Chapter 34 · The Great Tao Flows Everywhere

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

All-pervading is the Great Tao!

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

All-pervading is the Great Tao! It may be found on the left hand and on the right. All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to them, not one refusing obedience to it. When its work is accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it. It clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being their lord;--it may be named in the smallest things. All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so;--it may be named in the greatest things. Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can accomplish them.

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Chapter 34, in a second rendering

Never Sends a Bill

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

The great Way spreads out everywhere - left, right, all of it. Everything leans on it to exist and it doesn't turn anything away. It does the work and never sends a bill. It feeds and shelters the whole lot and never plays boss. Wants nothing, so you could call it small. Everything comes home to it, and it never throws its weight around, so you could call it huge. That's the move: it never tries to be great. Which is how it ends up great.

Next · Chapter 35To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tao)…Read chapter 35 →

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