Tao Te Ching

Chapter 35
[Original text]

The avenue is broad [1], and it can be left and right.All things rely on it to live without giving up, and they are not famous for their achievements [2].Clothes and quilts[3] can be called "small[4]" when all things are not the main ones; they can be called "big [5]" when all things are not the main ones.Because it is not great in the end, it can become great.

【Note】

[1] Pan (fàn): Tong "pan", extensive.

[2] Yes: Take it as your own.

[3] Being: Tong "Phi", covered, covered.

[4] Small: small. "Tao" allows all things to grow and does nothing naturally, so it is called "small".

[5] Big: great. "Tao" selflessly nourishes all things and is the mother of all things, so it is called "Da".

【Analysis】

The avenue is ubiquitous, and it can be left or right.All things in the world rely on the Dao to survive without refusing, and at the same time, the Dao also achieves all things in the world without taking it as their own.The grace of the Dao benefits all things, but the Dao has not become the master of all things, so it can be said that the Dao is not selfish at all, as if it is very small; all things belong to the Dao, and the Dao still does not regard itself as their master. is very great.Because "Tao" never respects itself, it can achieve its own greatness.

On the surface, Laozi is analyzing the "Tao", but in fact he is also explaining the way of governing the country and the way of being a person.When people have no selfish desires, let nature take its course, and do not fight or take, all things will take the initiative to achieve him.

【Explanation by Famous Artists】

Mr. He Shang:
It is very difficult to say that the Tao is buoyant, whether it is floating or sinking, whether it is present or not, and it is difficult to see it.The way can be left or right, and it is suitable for everything.Rely on, wait for.All things are waiting for Tao to be born.Thank you without saying goodbye, but stop it.Youdao is not known for its meritorious service.Although the Tao loves to nourish all things, it is not as good as the owner of the people to collect.Dao hides virtue and hides his name, and he is silent and inactive, which seems to be insignificant.All things return to the Tao and receive the qi, and the Tao is not prohibited by the Lord.All things come and go, so that the name is free, so it can be named in Da Ye.The sage follows the Tao, hides his virtues and hides his name, so he is not full of greatness.The sage guides with his body, melts without saying a word, and repairs everything, so he can become great.

(End of this chapter)