Category Archives: Tao Te Ching

Govern the state with correctness. Operate the army with surprise tactics. Administer the empire by engaging in no activity. How do I know that this should be so? Through this: The more taboos and prohibitions there are in the world,  … Continue reading →

As a preamble to the following dive into philosophical ethics occasioned by the commentary on the Tao Te Ching, Chapter 50, at Ralston Creek Review, I’d like to make a few comments about death, and the one in ten who … Continue reading →

My friend Louis has a blog called Ralston Creek Review. He has created a place there devoted to observations and commentary about the Tao Te Ching, the first 37 chapters of which I have also commented on here as a … Continue reading →

My friend Louis, who has a fine blog at Ralston Creek Review, let me know several months ago that Amy Putkonnen, another worthy blogster, had extended an invitation to interested persons to comment once a week on a chapter of … Continue reading →

The Rhythm of Life He who is to be made to dwindle (in power) Must first be caused to expand. He who is to be weakened Must first be made strong. He who is to be laid low Must first … Continue reading →

The Peace of Tao  Hold the Great Symbol     and all the world follows,     Follows without meeting harm,     (And lives in) health, peace, commonwealth. Offer good things to eat  And the wayfarer stays.     But Tao is mild … Continue reading →

The way is broad, reaching left as well as right. The myriad creatures depend on it for life yet it claims no authority. It accomplishes its task yet lays claim to no merit. It clothes and feeds the myriad creatures … Continue reading →

This chapter brings forward a couple of reflections. First we have the translation thing again. Here’s a line-by-line combination of two translations, Victor H. Mair on the left, followed by Jane English & Gia-fu Feng on the right: Understanding others is … Continue reading →

1.  Warning Against the Use of Force He who by Tao purposes to help the ruler of men Will oppose all conquest by force of arms. For such things are wont to rebound. Where armies are, thorns and brambles grow. … Continue reading →

1. There are those who will conquer the world And make of it (what they conceive or desire). I see that they will not succeed. (For) the world is God’s own Vessel It cannot be made (by human interference). He … Continue reading →