Dao De Jing: full text

道dào可kě道dào非fēi常cháng道dào，

The way that can be followed is not the eternal Way.

名míng可kě名míng非fēi常cháng名míng。

The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

无wú名míng天tiān地dì之zhī始shǐ，

The nameless is the creation of heaven and earth.

有yǒu名míng万wàn物wù之zhī母mǔ。

Naming is a concept born from terrestrial beings.

故gù常cháng无wú欲yù，以yǐ观guān其qí妙miào，

Therefore, ever desireless, one can see the cosmos' mystery,

常cháng有yǒu欲yù，以yǐ观guān其qí徼jiào。

Ever desiring, you merely see its manifestations.

此cǐ两liǎng者zhě同tóng出chū而ér异yì名míng，

These two concepts have the same origin despite their different name,

同tóng谓wèi之zhī玄xuán，玄xuán之zhī又yòu玄xuán，

Both are considered mysteries, mysteries within mysteries,

众zhòng妙miào之zhī门mén。

The gateway to all marvels.

天tiān下xià皆jiē知zhī美měi之zhī为wéi美měi，斯sī恶è已yǐ，

People on Earth have defined beautiful as beautiful, and thus they created ugliness.

皆jiē知zhī善shàn之zhī为wéi善shàn，斯sī不bù善shàn已yǐ。

They have defined the good as good, and thus they created evil.

故gù有yǒu无wú相xiāng生shēng，难nán易yì相xiāng成chéng，

Therefore presence and absence produce each other. Difficulty and ease bring about each other.

长cháng短duǎn相xiāng较jiào，高gāo下xià相xiāng倾qīng，

Long and short delimit each other. High and low contrast with each other.

音yīn声shēng相xiāng和hè，前qián后hòu相xiāng随suí。

Sound and noise harmonize each other. Front and back follow each other.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén处chǔ无wú为wéi之zhī事shì，

Thus the sage puts himself in a position of non-active productive state,

行xíng不bù言yán之zhī教jiào，万wàn物wù作zuò焉yān而ér不bù辞cí，

Carries out unspoken guidance. The myriad things conform to the same law, without a word.

生shēng而ér不bù有yǒu，为wéi而ér不bù恃shì，

Living without possessing, acting without expectations,

功gōng成chéng而ér弗fú居jū。夫fú唯wéi弗fú居jū，

Succeeding without taking credit, the disciple must not take credit,

是shì以yǐ不bù去qù。

So that credit never leaves him.

不bù尚shàng贤xián，使shǐ民mín不bù争zhēng，

Not adulating the worthy, makes people non-contentious.

不bù贵guì难nán得dé之zhī货huò，使shǐ民mín不bù为wéi盗dào。

Not valuing hard-to-get goods, makes people refrain from stealing.

不bù见xiàn可kě欲yù，使shǐ民mín心xīn不bù乱luàn。

Not seeing what can be desired, appeases people's soul.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén之zhī治zhì，

Thus, governs the sage,

虚xū其qí心xīn，实shí其qí腹fù，弱ruò其qí志zhì，强qiáng其qí骨gǔ。

Clear people's minds, fill their bellies, weaken their ambitions and strengthen their bones.

常cháng使shǐ民mín无wú知zhī无wú欲yù，使shǐ夫fú智zhì者zhě不bù敢gǎn为wéi也yě，

Always keep the people ignorant and devoid of desire, make the cunning ones dare not agitate the rest.

为wéi无wú为wéi，则zé无wú不bù治zhì。

Act without acting, and nothing will be out of order.

道dào冲chōng而ér用yòng之zhī或huò不bù盈yíng，

The Way soars and consumes, without filling.

渊yuān兮xī似sì万wàn物wù之zhī宗zōng。

So deep as to be the ancestor of the myriad things.

挫cuò其qí锐ruì，解jiě其qí纷fēn，

It blunts sharpness, untangles knots,

和hé其qí光guāng，同tóng其qí尘chén。

Softens the glare, combines the elements.

湛zhàn兮xī似sì或huò存cún，

So profound as to possibly have a remainder.

吾wú不bù知zhī谁shéi之zhī子zǐ，

I do not know what it is,

象xiàng帝dì之zhī先xiān。

It appeared before God.

天tiān地dì不bù仁rén，以yǐ万wàn物wù为wéi刍chú狗gǒu；

Heaven and earth are inhumane, they treat all things like ritual dolls.

圣shèng人rén不bù仁rén，以yǐ百bǎi姓xìng为wéi刍chú狗gǒu。

The sage is inhumane, he treats the people like ritual dolls.

天tiān地dì之zhī间jiān，其qí犹yóu橐tuó龠yuè乎hū？

Space in the cosmos, is it just like bellows?

虚xū而ér不bù屈qū，动dòng而ér愈yù出chū。

Empty although unpressed, pressed although not empty.

多duō言yán数shuò穷qióng，不bù如rú守shǒu中zhōng。

Describing its extremes leads to exhaustion, and is inferior to holding the center (not naming).

谷gǔ神shén不bù死sǐ，

The spirit of abundance never dies,

是shì谓wèi玄xuán牝pìn，

It is called the mystic female,

玄xuán牝pìn之zhī门mén，

The opening of the mystic female,

是shì谓wèi天tiān地dì根gēn。

Is called the root of the cosmos,

绵mián绵mián若ruò存cún，

It infinitely seems to exist,

用yòng之zhī不bù勤qín。

Practice this without exertion.

天tiān长cháng地dì久jiǔ。

The cosmos is infinite and timeless.

天tiān地dì所suǒ以yǐ能néng长cháng且qiě久jiǔ者zhě，

It is because the cosmos can both be infinite and timeless,

以yǐ其qí不bù自zì生shēng，

That it did not foster itself.

故gù能néng长cháng生shēng。

Thus it can be infinite.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén后hòu其qí身shēn而ér身shēn先xiān，

The sage puts himself last, and thus is first,

外wài其qí身shēn而ér身shēn存cún。

He detaches himself, and thus is united.

非fēi以yǐ其qí无wú私sī邪yé？

Is he not selfless?

故gù能néng成chéng其qí私sī。

This is precisely the cause of his fulfillment.

上shàng善shàn若ruò水shuǐ。

Supreme benevolence is like water.

