Chapter 16 · Returning to the Root

Tao Te Ching (Legge, 1891) · chapter title added by Learn the Dao

Learn the Dao: a quiet practice for learning the thing that can’t be known.

The chapter’s first line

The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree,

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This chapter in plain modern English — David Kooi’s rendering ↓

The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All things alike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original state). When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root. This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that they have fulfilled their appointed end. The report of that fulfilment is the regular, unchanging rule. To know that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leads to wild movements and evil issues. The knowledge of that unchanging rule produces a (grand) capacity and forbearance, and that capacity and forbearance lead to a community (of feeling with all things). From this community of feeling comes a kingliness of character; and he who is king-like goes on to be heaven-like. In that likeness to heaven he possesses the Tao. Possessed of the Tao, he endures long; and to the end of his bodily life, is exempt from all danger of decay.

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Chapter 16, in a second rendering

Returning to the Root

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

Empty yourself all the way out. Hold dead still. Watch everything come up at once - and then watch it all head back home. That's what things do: they bloom, they return to the root. Returning to the root is stillness. Stillness is just things being what they are. Know that pattern and you've got some light. Miss it and you blunder around making a mess. Know it and you get roomy. Roomy, then fair. Fair, then steady. Steady, in line with the sky, in line with the Dao - and what's in line with the Dao sticks around. Your body gives out and you're still fine.

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