The Tao Te Ching, excerpts

The Tao Te Ching
A Translation by Stan Rosenthal

 1. THE EMBODIMENT OF TAO 

Even the finest teaching is not the Tao itself.
Even the finest name is insufficient to define it.
Without words, the Tao can be experienced,
and without a name, it can be known.

To conduct one's life according to the Tao,
is to conduct one's life without regrets;
to realize that potential within oneself
which is of benefit to all.

Though words or names are not required
to live one's life this way,
to describe it, words and names are used,
that we might better clarify the way of which we speak,
without confusing it with other ways
in which an individual might choose to live.

Through knowledge, intellectual thought and words,
the manifestations of the Tao are known,
but without such intellectual intent
we might experience the Tao itself.

Both knowledge and experience are real,
but reality has many forms,
which seem to cause complexity.
By using the means appropriate,
we extend ourselves beyond the barriers of such complexity,
and so experience the Tao.

9. WITHOUT EXTREMES

The cup is easier to hold
when not filled to overflowing.
The blade is more effective
if not tempered beyond its mettle.

Gold and jade are easier to protect
if possessed in moderation.
He who seeks titles,
 invites his own downfall.

The sage works quietly,
seeking neither praise nor fame;
completing what he does with natural ease,
and then retiring.
This is the way and nature of Tao.

10. CLEANING THE DARK MIRROR

Maintaining unity is virtuous,
for the inner world of thought is one
with the external world
of action and of things.

The sage avoids their separation,
by breathing as the sleeping babe,
and thus maintaining harmony.
He cleans the dark mirror of his mind,
so that it reflects without intent.

He conducts himself without contriving,
loving the people, and not interfering.
He cultivates without possessing,
thus providing nourishment,

he remains receptive to changing needs,
and creates without desire.
By leading from behind,
attending to that which must be done,
he is said to have attained the mystic state.


Tao Te Ching