Religion
Chapter 32
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
The Tao, considered as unchanging, has no name.
Though in its primordial simplicity it may be small, the whole world dares not deal with (one embodying) it as a minister. If a feudal prince or the king could guard and hold it, all would spontaneously submit themselves to him.
Heaven and Earth (under its guidance) unite together and send down the sweet dew, which, without the directions of men, reaches equally everywhere as of its own accord.
As soon as it proceeds to action, it has a name. When it once has that name, (men) can know to rest in it. When they know to rest in it, they can be free from all risk of failure and error.
The relation of the Tao to all the world is like that of the great rivers and seas to the streams from the valleys.
Codex Note
Prose translation of a largely rhymed original, with occasional rhymed renderings by Legge; words in parentheses are his supplied additions.
Cite this poem
MLA
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 32.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/31/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 32.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/31/.
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