Chapter 35: The Great Image
Original Text
執大象,天下住;住而不害,安平大。
樂與餌,過格止。
故道之出言也,曰:談呵!其无味也。
視之不足見也,聽之不足聞也,用之不可既也。
Translation
Hold onto the Great Image, and the world will come to you. It comes and does not harm, bringing peace and harmony.
Music and food can make people stop, but these are fleeting and not lasting.
Therefore, when the Dao speaks, it says: "Oh, it is tasteless!"
Looked at but not seen, listened to but not heard, used but never exhausted.
Explanation
*執大象,天下住;住而不害,安平大。*
"Hold onto the Great Image, and the world will come to you. It comes and does not harm, bringing peace and harmony."
The Great Image symbolizes the Dao. By embracing the principles of the Dao, the world will naturally find stability and peace. This stability does not bring harm but instead creates a broad and lasting peace.
*樂與餌,過格止。*
"Music and food can make people stop, but these are fleeting and not lasting."
People are often drawn to immediate pleasures like music and food, but these are temporary and superficial satisfactions that can distract from deeper truths.
*故道之出言也,曰:談呵!其无味也。*
"Therefore, when the Dao speaks, it says: 'Oh, it is tasteless!'"
The teachings of the Dao might seem bland or unappealing at first glance because they lack the superficial allure of more immediate pleasures. However, their true value lies beneath the surface.
*視之不足見也,聽之不足聞也,用之不可既也。*
"Looked at but not seen, listened to but not heard, used but never exhausted."
The Dao cannot be directly seen or heard, but its effects are all-encompassing and inexhaustible. Its power and influence go beyond what can be perceived by the senses.
Interpretation
This chapter emphasizes the profound and infinite nature of the Dao. Although the Dao is invisible and intangible, it holds immense power and utility. By aligning with the Dao, one can achieve lasting peace and stability. In contrast, the pursuit of temporary pleasures like music and food offers only fleeting satisfaction. True wisdom lies in recognizing and embracing the subtle yet powerful presence of the Dao, which provides endless benefits and remains ever-relevant in guiding actions and understanding the world.
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