Tao Te Ching

Chapter 8
[Original text]

forever.The reason why heaven and earth can last forever is because [1] it does not grow by itself, so it can live forever.

It is the sage who follows his body [2] and is first [3], and the outer [4] lives by his body.Isn't it because of its selflessness?Therefore, it can be selfish.

【Note】

[1] To: because.

[2] Body: itself, itself, oneself.

[3] First: Live first.Here it means to stand before the crowd.

[4] Outside: outside...Here it means to ignore everything, not to consider and care too much.

【Analysis】

Heaven and earth have always existed in the world (in Taoist thought, the eternal existence of heaven and earth is relative to the rise and death of all things. If it is concerned with heaven and earth itself, heaven and earth do not exist forever).The reason why heaven and earth can exist for a long time is that they are not born for themselves, but can last for a long time.

Therefore, the sage puts himself behind the crowd, but his thoughts and steps go ahead of the crowd; instead of caring too much about his own life, he preserves his own life better.Is this the reason why you can put aside your own selfishness?It is precisely because he has no selfishness that he has achieved his own selfishness.

【Explanation by Famous Artists】

Mr. He Shang:
It is said that the heaven and the earth live forever, and it is also used as a metaphor to teach people.The reason why heaven and earth are unique and long-lasting is that it is quiet and does not expect rewards. It is not as good as people living in a place to seek the benefits of self-forgiveness and taking others for themselves.Because it does not seek to live, it can live forever.

First others and then oneself.The world respects him, and he is the official first.Thin yourself and thick others.The common people love them like their parents, and the gods protect them like a child, so their bodies will always exist.The sage is loved by people and blessed by the gods. Isn't it because of his impartiality and selflessness?People who think that they are selfish want to enrich themselves.A sage is selfless and generous, so he can achieve his own selfishness.

(End of this chapter)