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Chapter 52. |
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Returning to the Source. |
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1. (The Tao) which originated all under the sky is to be considered as the mother of them all. |
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The Contents of
Tao Te Ching
Chapter 52-
Returning to the Source
Chapter 53-
Increase of Evidence.
Chapter 54-
The Cultivation (of the Taoo), and the Observation (of its Effects) |
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2. When the mother is found, we know what her children should be. When one knows that he is his mother's child, and proceeds to guard (the qualities of) the mother that belong to him, to the end of his life he will be free from all peril. |
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3. Let him keep his mouth closed, and shut up the portals (of his nostrils), and all his life he will be exempt from laborious exertion. Let him keep his mouth open, and (spend his breath) in the promotion of his affairs, and all his life there will be no safety for him. |
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4. The perception of what is small is (the secret of) clear-sightedness; the guarding of what is soft and tender is (the secret of) strength. |
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Who uses well his light,
Reverting to its (source so) bright,
Will from his body ward all blight,
And hides the unchanging from men's sight. |
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Chapter 53. |
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Increase of Evidence. |
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1. If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display. |
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2. The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways. |
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3. Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty. They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;-- such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Taoo surely! |
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Chapter 54. |
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The Cultivation (of the Taoo), and the Observation (of its Effects). |
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What (Tao) skilful planter plants
Can never be uptorn;
What his skilful arms enfold,
From him can ne'er be borne.
Sons shall bring in lengthening line,
Sacrifices to his shrine.
Tao when nursed within one's self,
His vigour will make true;
And where the family it rules
What riches will accrue!
The neighbourhood where it prevails
In thriving will abound;
And when 'tis seen throughout the state,
Good fortune will be found.
Employ it the kingdom o'er,
And men thrive all around. |
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3. In this way the effect will be seen in the person, by the observation of different cases; in the family; in the neighbourhood; in the state; and in the kingdom. |
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4. How do I know that this effect is sure to hold thus all under the sky? By this (method of observation). |
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Copyright 1997 - 2003
Chinese Language Culture Org
All Rights Reserved |
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