Religion
Chapter 40
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
Religion
The movement of the Tao
By contraries proceeds;
And weakness marks the course
Of Tao's mighty deeds.
All things under heaven sprang from It as existing (and named); that existence sprang from It as non-existent (and not named).
✦ ✦ ✦
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 40.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/39/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 40.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/39/.
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