English Translation
The great Tao flows everywhere, both to the left and to the right. The ten thousand things depend upon it; it holds nothing back. It fulfills its purpose silently and makes no claim. It nourishes the ten thousand things, and yet is not their lord. It has no aim; it is very small. The ten thousand things return to it, yet it is not their lord. It is very great. It does not show greatness, and is therefore truly great.
Original Text
大道泛兮其可左右。万物恃之而生而不辞，功成而不名有，衣养万物而不为主，常无欲。可名于小，万物归焉而不为主；可名为大，以其终不自为大，故能成其大。
Explanation with Examples
- The Tao is all-pervasive and impartial, flowing everywhere and nourishing all things without distinction. Just as the sun shines on all creatures, both great and small, the Tao provides for all things without holding anything back or claiming any credit.
- The Tao is both very small and very great. It is small in the sense that it is humble and unassuming, not seeking any recognition or praise for its work. Yet it is great in the sense that it is the source and sustainer of all things, and its influence is felt everywhere.
Call to Action
To align ourselves with the Tao and tap into its power, we must learn to cultivate a sense of humility, generosity, and selflessness. By letting go of our ego and our desire for recognition or reward, we can become a conduit for the Tao to flow through us and nourish the world around us.
Take action today:
- Practice generosity and selflessness in your interactions with others, giving freely of your time, energy, and resources
- Cultivate a sense of humility and let go of the need for recognition or praise
- Trust in the power of the Tao to provide for your needs and guide your actions
- Be like the Tao, flowing everywhere and nourishing all things without distinction or preference
- Remember that true greatness comes from humility and selflessness, not from ego or self-aggrandizement
By aligning ourselves with the Tao and cultivating a sense of humility and generosity, we can tap into a deep reservoir of power and wisdom. Remember that the Tao is the source and sustainer of all things, and that true greatness comes from serving others and letting go of the ego.
References:
The Tun Hexagram: Navigating Life’s Difficulties in the I Ching
The Enigmatic Kun Hexagram: Exploring the Depths of the I Ching
Qian: Unraveling the Mysteries of the First Hexagram in the Book of Changes
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 33
The Struggles and Resilience of Alibaba: A Giant at a Crossroads
Journey to the West: The Legendary Tale Behind China’s Record-Breaking Video Game “Black Myth: Wukong”
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The Enduring Legacy of Dong Zhongshu: The Confucian Scholar’s Impact on Chinese Thought and Society
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The Enigmatic Sage: Yan Hui, Confucius’ Most Beloved Disciple
Wang Yangming: A Luminary of Chinese Philosophy, Military, and Literature
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Xunzi: The Ancient Chinese Philosopher Who Believed Human Nature Is Evil
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The Emei Female Kung Fu Troupe: China’s Cultural Marvel Takes the World by Storm
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The Rise of a Math Prodigy: Jiang Ping’s Controversial Journey from Vocational School to Global Math Competition
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Confucius: The Sage Who Shaped Chinese Civilization
The Confucian School: A Pillar of Ancient Chinese Philosophy in the Era of a Hundred Schools of Thought
The Hundred Schools of Thought: A Fascinating Journey Through Ancient Chinese Philosophy
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The Shocking Revelation: A Chinese Female Ph.D. Student’s Fight Against Sexual Harassment
Foxconn Invests $1 Billion in Zhengzhou, Boosting China’s Tech Industry
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The Whirlwind of Wahaha: Zong Fuli’s Resignation and the Future of a Chinese Beverage Giant
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Crusbro: Unlocking the Treasure of Enterprise Knowledge with AI-Powered Enterprise Knowledge Management
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The Curious Case of the Forgotten VIP Passengers: A Comical Tale of Airport Misadventures
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This passage from the Tao Te Ching offers a profound and thought-provoking perspective on the nature of the Tao and its relationship to the world. The idea of an all-pervasive, impartial force that nourishes all things without seeking recognition or reward is both humbling and inspiring.
The concept of the Tao as described in this passage bears some similarities to the idea of God or a higher power in Western religious traditions. However, the Tao is presented here as a more impersonal, non-anthropomorphic force that operates according to its own natural principles rather than human-like intentions or desires.
The paradoxical nature of the Tao as being both very small and very great is a fascinating and thought-provoking idea. It suggests that true greatness comes not from outward displays of power or grandeur, but from a humble, selfless dedication to serving and nourishing others.
I find the idea of the Tao as a source of nourishment and sustenance for all things to be a beautiful and comforting thought. It suggests that even in times of difficulty or hardship, there is a deeper, more fundamental force at work that is always supporting and sustaining us.
I find the language and imagery used to describe the Tao in this passage to be beautiful and poetic. The use of paradox and contradiction (e.g. ‘very small’ and ‘very great’) adds depth and nuance to the ideas being presented, and invites the reader to engage with the text on a deeper, more contemplative level.
The concept of ‘wu wei’ or ‘non-action’ that is often associated with Taoist philosophy is hinted at in this passage, with the idea of the Tao ‘fulfilling its purpose silently’ and ‘without aim’. This suggests a way of being in the world that is characterized by effortless, spontaneous action rather than forced, ego-driven striving.
The idea of the ten thousand things returning to the Tao and yet the Tao not being their lord is an interesting and provocative one. It suggests a kind of radical equality and non-hierarchy in the natural world, where all things are ultimately subject to the same fundamental principles and forces.
I appreciate the way this passage balances philosophical abstraction with concrete, relatable examples and analogies (e.g. the sun shining on all creatures, the Tao providing for all things like a mother nourishing her children). This helps to make the ideas being presented more accessible and meaningful to a wider audience.
The call to cultivate humility and let go of the need for recognition or praise is a challenging but important one. In a culture that often prioritizes individual achievement and success, it can be difficult to remember the value of selflessness and service to others. This passage reminds us of the deeper fulfillment that comes from aligning ourselves with something greater than our own ego.
I find the idea of the Tao as a ‘reservoir of power and wisdom’ to be a compelling and inspiring one. It suggests that by cultivating a sense of humility and generosity, we can tap into a deeper source of strength and insight that goes beyond our individual selves.
The emphasis on non-distinction and impartiality in this passage is a powerful reminder of the fundamental equality and interconnectedness of all things. It suggests that true wisdom and compassion come from recognizing our shared humanity and the inherent worth and dignity of all beings.
I appreciate the way this passage encourages a sense of trust and surrender in the face of the unknown and the uncontrollable. By letting go of our need for control and recognition, and trusting in the power of the Tao to guide and sustain us, we can find a deeper sense of peace and equanimity in our lives.
The idea of the Tao as a ‘conduit’ or channel for the flow of energy and life force is a fascinating one. It suggests that by aligning ourselves with the Tao and cultivating a sense of openness and receptivity, we can become a vehicle for the expression of something greater than ourselves.
I find the image of the Tao ‘nourishing the ten thousand things’ to be a beautiful and comforting one. It suggests a kind of radical abundance and generosity at the heart of the universe, where all things are sustained and supported by a deeper, more fundamental source of life and energy.
The call to ‘be like the Tao’ and embody its qualities of humility, generosity, and selflessness is a powerful and inspiring one. It reminds us that we all have the capacity to be a force for good in the world, and to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.
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