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Chapter 1

The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao

The name that can be named is not the eternal name

The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth

The named is the mother of myriad things

Thus, constantly without desire, one observes its

essence

Constantly with desire, one observes its manifestations

These two emerge together but differ in nameThe unity is said to be the mysteryMystery of mysteries, the door to all wonders

Chapter 8

The highest goodness resembles water Water greatly benefits myriad things without

contention

It stays in places that people dislike

Therefore it is similar to the Tao

welling with the right location

!eeling with great depth"iving with great kindness

#peaking with great integrity

"overning with great administration

Handling with great capability

Moving with great timing

$ecause it does not contendIt is therefore beyond reproach

Chapter 11

Thirty spokes %oin in one hub

In its emptiness, there is the function of a vehicleMi& clay to create a container 

In its emptiness, there is the function of a container 

Cut open doors and windows to create a room

In its emptiness, there is the function of a room

Therefore, that which e&ists is used to create benefit

That which is empty is used to create functionality

Chapter 34

The great Tao is like a flood

It can flow to the left or to the right

The myriad things depend on it for life, but it neverstops

It achieves its work, but does not take credit

It clothes and feeds myriad things, but does not rule

over them

Ever desiring nothing

It can be named insignificant

Myriad things return to it but it does not rule over them

It can be named great

Even in the end, it does not regard itself as great

That is how it can achieve its greatness

Chapter 81

True words are not beautiful

$eautiful words are not true

Those who are good do not debate

Those who debate are not goodThose who know are not broad of knowledgeThose who are broad of knowledge do not know

#ages do not accumulate

The more they assist others, the more they possessThe more they give to others, the more they gain

The Tao of heaven

$enefits and does not harm

The Tao of sages

'ssists and does not contend

POEMS BY GROUP

Group 1 – Chapter 31

Weapons are the tools of violence(

all decent men detest them)

Weapons are the tools of fear(

a decent man will avoid them

e&cept in the direst necessity

and, if compelled, will use them

only with the utmost restraint)

*eace is his highest value)If the peace has been shattered,

how can he be content+His enemies are not demons,

 but human beings like himself)

He doesnt wish them personal harm)

 -or does he re%oice in victory)How could he re%oice in victory

and delight in the slaughter of men+

He enters a battle gravely,

with sorrow and with great compassion,

as if he were attending a funeral)

Group 2 – Chapter 13

#uccess is as dangerous as failure)

Hope is as hollow as fear)

What does it mean that success is a dangerous as

failure+

Whether you go up the ladder or down it,you position is shaky)

When you stand with your two feet on the ground,

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you will always keep your balance)

What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear+

Hope and fear are both phantoms

that arise from thinking of the self)

When we dont see the self as self,

what do we have to fear+

#ee the world as your self)Have faith in the way things are).ove the world as your self(

then you can care for all things)

Group 3 – Chapter 9

!ill your bowl to the brim

and it will spill)

/eep sharpening your knife

and it will blunt)

Chase after money and security

and your heart will never unclench)

Care about peoples approvaland you will be their prisoner)

o your work, then step back)

The only path to serenity)

Group 4 – Chapter 33

He who knows other men is discerning( he who knowshimself is

intelligent) He who overcomes others is strong( he who

overcomes

himself is mighty) He who is satisfied with his lot is

rich( he who

goes on acting with energy has a 0firm1 will)

He who does not fail in the re2uirements of his

 position, continues

long( he who dies and yet does not perish, haslongevity)

Group 5 – Chapter 7

The Tao is infinite, eternal)

Why is it eternal+It was never born(

thus it can never die)

Why is it infinite+

It has no desires for itself(

thus it is present for all beings)

The Master stays behind(that is why she is ahead)

#he is detached from all things(

that is why she is one with them)

$ecause she has let go of herself,

she is perfectly fulfilled)