Tao-te ching Comments

Chapter 35

Quote

    To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tao), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him, and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feeling of ease.

    Music and dainties will make the passing guest stop (for a time). But though the Tao as it comes from the mouth, seems insipid and has no flavour, though it seems not worth being looked at or listened to, the use of it is inexhaustible. (James Legge, chapter 35)

Commentary:

Moss Roberts writes about this chapter: "It alludes briefly to a utopian world without conflict guided by the Way, an idea treated more fully in stanza [chapter] 80". (Laozi, Dao De Jing, The Book of the Way. University of California Press, 2001, 2004)

My rendering of this chapter is self-explanatory. Here it is:

He who follows the Tao will see everything coming to him without strife. (If we follow It, we find a feeling of ease).

It is true that people are tempted (for a while) by food and drink, and that the Way is not noticeable through the senses, still the Tao is inexhaustible in its use.

--
Commentary by Jhian.

 

 


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