水shuǐ善shàn利lì万wàn物wù而ér不bù争zhēng，

Water benefits all things without struggle,

处chǔ众zhòng人rén之zhī所suǒ恶wù，

It goes to places that everyone abhors,

故gù几jī于yú道dào。

Thus is almost like the Way.

居jū善shàn地dì，心xīn善shàn渊yuān，

Dwelling benefits from geography, the mind benefits from depth,

与yǔ善shàn仁rén，言yán善shàn信xìn，

Giving is facilitated by humanity, speaking is facilitated by trust,

正zhèng善shàn治zhì，事shì善shàn能néng，

Uprightness benefits from governance, work benefits from ability,

动dòng善shàn时shí。夫fú唯wéi不bù争zhēng，

Movement benefits from time. The disciple must avoid striving,

故gù无wú尤yóu。

Thus not fail.

持chí而ér盈yíng之zhī，

Persisting in fulfilling it,

不bù如rú其qí已yǐ。

Is inferior to stopping in time.

揣chuǎi而ér锐ruì之zhī，

Protecting and sharpening it,

不bù可kě长cháng保bǎo。

Can not be preserved forever.

金jīn玉yù满mǎn堂táng，

Treasure filled halls,

莫mò之zhī能néng守shǒu。

Can not be defended.

富fù贵guì而ér骄jiāo，

Wealth and pride,

自zì遗yí其qí咎jiù。

Lead to self-loss and bad fortune.

功gōng成chéng身shēn退tuì，

Accomplish and retire,

天tiān之zhī道dào。

The universal Way.

载zài营yíng魄pò抱bào一yī，

Manage to unite your soul and body,

能néng无wú离lí乎hū？

Can they avoid separation?

专zhuān气qì致zhì柔róu，

Make your breathing soft,

能néng婴yīng儿ér乎hū？

Can that make you a newborn child?

涤dí除chú玄xuán览lǎn，

Cleanse your dark thoughts,

能néng无wú疵cī乎hū？

Can it make you flawless?

爱ài民mín治zhì国guó，

Love people and govern your country,

能néng无wú知zhī乎hū？

Can you avoid over-manipulation?

天tiān门mén开kāi阖hé，

As the mysterious gate opens and closes,

能néng无wú雌cí乎hū？

Can you be impassive?

明míng白bái四sì达dá，

As your understanding reaches everywhere,

能néng无wú为wéi乎hū？

Can you refrain from striving?

生shēng之zhī、畜xù之zhī，

Create it, foster it,

生shēng而ér不bù有yǒu，

Live without possessing,

为wéi而ér不bù恃shì，

Act without expecting,

长zhǎng而ér不bù宰zǎi，

Lead without domineering,

是shì谓wèi玄xuán德dé。

This is called the mysterious virtue.

三sān十shí辐fú共gòng一yī毂gǔ，

Thirty spokes join at the axis,

当dāng其qí无wú，

The empty space in between them,

有yǒu车chē之zhī用yòng。

Makes the cart practical.

埏shān埴zhí以yǐ为wéi器qì，

Mold some clay to make a pot,

当dāng其qí无wú，

Its emptiness within,

有yǒu器qì之zhī用yòng。

Makes the pot usable.

凿záo户hù牖yǒu以yǐ为wéi室shì，

Cut a door and windows to create a room,

当dāng其qí无wú，有yǒu室shì之zhī用yòng。

Its emptiness within, makes the room useful.

故gù有yǒu之zhī以yǐ为wéi利lì，

Therefore, presence brings benefits,

无wú之zhī以yǐ为wéi用yòng。

Absence brings utility.

五wǔ色sè令lìng人rén目mù盲máng，

Too many colors render people blind,

五wǔ音yīn令lìng人rén耳ěr聋lóng，

Too many sounds render people deaf,

五wǔ味wèi令lìng人rén口kǒu爽shuǎng，

Too many flavors dull the palate,

驰chí骋chěng畋tián猎liè令lìng人rén心xīn发fā狂kuáng，

Racing and hunting madden the mind,

难nán得dé之zhī货huò令lìng人rén行xíng妨fáng。

Hard-to-get goods makes people misbehave.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén为wèi腹fù不bù为wèi目mù，

Therefore the sage provides for the soul, not for the senses.

故gù去qù彼bǐ取qǔ此cǐ。

Thus let go of this, takes up that.

宠chǒng辱rǔ若ruò惊jīng，

Accept humiliation as a surprise,

贵guì大dà患huàn若ruò身shēn。

Value great illness as your own self.

何hé谓wèi宠chǒng辱rǔ若ruò惊jīng？

What do I mean by "Accept humiliation as a surprise"?

宠chǒng为wéi下xià，得dé之zhī若ruò惊jīng，

When you are humble, attainment is construed as a surprise,

失shī之zhī若ruò惊jīng，

And so is loss,

是shì谓wèi宠chǒng辱rǔ若ruò惊jīng。

Thus, I say "Accept humiliation as a surprise".

何hé谓wèi贵guì大dà患huàn若ruò身shēn？

What do I mean by "Value great illness as your own self"?

吾wú所suǒ以yǐ有yǒu大dà患huàn者zhě，

If I have a great illness,

为wèi吾wú有yǒu身shēn，及jí吾wú无wú身shēn，

Hence I have a body, and if I have no body,

吾wú有yǒu何hé患huàn！

How can I be ill!

故gù贵guì以yǐ身shēn为wéi天tiān下xià，

Consequently, valuing your body in accordance with the world,

若ruò可kě寄jì天tiān下xià；

Is alike entangling yourself with the world;

爱ài以yǐ身shēn为wéi天tiān下xià，

Loving your body in accordance with the world,

若ruò可kě托tuō天tiān下xià。

Is alike entrusting yourself with the world.

视shì之zhī不bù见jiàn名míng曰yuē夷yí，

Look for it, it cannot be seen. It is called the distant.

听tīng之zhī不bù闻wén名míng曰yuē希xī，

Listen for it, it cannot be heard. It is called the rare.

搏bó之zhī不bù得dé名míng曰yuē微wēi。

Reach for it, it cannot be gotten. It is called the subtle.

