Chapter 6 · The Valley Spirit

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 valley spirit dies not, aye the same;

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

The valley spirit dies not, aye the same; The female mystery thus do we name. Its gate, from which at first they issued forth, Is called the root from which grew heaven and earth. Long and unbroken does its power remain, Used gently, and without the touch of pain.

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Chapter 6, in a second rendering

The Valley Never Dies

Dao De Kooi — an original rendering by David Kooi

The valley never dies. Call it the deep feminine if you want a name for it - the low, open, receiving thing. Its gate is the root of heaven and earth. Faint, like it's barely there, and you can draw on it forever without using it up.

Next · Chapter 7Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long.Read chapter 7 →

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