It is easier to answer questions about the Tao Te Ching than it is about Taoism itself, for as the
opening lines of this classic state, The Tao that can be talked about is not the true Tao.
The Classic Book of The Way and The Virtue
It is easier to answer questions about the Tao Te Ching than it is about Taoism itself, for as the
opening lines of this classic state, The Tao that can be talked about is not the true Tao.
Besides the difficulty in translating an ancient Chinese text (the Tao Te Ching may well have been written around 500BC, although the earliest existing copy dates from 167BC), there is the difficulty of properly representing the philosophical style and intent.
A quick bit of research on the net has located at least fifteen different translations. And more are
quoted from various books! Here, in some sort of order indicating how much I like the English, are some
examples of Chapter 24, for comparison.
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He who stretches beyond his natural reach, does not stand firmly upon the ground; just as he who travels at a speed beyond his means, cannot maintain his pace. He who boasts is not enlightened, and he who is self-righteous does not gain respect from those who are meritous; thus, he gains nothing, and will fall into disrepute. Since striving, boasting and self-righteousness, are all unnecessary traits, the sage considers them excesses, and has no need of them. Straighten yourself and you will not stand steady; Display yourself and you will not be clearly seen; Justify yourself and you will not be respected; Promote yourself and you will not be believed; Pride yourself and you will not endure. These behaviours are wasteful, indulgent, And so they attract disfavour; Harmony avoids them.
The kind of person who always insists on his way of seeing things can never learn anything from anyone. Those who always want to be seen will never help others to be. The showman is never secretly respected by anyone. People like these, say the Wise Ones are as useless as the left-over food at a feast: No true follower can relate to them. Standing on tiptoe, one is unsteady. Taking long steps, one quickly tires. Showing off, one shows unenlightenment. Displaying self-righteousness, one reveals vanity. Praising the self, one earns no respect. Exaggerating achievements, one cannot long endure. Followers of the Way consider these Extra food, unnecessary baggage. They bring no happiness. Therefore, followers of the Way avoid them. The first and second text were found on the Internet, and I've mislaid the attributions. These will be added as soon as I can find them. The third text is from the book The Illustrated Tao Te Ching, by Element Books Ltd, ISBN 1-85230-322-0, translation by Man-Ho Kwok, Martin Palmer and Jay Ramsay, calligraphy by Kwok-Lap Chan, and it is his work providing the 'original' text. The fourth text is from The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff, published by Mandarin in the UK and Dutton in the US, ISBN 0-7493-1514-8. Did anyone mention that Mr Hoff is a kite flyer? |
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He who panders to her whims is not steady. He who seeks her favour cannot maintain the pace. He who bows before her is not enlightened. He who lacks dignity is not respected. He who works achieves nothing. He who loves her will not endure. According to followers of the Cow, "These are extra and necessary luggage." They bring much happiness in this world. Therefore followers of the Cow carry them all. |
This quotation from the Cow
Te Ching (The Cow and its Characteristics) comes from Kevin Solway and David Quinn, and can be found at
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