Chapter 35 · The Great Image

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

To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tao),

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

To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tao), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him, and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feeling of ease. Music and dainties will make the passing guest stop (for a time). But though the Tao as it comes from the mouth, seems insipid and has no flavour, though it seems not worth being looked at or listened to, the use of it is inexhaustible.

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Chapter 35, in a second rendering

Bland, But Never Runs Dry

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

Hold onto the big picture and the world comes to you - comes and settles, no harm, just calm. Music and a good meal will stop a stranger in the road. The Dao, said out loud, is flat by comparison. Bland. No flavor to grab you. Look for it and there's not much to see. Listen and not much to hear. But put it to use and it never runs dry. That's the part the music doesn't have.

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