Chapter LIV
(Chapter 54)

[-----]

Ko Yuen Translation

The Witness of Wisdom

1. If a man plant according to the Tao it will never be uprooted; if he thus gather, it will never be lost.  His sons and his son's sons, one following another, shall honour the shrine of their ancestor.
2. The Tao, applied to oneself, strengtheneth the Body, to the family, bringeth wealth; to the district, prosperity; to the state, great fortune.  Let it be the Law of the Kingdom, and all men will increase in virtue.
3. Thus we observe its effect in every case, as to the person, the family, the district, the state, and the kingdom.
4. How do I know that this is thus universal under Heaven?  By experience.

[-----]

S. Mitchell Translation

Whoever is planted in the Tao
will not be rooted up.
Whoever embraces the Tao
will not slip away.
Her name will be held in honor
from generation to generation.

Let the Tao be present in your life
and you will become genuine.
Let it be present in your family
and your family will flourish.
Let it be present in your country
and your country will be an example
to all countries in the world.
Let it be present in the universe
and the universe will sing.

How do I know this is true?
By looking inside myself.

[-----]

James Legge Translation

1. What (Tao's) 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.
2. 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.
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.
4. How do I know that this effect is sure to hold thus all under the sky? By this (method of observation).

[-----]

GNL not Lao Interpolation

Cultivate Harmony

Cultivate harmony within yourself, and harmony becomes real;
Cultivate harmony within your family, and harmony becomes fertile;
Cultivate harmony within your community, and harmony becomes abundant;
Cultivate harmony within your culture, and harmony becomes enduring;
Cultivate harmony within the world, and harmony becomes ubiquitous.

Live with a person to understand that person;
Live with a family to understand that family;
Live with a community to understand that community;
Live with a culture to understand that culture;
Live with the world to understand the world.

How can I live with the world?
By accepting.

[-----]

Previous Tao Teh King
Main Page
Next

[-----]

Ko Yuen Commentary

Teh.  Teh is always the Magick Power; it need not be explained diversely as in the text.

[Nexist Note:  The Original had "Teh" as a footnote by itself four times in verse Two at Body, Wealth, Prosperity and Great Fortune.  The above footnote originally applied to only all men will increase in virtue.]

Return to text

[-----]

Previous Tao Teh King
Main Page
Next