyped up and then thrown away and forgotten without a second thought。
In order to get something; we must first give it。 For instance; if we wish to be treated kindly; we must start by treating others with kindness。 This works because the Tao process is circular; the principle underlying all interactions is one of dynamic; universal energy exchange。
We say that these illuminated insights are subtle; because they seem to be the very opposite of our habitual thought patterns。 To understand them is to become enlightened in the subtle workings of the Tao。
That which is gentle; soft and weak seems to yield to that which possesses toughness; strength and aggressiveness; but the yielding is deceptive; for in the end the soft overcomes the hard。
It is the nature of the Tao to remain hidden。 Just as the fish does not leave the depths and a country does not display its weapons and inner workings to the people; a sage remains deeply immersed in the Tao and does not utilize his or her insights against people who are more shallow。
37
The Tao is constant in non…action
Yet there is nothing it does not do
If the sovereign can hold on to this
All things shall transform themselves
Transformed; yet wishing to achieve
I shall restrain them with the simplicity of the nameless
The simplicity of the nameless
They shall be without desire
Without desire; using stillness
The world shall steady itself
The Tao is the eternal; unchanging principle of effortless achievements。 Within the workings of the Tao there is no strife and no struggle。
The Tao is both eternally devoid of action and the ultimate cause of all actions。 The Tao makes no attempt to achieve; and yet nothing is beyond its powers to achieve。 The Tao doesn't try to do anything; it simply does everything。
If a ruler (anything from the leader of a