Chapter 77

1. May not the Way (or Tao) of Heaven be compared to the (method of) bending a bow? The (part of the bow) which was high is brought low, and what was low is raised up. (So Heaven) diminishes where there is superabundance, and supplements where there is deficiency.

Commentary

Commentary

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

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue
1. Is not Heaven's Reason truly like stretching a bow? The high it brings down, the lowly it lifts u p. Those who have abundance it depleteth; those who are deficient it augmenteth. 2. Such is Heaven's Reason. It depleteth those who have abundance but completeth the deficient. 3. Man's Reason is not so. He depleteth the deficient in order to serve those who have abundance. p. 128 4. Where is he who would have abundance for serving the world? 5. Indeed, it is the holy man who acts but claims not; ...