此cǐ三sān者zhě不bù可kě致zhì诘jié，故gù混hùn而ér为wéi一yī。

These three ultimately cannot be fathomed. Therefore they join to become one.

其qí上shàng不bù皎jiǎo，其qí下xià不bù昧mèi。

Its top is not bright; its bottom is not dark.

绳shéng绳shéng不bù可kě名míng，复fù归guī于yú无wú物wù，

Existing continuously, it cannot be named and it returns to no-thingness.

是shì谓wèi无wú状zhuàng之zhī状zhuàng，无wú物wù之zhī象xiàng。

Thus, it is called the formless form, The image of no-thing.

是shì谓wèi惚hū恍huǎng。

This is called the indistinct.

迎yíng之zhī不bù见jiàn其qí首shǒu，随suí之zhī不bù见jiàn其qí后hòu。

Go to meet it, you cannot see its face. Follow it, you cannot see its back.

执zhí古gǔ之zhī道dào，以yǐ御yù今jīn之zhī有yǒu，

By holding to the ancient Way, you can protect yourself from present confusion.

能néng知zhī古gǔ始shǐ，是shì谓wèi道dào纪jì。

And know the primordial beginning. This is called the very beginning thread of the Way.

古gǔ之zhī善shàn为wéi士shì者zhě，微wēi妙miào玄xuán通tōng，深shēn不bù可kě识shí。

The ancient masters of the Way had subtle marvelous mystic penetration; a depth that cannot be known.

夫fú唯wéi不bù可kě识shí，故gù强qiǎng为wéi之zhī容róng。

The disciple solely can not know, hence he is forced to pay attention to its appearance.

豫yù焉yān若ruò冬dōng涉shè川chuān，

Apprehend it akin to wade across a river in the winter.

犹yóu兮xī若ruò畏wèi四sì邻lín，

Just like one afraid of his neighbors on all sides.

俨yǎn兮xī其qí若ruò容róng，

Respectful, towards its outer appearance.

涣huàn兮xī若ruò冰bīng之zhī将jiāng释shì，

Like ice, ever melting away before revealing itself.

敦dūn兮xī其qí若ruò朴pǔ，

Considerate towards its simplicity.

旷kuàng兮xī其qí若ruò谷gǔ，混hùn兮xī其qí若ruò浊zhuó。

Open, like a valley. Obscure, like muddy water.

孰shú能néng浊zhuó以yǐ静jìng之zhī徐xú清qīng？

Who can be muddled, and use clarity to gradually become lucid?

孰shú能néng安ān以yǐ久jiǔ动dòng之zhī徐xú生shēng？

Who can be calm, and use constant application for eventual success?

保bǎo此cǐ道dào者zhě不bù欲yù盈yíng，

The one who holds to this Way does not crave fulfillment.

夫fú唯wéi不bù盈yíng，故gù能néng蔽bì不bù新xīn成chéng。

Precisely because he does not crave fulfillment, can he preserve himself and avoid the lure of new accomplishment.

致zhì虚xū极jí，守shǒu静jìng笃dǔ，

To reach extreme vacuity, preserve stillness earnestly.

万wàn物wù并bìng作zuò，吾wú以yǐ观guān复fù。

The myriad things act in concert, I therefore watch their return.

夫fú物wù芸yún芸yún，各gè复fù归guī其qí根gēn。

Of all things diverse and varied, each returns to its root.

归guī根gēn曰yuē静jìng，是shì谓wèi复fù命mìng。

Returning to the root is called quietude. Quietude is called returning to life.

复fù命mìng曰yuē常cháng，知zhī常cháng曰yuē明míng，

Returning to life is called constant. Knowing this constant is called brilliance.

不bù知zhī常cháng，妄wàng作zuò，凶xiōng。

Not knowing the constant, acting arbitrarily, is harmful.

知zhī常cháng容róng，容róng乃nǎi公gōng，

Knowing the constant is receptivity, which is impartial.

公gōng乃nǎi王wáng，王wáng乃nǎi天tiān，

Impartiality is kingship. Kingship is the universe.

天tiān乃nǎi道dào，道dào乃nǎi久jiǔ，

The universe is the Way, the Way is eternal.

没mò身shēn不bù殆dài。

Without body, without danger.

太tài上shàng，下xià知zhī有yǒu之zhī。

The great masters, and below those who know they exist.

其qí次cì，亲qīn而ér誉yù之zhī。

Those of the next level love and praise it.

其qí次cì，畏wèi之zhī。

The next ones dread it.

其qí次cì，侮wǔ之zhī。

And the next despise it.

信xìn不bù足zú焉yān，有yǒu不bù信xìn焉yān。

Where trust is insufficient, there is distrust.

悠yōu兮xī其qí贵guì言yán。

Pondered the sage is, with his precious words.

功gōng成chéng事shì遂suì，

Deed accomplished and task successful,

百bǎi姓xìng皆jiē谓wèi我wǒ自zì然rán。

Everybody says: "It is natural to him"

大dà道dào废fèi，有yǒu仁rén义yì；

When the great Way perishes, appears humaneness and justice.

智zhì慧huì出chū，有yǒu大dà伪wěi；

When intelligence is manifest, arises great deception.

六liù亲qīn不bù和hé，有yǒu孝xiào慈cí；

When the six family relationships are not in harmony, emerges filial piety and compassion.

国guó家jiā昏hūn乱luàn，有yǒu忠zhōng臣chén。

When the country is in chaos, stands out loyal ministers.

绝jué圣shèng弃qì智zhì，民mín利lì百bǎi倍bèi；

Reject the divine and abandon wisdom, the people will benefit a hundredfold.

绝jué仁rén弃qì义yì，民mín复fù孝xiào慈cí；

Get rid of humaneness and abandon morality, the people will return to filial piety and compassion.

绝jué巧qiǎo弃qì利lì，盗dào贼zéi无wú有yǒu。

Get rid of cleverness and abandon profit, thieves and gangsters will not exist.

此cǐ三sān者zhě，以yǐ为wéi文wén不bù足zú，

These above three, are insufficiently described by mere words,

故gù令lìng有yǒu所suǒ属zhǔ，

Therefore there must have the same affiliation.

见xiàn素sù抱bào朴pǔ，

Look at the essence and embrace simplicity.

