Chapter 28

1. Who knows his manhood's strength, Yet still his female feebleness maintains; As to one channel flow the many drains, All come to him, yea, all beneath the sky. Thus he the constant excellence retains; The simple child again, free from all stains. Who knows how white attracts, Yet always keeps himself within black's shade, The pattern of humility displayed, Displayed in view of all beneath the sky; He in the unchanging excellence arrayed, Endless return to man's first state has made. Who knows how glory shines, Yet loves disgrace, nor e'er for it is pale; Behold his presence in a spacious vale, To which men come from all beneath the sky. The unchanging excellence completes its tale; The simple infant man in him we hail.

Commentary

Commentary

This chapter explores cor e themes of the Tao Te Ching, including non-action, harmony with nature, and the power of simplicity.

Philosophical Insight

1. "Who his manhood shows And his womanhood knows Becomes the empire's river. Is he the empire's riv er, He will from virtue never deviate, And home he turneth to a child's estate. p. 93 2. "Who his brightness shows And his blackness knows Becomes the empire's model. Is he the empire's model, Of virtue ne'er shall he be destitute, And home he turneth to the absolute. 3. "Who knows his fame And guards his shame Becomes the empire's valley. Is he the empire's valley, For e'er his virtue will suffic...