Chapter 32

The Tao can’t be perceived.
Smaller than an electron,
it contains uncountable galaxies.

Chapter 31

Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them.

Chapter 30

Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
doesn’t try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce.
Violence, even well intentioned,
always rebounds upon oneself.

Chapter 29

Do you want to improve the world?
I don’t think it can be done.

Chapter 28

Know the male,
yet keep to the female;
receive the world in your arms.
If you receive the world,
the Tao will never leave you
and you will be like a little child.

Chapter 27

A good traveler has no fixed plans
and is not intent upon arriving.
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants.
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts
and keeps his mind open to what is.

Chapter 26

The heavy is the root of the light.
The unmoved is the source of all movement.

Chapter 25

There was something formless and perfect
before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty.
Solitary. Unchanging.
Infinite. Eternally present.
It is the mother of the universe.
For lack of a better name,
I call it the Tao.

Chapter 24

He who stands on tiptoe
doesn't stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn't go far.
He who tries to shine
dims his own light.
He who defines himself
can't know who he really is.
He who has power over others
can't empower himself.
He who clings to his work
will create nothing that endures.

Chapter 23

Express yourself completely,
then keep quiet.
Be like the forces of nature:
when it blows, there is only wind;
When it rains, there is only rain;
When the clouds pass, the sun shines through.

Chapter 22

If you want to become whole,
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become straight,
let yourself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up.

Chapter 21

The Master keeps her mind
always at one with the Tao;
that is what gives her her radiance.

Chapter 20

20 Stop thinking, and end your problems.
What difference between yes and no?
What difference between success and failure?
Must you value what others value,
avoid what others avoid?
How ridiculous!

Chapter 19

19 Throw away holiness and wisdom,
and people will be a hundred times happier.
Throw away morality and justice,
and people will do the right thing.
Throw away industry and profit,
and there won't be any thieves.

Chapter 18

18 When the great Tao is forgotten,
goodness and piety appear.
When the body's intelligence declines,
cleverness and knowledge step forth.
When there is no peace in the family,
filial piety begins.
When the country falls into chaos,
patriotism is born.

translated by Stephen Mitchell; HarperPerennial, 1988

Chapter 17

17 When the Master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised.

Chapter Sixteen

16 Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Another Tao Baby

Juniper Katherine Bunch
February 7, 2007
7lbs 10oz

Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Tao 15

Chapter 15

15 The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.
Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it;
all we can describe is their appearance.

Chapter 14

14 Look, and it can't be seen.
Listen, and it can't be heard.
Reach, and it can't be grasped.

Chapter Thirteen

13 Success is as dangerous as failure.
Hope is as hollow as fear.