少shǎo私sī寡guǎ欲yù。

Lessen selfishness and reduce desire.

绝jué学xué无wú忧yōu。

Get rid of "learning" and there will be no anxiety.

唯wěi之zhī与yǔ阿ē，相xiāng去qù几jǐ何hé？

How much difference is there between "yes" and "no"?

善shàn之zhī与yǔ恶è，相xiāng去qù若ruò何hé？

How far removed from each other are "good" and "evil"?

人rén之zhī所suǒ畏wèi，不bù可kě不bù畏wèi。

What the people admire of cannot be disregarded.

荒huāng兮xī其qí未wèi央yāng哉zāi！

I am scattered, never having been in a comfortable center.

众zhòng人rén熙xī熙xī，如rú享xiǎng太tài牢láo，

All the people are bustling about, as if they enjoy the sacrifice,

如rú春chūn登dēng台tái。

Enjoy climbing the Spring Altar.

我wǒ独dú泊bó兮xī其qí未wèi兆zhào，

I remain alone, not yet having revealed myself.

如rú婴yīng儿ér之zhī未wèi孩hái。

Like an infant who has not yet laughed.

儽lěi儽lěi兮xī若ruò无wú所suǒ归guī。

Weary, like one despairing of nowhere to return to.

众zhòng人rén皆jiē有yǒu余yú，

All the people possess surplus,

而ér我wǒ独dú若ruò遗yí。

While I am alone, like left behind.

我wǒ愚yú人rén之zhī心xīn也yě哉zāi！

I am ignorant of the minds of others.

沌dùn沌dùn兮xī！

So confused!

俗sú人rén昭zhāo昭zhāo，我wǒ独dú昏hūn昏hūn；

Average people are clear-minded, I am alone and muddle-headed.

俗sú人rén察chá察chá，我wǒ独dú闷mèn闷mèn。

Average people know everything. I am alone and depressed.

澹dàn兮xī其qí若ruò海hǎi，

Tranquil like the ocean,

飂liáo兮xī若ruò无wú止zhǐ。

High winds that never stop.

众zhòng人rén皆jiē有yǒu以yǐ，而ér我wǒ独dú顽wán似sì鄙bǐ。

Everyone has a purpose, whereas I am alone, stubborn as a scoundrel.

我wǒ独dú异yì于yú人rén，而ér贵guì食shí母mǔ。

I alone differ from people, as I value the nurturing mother.

孔kǒng德dé之zhī容róng，惟wéi道dào是shì从cóng。

The great virtue's form, only originates from the Way.

道dào之zhī为wéi物wù，惟wéi恍huǎng惟wéi惚hū。

The Way as a "thing" is only obscure and vague.

惚hū兮xī恍huǎng兮xī，其qí中zhōng有yǒu象xiàng；

How obscure! How vague! In it there is form.

恍huǎng兮xī惚hū兮xī，其qí中zhōng有yǒu物wù。

How vague! How obscure! In it there is materiality.

窈yǎo兮xī冥míng兮xī，其qí中zhōng有yǒu精jīng；

How deep! How dark! In it there is essence.

其qí精jīng甚shèn真zhēn，其qí中zhōng有yǒu信xìn。

Its essence is very real: within lies truth.

自zì古gǔ及jí今jīn，其qí名míng不bù去qù，

From the antiquity to the present, its name has never left it,

以yǐ阅yuè众zhòng甫fǔ。

and the study of all its origins.

吾wú何hé以yǐ知zhī众zhòng甫fǔ之zhī状zhuàng哉zāi？

How do I know the form of all its origins?

以yǐ此cǐ。

By this.

曲qū则zé全quán，枉wǎng则zé直zhí，

The wrong is made wholesome, the crooked is straightened,

洼wā则zé盈yíng，敝bì则zé新xīn，

The hole is filled, the worn-out is renewed,

少shǎo则zé得dé，多duō则zé惑huò。

With few there is attainment, with much there is confusion.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén抱bào一yī，为wéi天tiān下xià式shì。

Therefore the sage embraces unity, and follows the universe's patterns.

不bù自zì见xiàn故gù明míng，不bù自zì是shì故gù彰zhāng，

Does not show himself, and therefore is apparent. Does not affirm himself, and therefore is acknowledged.

不bù自zì伐fá故gù有yǒu功gōng，不bù自zì矜jīn故gù长zhǎng。

Does not boast and therefore has merit. Does not glorify himself and can therefore improve.

夫fú唯wéi不bù争zhēng，故gù天tiān下xià莫mò能néng与yǔ之zhī争zhēng。

He does not contend, therefore the world cannot contend with him.

古gǔ之zhī所suǒ谓wèi曲qū则zé全quán者zhě，岂qǐ虚xū言yán哉zāi！

The ancient saying "The wrong is made wholesome", how can it be regarded as empty talk?

诚chéng全quán而ér归guī之zhī。

Be sincerely wholesome and return to it.

希xī言yán自zì然rán。

To speak little is natural.

故gù飘piāo风fēng不bù终zhōng朝zhāo，

Similarly the wind does not blow the whole morning,

骤zhòu雨yǔ不bù终zhōng日rì。

Nor does a downpour last the whole day.

孰shú为wéi此cǐ者zhě？天tiān地dì。

What acts accordingly? Nature.

天tiān地dì尚shàng不bù能néng久jiǔ，

Nature values what cannot last forever,

而ér况kuàng于yú人rén乎hū？

How could people function otherwise?

故gù从cóng事shì于yú道dào者zhě，

Thus, by engaging with the Way,

道dào者zhě同tóng于yú道dào，

The daoist bonds with the Way,

德dé者zhě同tóng于yú德dé，

The virtuous bonds with virtue,

失shī者zhě同tóng于yú失shī。

The vanquished bonds with defeat.

同tóng于yú道dào者zhě，道dào亦yì乐lè得dé之zhī；

The daoist who bonds, is also gladly received by the Way.

同tóng于yú德dé者zhě，德dé亦yì乐lè得dé之zhī；

The virtuous who bonds, is also gladly received by virtue.

同tóng于yú失shī者zhě，失shī亦yì乐lè得dé之zhī。

The vanquished who bonds, is also gladly received by defeat.

