Chapter 52

In the beginning was the Tao.

All things issue from it;

all things return to it.

To find the origin,

trace back the manifestations.

When you recognize the children

and find the mother,

you will be free of sorrow.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 51

Every being in the universe

is an expression of the Tao.

It springs into existence,

unconscious, perfect, free,

takes on a physical body,

lets circumstances complete it.

That is why every being

spontaneously honors the Tao.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 50

The Master gives himself up

to whatever the moment brings.

He knows that he is going to die,

and he has nothing left to hold on to:

no illusions in his mind,

no resistances in his body.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 49

The Master has no mind of her own.
She works with the mind of the people.

She is good to people who are good.
She is also good to people who aren’t good.
This is true goodness.

. . .


Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 48

In the pursuit of knowledge,
every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao,
every day something is dropped.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Chapter 47

Without opening your door,
you can open your heart to the world.
Without looking out your window,
you can see the essence of the Tao.

. . .

Translation of the Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell