Chapter XXXIV
(Chapter 34)

[-----]

Ko Yuen Translation

The Method of Attainment
1. The Tao is immanent; it extendeth to the right hand as to the left.
2. All things derive from it their being; it createth them, and all comply with it.  Its work is done, and it proclaimeth it not.  It is the ornament of all things, yet it claimeth not fief of them; there is nothing so small that it inhabiteth not, and informeth it.  All things return without knowledge of the Cause thereof; there is nothing so great that it inhabiteth not, and informeth it.
3. In this manner also may the Sage perform his Works.  It is by not thrusting himself forward that he winneth to his success.

[-----]

S. Mitchell Translation
The great Tao flows everywhere.
All things are born from it,
yet it doesn't create them.
It pours itself into its work,
yet it makes no claim.
It nourishes infinite worlds,
yet it doesn't hold on to them.
Since it is merged with all things
and hidden in their hearts,
it can be called humble.
Since all things vanish into it
and it alone endures,
it can be called great.
It isn't aware of its greatness;
thus it is truly great.

[-----]

James Legge Translation
1. All-pervading is the Great Tao!  It may be found on the left hand and on the right.
2. All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to them, not one refusing obedience to it.  When its work is accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it.  It clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being their lord; it may be named in the smallest things.  All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so; it may be named in the greatest things.
3. Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great achievements.  It is through his not making himself great that he can accomplish them.

[-----]

GNL not Lao Interpolation

Control
The Way flows and ebbs, creating and destroying,
Implementing all the world, attending to the tiniest details,
Claiming nothing in return.

It nurtures all things,
Though it does not control them;
It has no intention,
So it seems inconsequential.

It is the substance of all things;
Though it does not control them;
It has no exception,
So it seems all-important.

The sage would not control the world;
He is in harmony with the world.

[-----]

Previous Tao Teh King
Main Page		 Next