信xìn不bù足zú焉yān，有yǒu不bù信xìn焉yān。

Lacking trust in it, engenders lack of trust in it.

企qǐ者zhě不bù立lì，跨kuà者zhě不bù行xíng，

Standers do not remain upright, striders do not advance.

自zì见xiàn者zhě不bù明míng，自zì是shì者zhě不bù彰zhāng，

They show themselves, but are invisible. Affirm themselves, but aren't acknowledged.

自zì伐fá者zhě无wú功gōng，自zì矜jīn者zhě不bù长zhǎng。

Boast about, but have not merit. Glorify themselves, and do not improve.

其qí在zài道dào也yě，曰yuē余yú食shí赘zhuì行xíng。

Him who abides by the Way, calls these "leftover foods" and "wasted actions",

物wù或huò恶wù之zhī，

All things may loathe them.

故gù有yǒu道dào者zhě不bù处chǔ。

Thus, the daoist does not act like this.

有yǒu物wù混hùn成chéng，先xiān天tiān地dì生shēng。

As part of the chaotic formation of matter, the primal universe was born.

寂jì兮xī寥liáo兮xī，独dú立lì不bù改gǎi。

So silent and desolate! Self-standing and invariable.

周zhōu行xíng而ér不bù殆dài，可kě以yǐ为wéi天tiān下xià母mǔ。

Once it revolved safely, could the earth be created.

吾wú不bù知zhī其qí名míng，字zì之zhī曰yuē道dào，

I don't know its name. As a word, I label it the "Way".

强qiǎng为wéi之zhī名míng曰yuē大dà。

Imposing on it a name, I call it "great."

大dà曰yuē逝shì，逝shì曰yuē远yuǎn，

Greatness encompasses the passing of time, the passing of time encompasses the distant,

远yuǎn曰yuē反fǎn。

The distant entails return.

故gù道dào大dà，天tiān大dà，

Hence, the Way is great, the universe is great,

地dì大dà，王wáng亦yì大dà。

The earth is great, and the human is also great.

域yù中zhōng有yǒu四sì大dà，而ér王wáng居jū其qí一yī焉yān。

Within our realm there are four greatnesses and the human being is one of them.

人rén法fǎ地dì，地dì法fǎ天tiān，

Human beings are ruled by the earth, earth is ruled by the cosmos.

天tiān法fǎ道dào，道dào法fǎ自zì然rán。

The cosmos is ruled by the Way, the Way is ruled by nature.

重zhòng为wéi轻qīng根gēn，静jìng为wéi躁zào君jūn。

Heaviness is the root of lightness, composure rules impetuousness.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén终zhōng日rì行xíng不bù离lí辎zī重zhòng。

Therefore the sage travels all day without putting down his heavy load.

虽suī有yǒu荣róng观guàn，燕yàn处chǔ超chāo然rán，

Though there may be spectacles to see, he effortlessly remains composed.

奈nài何hé万wàn乘shèng之zhī主zhǔ，

What's to be done with the innumerable leaders,

而ér以yǐ身shēn轻qīng天tiān下xià？

That are so concerned with themselves as to disregard the rest of the world?

轻qīng则zé失shī本běn，躁zào则zé失shī君jūn。

Frivolousness leads to lost roots, impetuousness leads to lost rulership.

善shàn行xíng无wú辙zhé迹jì，

A good traveler leaves no tracks,

善shàn言yán无wú瑕xiá谪zhé，

A good speaker lacks flaws and rebuke,

善shàn数shù不bù用yòng筹chóu策cè，

A good counter needs no calculator.

善shàn闭bì无wú关guān楗jiàn而ér不bù可kě开kāi，

What is properly closed requires no lock, and yet cannot be opened,

善shàn结jié无wú绳shéng约yuē而ér不bù可kě解jiě。

What is well bound requires no knot, and yet cannot be untied.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén常cháng善shàn救jiù人rén，

This is how the sage always elevates people,

故gù无wú弃qì人rén；

And doesn't ostracize others.

常cháng善shàn救jiù物wù，故gù无wú弃qì物wù，

He always takes care of things, and doesn't cast away anything.

是shì谓wèi袭xí明míng。

This is called following the light.

故gù善shàn人rén者zhě，不bù善shàn人rén之zhī师shī；

Hence, the benefactor is the teacher of the lesser person,

不bù善shàn人rén者zhě，善shàn人rén之zhī资zī。

The lesser person is the endowment of the benefactor.

不bù贵guì其qí师shī，不bù爱ài其qí资zī，

Fail to value the teacher, fail to like the endowment,

虽suī智zhì大dà迷mí，

Though you may be intelligent, you are greatly confused,

是shì谓wèi要yào妙miào。

This is called the essential subtlety.

知zhī其qí雄xióng，守shǒu其qí雌cí，为wéi天tiān下xià溪xī。

Manage masculinity, abides by femininity, be as the universal flow.

为wéi天tiān下xià溪xī，常cháng德dé不bù离lí，

Be as the universal flow, and the enduring virtue shall not fade,

复fù归guī于yú婴yīng儿ér。

Ever returning to the new-born.

知zhī其qí白bái，守shǒu其qí黑hēi，为wéi天tiān下xià式shì。

Handle whiteness, comply with darkness, be as the universal order.

为wéi天tiān下xià式shì，常cháng德dé不bù忒tè，

Be as the universal order, and the enduring virtue shall be faultless,

复fù归guī于yú无wú极jí。

Ever reverting to infinity.

知zhī其qí荣róng，守shǒu其qí辱rǔ，为wéi天tiān下xià谷gǔ。

Control glory, accept disgrace, be as the universal channel.

为wéi天tiān下xià谷gǔ，常cháng德dé乃nǎi足zú，

Be as the universal channel, and the enduring virtue shall be sufficient,

复fù归guī于yú朴pǔ。

Ever relapsing into simplicity.

朴pǔ散sàn则zé为wéi器qì，

Once simplicity is dispersed, so as to craft an instrument,

圣shèng人rén用yòng之zhī则zé为wéi官guān长zhǎng。

The wise ruler intervenes and uses it to govern.

故gù大dà制zhì不bù割gē。

Therefore, great governance does not seek to process simplicity.

