Chapter 34

Tao Humility

All-pervading is the Great Tao! It may be found on the left

hand and on the right.

All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to

them, not one refusing obedience to it. When its work is

accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it. It

clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being

their lord;--it may be named in the smallest things. All things

return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it

which presides over their doing so;--it may be named in the greatest

things.

Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great

achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can

accomplish them.

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

TRUST IN ITS PERFECTION.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. How all-pervading is the great Reason! It can be on the left and it can be on the right. 2. The ten thousand things depend upon it for their life, and it refuses them not. When its merit is accomplished it assumes not the name. Lovingly it nourishes the ten thousand things and plays not the lord. Ever desireless it can be classed with the small. The ten thousand things return home to it. It plays not the lord. It can be classed with the great. 3. Therefore The holy man unto death does not mak...