Chapter LXII
(Chapter 62)

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Ko Yuen Translation

The Workings of the Tao
1. The Tao is the most exalted of all things.  It is the ornament of the good, and the protection and purification of the evil.
2. Its words are the fountain of honour, and its deeds the engine of achievement.  It is present even in evil.
3. Though the Son of Heaven were enthroned with his three Dukes appointed to serve him, and he were offered a round symbol-of-rank as great as might fill the hands, with a team of horses to follow, this gift were not to be matched against the Tao, which might be offered by the humblest of men.
4. Why did they of old time set such store by the Tao?  Because he that sought it might find it, and because it was the Purification from all evil.  Therefore did all men under Heaven esteem it the most exalted of all things.

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S. Mitchell Translation
The Tao is the center of the universe,
the good man's treasure,
the bad man's refuge.

Honors can be bought with fine words,
respect can be won with good deeds;
but the Tao is beyond all value,
and no one can achieve it.

Thus, when a new leader is chosen,
don't offer to help him
with your wealth or your expertise.
Offer instead
to teach him about the Tao.

Why did the ancient Masters esteem the Tao?
Because, being one with the Tao,
when you seek, you find;
and when you make a mistake, you are forgiven.
That is why everybody loves it.

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James Legge Translation
1. Tao has of all things the most honoured place.  No treasures give good men so rich a grace; Bad men it guards, and doth their ill efface.
2. (Its) admirable words can purchase honour; (its) admirable deeds can raise their performer above others.  Even men who are not good are not abandoned by it.
3. Therefore when the sovereign occupies his place as the Son of Heaven, and he has appointed his three ducal ministers, though (a prince) were to send in a round symbol-of-rank large enough to fill both the hands, and that as the precursor of the team of horses (in the court-yard), such an offering would not be equal to (a lesson of) this Tao, which one might present on his knees.
4. Why was it that the ancients prized this Tao so much?  Was it not because it could be got by seeking for it, and the guilty could escape (from the stain of their guilt) by it?  This is the reason why all under heaven consider it the most valuable thing.

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GNL not Lao Interpolation

Sin
The Way is the fate of men,
The treasure of the saint,
And the refuge of the sinner.

Fine words are often borrowed,
And great deeds are often appropriated;
Therefore, when a man falls, do not abandon him,
And when a man gains power, do not honour him;
Only remain impartial and show him the Way.

Why should someone appreciate the Way?
The ancients said, "By it, those who seek may easily find,
And those who regret may easily absolve"
So it is the most precious gift.

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Ko Yuen Commentary
Cf. "Soul of Goodness in Things Evil."

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