将jiāng欲yù取qǔ天tiān下xià而ér为wéi之zhī，

If you wish to take the world and run it,

吾wú见jiàn其qí不bù得dé已yǐ。

I can see that you will not succeed.

天tiān下xià神shén器qì，不bù可kě为wéi也yě。

The universe's power cannot be acted upon.

为wéi者zhě败bài之zhī，执zhí者zhě失shī之zhī。

Manipulators spoil it, commanders lose it.

故gù物wù或huò行xíng或huò随suí，

Thus, some things move, while some follow.

或huò歔xū或huò吹chuī，

Some sigh, while some blow.

或huò强qiáng或huò羸léi，

Some are strong, while some are weak.

或huò挫cuò或huò隳huī。

Some destroy, while some are destroyed.

是shì以yǐ圣shèng人rén去qù甚shèn，

Hence, the sage shuns extremes,

去qù奢shē，去qù泰tài。

Shuns grandiosity, shuns excesses.

以yǐ道dào佐zuǒ人rén主zhǔ者zhě，

Using the Way to assist the ruler,

不bù以yǐ兵bīng强qiáng天tiān下xià，

Is not a means to dominate people by military force.

其qí事shì好hào还huán。

This undertaking backfires.

师shī之zhī所suǒ处chù，荆jīng棘jí生shēng焉yān。

Where troops have camped, thorns and brambles grow.

大dà军jūn之zhī后hòu，必bì有yǒu凶xiōng年nián。

A great war's aftermath, necessarily involves famine.

善shàn者zhě果guǒ而ér已yǐ，不bù敢gǎn以yǐ取qǔ强qiáng。

Great virtue brings results, nothing else. Do not dare to use violence.

果guǒ而ér勿wù矜jīn，果guǒ而ér勿wù伐fá，

Accomplish but don't boast, accomplish but don't vaunt,

果guǒ而ér勿wù骄jiāo，果guǒ而ér不bù得dé已yǐ，

Accomplish but don't be proud, accomplish and that is all,

果guǒ而ér勿wù强qiáng。

Accomplish but don't use violence.

物wù壮zhuàng则zé老lǎo，

Things with strength ultimately wither,

是shì谓wèi不bù道dào，不bù道dào早zǎo已yǐ。

This isn't called the Way, and has never been.

夫fú佳jiā兵bīng者zhě，不bù祥xiáng之zhī器qì。

Fine weapons are instruments of ill omen.

物wù或huò恶wù之zhī，故gù有yǒu道dào者zhě不bù处chǔ。

All things may loathe them, so one who has the Way does not keep them.

君jūn子zǐ居jū则zé贵guì左zuǒ，用yòng兵bīng则zé贵guì右yòu。

At home, the noble one honors the left; at war, he honors the right.

兵bīng者zhě，不bù祥xiáng之zhī器qì，

Weapons are instruments of ill omen,

非fēi君jūn子zǐ之zhī器qì。

not the instruments of the noble one.

不bù得dé已yǐ而ér用yòng之zhī，

When he has no choice but to use them,

恬tián淡dàn为wéi上shàng，胜shèng而ér不bù美měi。

calm restraint is best. Victory is not beautiful.

而ér美měi之zhī者zhě，是shì乐lè杀shā人rén。

To find it beautiful is to delight in killing people.

夫fú乐lè杀shā人rén者zhě，

One who delights in killing people

则zé不bù可kě以yǐ得dé志zhì于yú天tiān下xià矣yǐ。

cannot achieve his aims in the world.

吉jí事shì尚shàng左zuǒ，凶xiōng事shì尚shàng右yòu。

In happy affairs the left is honored; in mournful affairs, the right.

偏piān将jiàng军jūn居jū左zuǒ，上shàng将jiàng军jūn居jū右yòu，

The second general stands on the left, the commanding general on the right,

言yán以yǐ丧sāng礼lǐ处chǔ之zhī。

which means war is treated as a funeral.

杀shā人rén之zhī众zhòng，以yǐ哀āi悲bēi泣qì之zhī，

When many people are killed, weep for them in grief and sorrow.

战zhàn胜shèng，以yǐ丧sāng礼lǐ处chǔ之zhī。

A victory in war is treated as a funeral.

道dào常cháng无wú名míng，朴pǔ虽suī小xiǎo，

The Way is constantly nameless. Though the uncarved block is small,

天tiān下xià莫mò能néng臣chén也yě。

no one in the world can make it a subject.

侯hóu王wáng若ruò能néng守shǒu之zhī，

If lords and kings could hold to it,

万wàn物wù将jiāng自zì宾bīn。

the myriad things would come to them as guests of their own accord.

天tiān地dì相xiāng合hé以yǐ降jiàng甘gān露lù，

Heaven and earth would join and let sweet dew fall,

民mín莫mò之zhī令lìng而ér自zì均jūn。

and the people, with no one ordering them, would share it evenly.

始shǐ制zhì有yǒu名míng，名míng亦yì既jì有yǒu，

When the block is first cut, there are names. Once there are names,

夫fú亦yì将jiāng知zhī止zhǐ。

one should also know when to stop.

知zhī止zhǐ可kě以yǐ不bù殆dài。

Knowing when to stop, one can avoid danger.

譬pì道dào之zhī在zài天tiān下xià，

The Way in the world

犹yóu川chuān谷gǔ之zhī于yú江jiāng海hǎi。

is like streams and valleys flowing to rivers and seas.

知zhī人rén者zhě智zhì，自zì知zhī者zhě明míng。

Knowing others is wisdom; knowing yourself is clarity.

胜shèng人rén者zhě有yǒu力lì，自zì胜shèng者zhě强qiáng。

Overcoming others takes force; overcoming yourself is strength.

知zhī足zú者zhě富fù，强qiáng行xíng者zhě有yǒu志zhì，

Knowing what is enough is wealth; persevering is having will.

不bù失shī其qí所suǒ者zhě久jiǔ，

Not losing your place is to last.

死sǐ而ér不bù亡wáng者zhě寿shòu。

To die and not perish is long life.

大dà道dào泛fàn兮xī，其qí可kě左zuǒ右yòu。

The great Way flows everywhere; it can go left or right.

万wàn物wù恃shì之zhī而ér生shēng而ér不bù辞cí，

The myriad things rely on it for life, and it does not refuse them.

功gōng成chéng不bù名míng有yǒu，

It completes its work but does not claim it.

衣yī养yǎng万wàn物wù而ér不bù为wéi主zhǔ，

It clothes and feeds the myriad things but does not act as their master.

常cháng无wú欲yù，可kě名míng于yú小xiǎo；

Ever without desire, it can be called small;

万wàn物wù归guī焉yān而ér不bù为wéi主zhǔ，

the myriad things return to it, yet it does not act as their master:

可kě名míng为wéi大dà。

it can be called great.

以yǐ其qí终zhōng不bù自zì为wéi大dà，

Because it never makes itself great,

故gù能néng成chéng其qí大dà。

it can achieve its greatness.

执zhí大dà象xiàng，天tiān下xià往wǎng；

Hold to the great image, and the world will come;

往wǎng而ér不bù害hài，安ān平píng太tài。

it comes and is not harmed: peace, calm and ease.

乐yuè与yǔ饵ěr，过guò客kè止zhǐ。

Music and fine food make the passer-by stop.

道dào之zhī出chū口kǒu，

But when the Way is spoken,

淡dàn乎hū其qí无wú味wèi。

it is bland and has no flavor.

视shì之zhī不bù足zú见jiàn，

Looked at, it cannot be seen;

听tīng之zhī不bù足zú闻wén，

listened to, it cannot be heard;

用yòng之zhī不bù足zú既jì。

used, it cannot be exhausted.

将jiāng欲yù歙xī之zhī，必bì固gù张zhāng之zhī；

What is to be shrunk must first be stretched;

将jiāng欲yù弱ruò之zhī，必bì固gù强qiáng之zhī；

what is to be weakened must first be strengthened;

将jiāng欲yù废fèi之zhī，必bì固gù兴xīng之zhī；

what is to be cast down must first be raised up;

将jiāng欲yù夺duó之zhī，必bì固gù与yǔ之zhī，

what is to be taken must first be given.

是shì谓wèi微wēi明míng。

This is called subtle insight.

柔róu弱ruò胜shèng刚gāng强qiáng。

The soft and weak overcome the hard and strong.

鱼yú不bù可kě脱tuō于yú渊yuān，

Fish must not leave the deep water;

国guó之zhī利lì器qì不bù可kě以yǐ示shì人rén。

the sharp tools of the state must not be shown to people.

道dào常cháng无wú为wéi而ér无wú不bù为wéi，

The Way constantly practices non-action, yet nothing is left undone.

侯hóu王wáng若ruò能néng守shǒu之zhī，

If lords and kings could hold to it,

万wàn物wù将jiāng自zì化huà。

the myriad things would transform of themselves.

化huà而ér欲yù作zuò，

If, while they transform, desires arise,

吾wú将jiāng镇zhèn之zhī以yǐ无wú名míng之zhī朴pǔ。

I would calm them with the nameless uncarved block.

无wú名míng之zhī朴pǔ，

The nameless uncarved block

夫fú亦yì将jiāng无wú欲yù。

brings an end to desire.

不bù欲yù以yǐ静jìng，

Without desire there is stillness,

天tiān下xià将jiāng自zì定dìng。

and the world settles of itself.

上shàng德dé不bù德dé，是shì以yǐ有yǒu德dé；

Superior virtue is not "virtuous"; that is why it has virtue.

下xià德dé不bù失shī德dé，是shì以yǐ无wú德dé。

Inferior virtue never lets go of virtue; that is why it has no virtue.

上shàng德dé无wú为wéi而ér无wú以yǐ为wéi，

Superior virtue does not act, and has no motive for acting.

下xià德dé为wéi之zhī而ér有yǒu以yǐ为wéi。

Inferior virtue acts, and has a motive for acting.

上shàng仁rén为wéi之zhī而ér无wú以yǐ为wéi，

Superior humaneness acts, but has no motive for acting.

上shàng义yì为wéi之zhī而ér有yǒu以yǐ为wéi，

Superior justice acts, and has a motive for acting.

上shàng礼lǐ为wéi之zhī而ér莫mò之zhī应yìng，

Superior ritual acts, and when no one responds,

则zé攘rǎng臂bì而ér扔rēng之zhī。

it rolls up its sleeves and forces them.

故gù失shī道dào而ér后hòu德dé，失shī德dé而ér后hòu仁rén，

So when the Way is lost, there is virtue; when virtue is lost, there is humaneness;

失shī仁rén而ér后hòu义yì，失shī义yì而ér后hòu礼lǐ。

when humaneness is lost, there is justice; when justice is lost, there is ritual.

夫fú礼lǐ者zhě，忠zhōng信xìn之zhī薄bó而ér乱luàn之zhī首shǒu。

Ritual is the thinning of loyalty and trust, and the start of disorder.

前qián识shí者zhě，道dào之zhī华huá而ér愚yú之zhī始shǐ。

Foreknowledge is the flower of the Way and the beginning of folly.

是shì以yǐ大dà丈zhàng夫fū处chǔ其qí厚hòu，

So the great man dwells in what is thick,

不bù居jū其qí薄bó；

not in what is thin;

处chǔ其qí实shí，不bù居jū其qí华huá。

in the fruit, not in the flower.

故gù去qù彼bǐ取qǔ此cǐ。

So he lets go of that and takes up this.

昔xī之zhī得dé一yī者zhě，天tiān得dé一yī以yǐ清qīng，

Of old, these attained the One: heaven attained the One and became clear,

地dì得dé一yī以yǐ宁níng，神shén得dé一yī以yǐ灵líng，

earth attained the One and became calm, the spirits attained the One and became potent,

谷gǔ得dé一yī以yǐ盈yíng，万wàn物wù得dé一yī以yǐ生shēng，

the valley attained the One and became full, the myriad things attained the One and came to life,

侯hóu王wáng得dé一yī以yǐ为wéi天tiān下xià贞zhēn。

lords and kings attained the One and became the standard of the world.

其qí致zhì之zhī。

It is the One that brought this about.

天tiān无wú以yǐ清qīng将jiāng恐kǒng裂liè，

If heaven were not clear, it might split;

地dì无wú以yǐ宁níng将jiāng恐kǒng发fā，

if earth were not calm, it might erupt;

神shén无wú以yǐ灵líng将jiāng恐kǒng歇xiē，

if the spirits were not potent, they might fade away;

谷gǔ无wú以yǐ盈yíng将jiāng恐kǒng竭jié，

if the valley were not full, it might run dry;

万wàn物wù无wú以yǐ生shēng将jiāng恐kǒng灭miè，

if the myriad things did not live, they might perish;

侯hóu王wáng无wú以yǐ贵guì高gāo将jiāng恐kǒng蹶jué。

if lords and kings were not noble and high, they might fall.

故gù贵guì以yǐ贱jiàn为wéi本běn，高gāo以yǐ下xià为wéi基jī。

So the noble has the humble as its root, and the high has the low as its base.

是shì以yǐ侯hóu王wáng自zì谓wèi孤gū寡guǎ不bù谷gǔ。

That is why lords and kings call themselves "orphaned", "widowed" and "unworthy".

此cǐ非fēi以yǐ贱jiàn为wéi本běn邪yé？非fēi乎hū？

Is this not taking the humble as the root? Is it not?

故gù致zhì数shù舆yú无wú舆yú。

So if you count the parts of a carriage, there is no carriage.

不bù欲yù琭lù琭lù如rú玉yù，

Do not wish to glitter like jade,

珞luò珞luò如rú石shí。

but be plain and hard like stone.

反fǎn者zhě，道dào之zhī动dòng；

Returning is the movement of the Way;

弱ruò者zhě，道dào之zhī用yòng。

weakness is the use of the Way.

天tiān下xià万wàn物wù生shēng于yú有yǒu，

The myriad things of the world are born from presence,

有yǒu生shēng于yú无wú。

and presence is born from absence.

上shàng士shì闻wén道dào，

When the superior scholar hears of the Way,

勤qín而ér行xíng之zhī；

he practices it diligently;

中zhōng士shì闻wén道dào，

when the average scholar hears of the Way,

若ruò存cún若ruò亡wáng；

he half keeps it, half loses it;

下xià士shì闻wén道dào，大dà笑xiào之zhī。

when the lesser scholar hears of the Way, he laughs out loud at it.

不bù笑xiào不bù足zú以yǐ为wéi道dào。

If he did not laugh, it would not be the Way.

故gù建jiàn言yán有yǒu之zhī：

So the established sayings have it:

明míng道dào若ruò昧mèi，进jìn道dào若ruò退tuì，

The bright Way seems dark, the Way forward seems to go back,

夷yí道dào若ruò颣lèi，上shàng德dé若ruò谷gǔ，

the smooth Way seems rough, the highest virtue seems like a valley,

大dà白bái若ruò辱rǔ，广guǎng德dé若ruò不bù足zú，

the purest white seems soiled, broad virtue seems not enough,

建jiàn德dé若ruò偷tōu，

firm virtue seems idle,

质zhì真zhēn若ruò渝yú，

true substance seems to change,

大dà方fāng无wú隅yú，大dà器qì晚wǎn成chéng，

the great square has no corners, the great vessel is finished late,

大dà音yīn希xī声shēng，大dà象xiàng无wú形xíng，

the great sound is barely heard, the great image has no shape,

道dào隐yǐn无wú名míng。

the Way is hidden and nameless.

夫fú唯wéi道dào，善shàn贷dài且qiě成chéng。

Only the Way is good at giving and at completing.

道dào生shēng一yī，

The Way gives birth to one,

一yī生shēng二èr，二èr生shēng三sān，

one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three,

三sān生shēng万wàn物wù。

three gives birth to the myriad things.

万wàn物wù负fù阴yīn而ér抱bào阳yáng，

The myriad things carry yin on their backs and embrace yang,

冲chōng气qì以yǐ为wéi和hé。

and the rising breath makes them one in harmony.

人rén之zhī所suǒ恶wù，唯wéi孤gū、寡guǎ、不bù谷gǔ，

What people loathe is to be "orphaned", "widowed" and "unworthy",

而ér王wáng公gōng以yǐ为wéi称chēng。

yet kings and lords use these as their titles.

故gù物wù或huò损sǔn之zhī而ér益yì，

So things may gain by being diminished,

或huò益yì之zhī而ér损sǔn。

or lose by being increased.

人rén之zhī所suǒ教jiào，我wǒ亦yì教jiào之zhī。

What others teach, I also teach:

强qiáng梁liáng者zhě不bù得dé其qí死sǐ，

the violent do not die a natural death.

吾wú将jiāng以yǐ为wéi教jiào父fù。

I will make this the father of my teaching.

天tiān下xià之zhī至zhì柔róu，驰chí骋chěng天tiān下xià之zhī至zhì坚jiān。

The softest thing in the world runs through the hardest thing in the world.

无wú有yǒu入rù无wú间jiàn，

What has no substance enters where there is no gap.

吾wú是shì以yǐ知zhī无wú为wéi之zhī有yǒu益yì。

From this I know the benefit of non-action.

不bù言yán之zhī教jiào，无wú为wéi之zhī益yì，

Teaching without words, the benefit of non-action:

天tiān下xià希xī及jí之zhī。

few in the world attain them.

名míng与yǔ身shēn孰shú亲qīn？

Fame or your life: which is dearer?

身shēn与yǔ货huò孰shú多duō？

Your life or your goods: which is worth more?

得dé与yǔ亡wáng孰shú病bìng？

Gain or loss: which does more harm?

是shì故gù甚shèn爱ài必bì大dà费fèi，

So great attachment is sure to cost much,

多duō藏cáng必bì厚hòu亡wáng，知zhī足zú不bù辱rǔ，

and great hoarding is sure to bring heavy loss. Knowing what is enough, you are not disgraced;

知zhī止zhǐ不bù殆dài，可kě以yǐ长cháng久jiǔ。

knowing when to stop, you are not in danger, and can last long.

大dà成chéng若ruò缺quē，其qí用yòng不bù弊bì。

Great completion seems lacking, yet its use never wears out.

大dà盈yíng若ruò冲chōng，其qí用yòng不bù穷qióng。

Great fullness seems empty, yet its use is never exhausted.

大dà直zhí若ruò屈qū，

Great straightness seems bent,

其qí用yòng不bù居jū。