Taoism and Lao Tzu
To truly appreciate Chinese history and philosophy, it’s important to understand the power of their rituals and traditions. Over thousands of years, new interpretations and versions of the writing of ancient sages have revealed fresh insights, which is why commentaries have become so significant over time. We are shaped by commentaries where the new grows from the old, blending together into a unified whole.
For those most interested in the Tao Te Ching and Lao Tzu, Wang Pi and Hoshang Kung are the key figures. If you’re looking to continue your study, their work set the benchmark, or standard for later commentaries. Wang Pi’s interpretations are personal favorites of mine.
Before we go on, it’s worth noting that the title of the book we’re adding commentary to—Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching—is my own version, titled “Thoughts on Becoming a Sage: The Guidebook to Leading a Virtuous Life.” It’s important to note that Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching in the sixth century BC.
Verse four begins with conveying paradox. That the Way of the Tao contains form that takes the shape of original breath that never moves, that it remains so deep that it contains the ancestors of all of us. Its purpose is to shape our personality, smoothing our edges, untangling our knots, and softening our light, until our dust eventually merges with everything else. What becomes empty is destined to be filled again. The Tao works on two levels: first, the celestial or cosmic, which responds to the stars; and second, the natural, which responds to the rhythms and nature of the earth.
That what becomes clear remains deep. Showing the way dulls the edges of others as we show no ambition and not insisting on anything.
Verse 4 – Remaining as the ancestor of all Things
Reminded constantly to remain empty. To go with the flow letting events carry you onward with no sense of predetermined outcome. Yet shaping everything along the way.
Adjust your light to the crowd and merge with the dust of the world. All the while lifting those around you to otherwise unattainable heights.
Appear to have no ambition, dulling edges and not insisting on anything. Have no fear and display utmost courage thereby untying every knot and avoiding nothing. Remaining as the ancestor of all things. Clear and yielding yet ever-present.
As if close by but not making any appearances just the same.
第4节 做万物之宗
时刻牢记，恪守虚空。让事件带你顺流而行，而不要考虑预先设计的结局。一路上，见山开路，遇河架桥。
调和你的光辉，混同于尘世。帮助你周围的人攀登那不可到达的高度。
不可野心勃勃，避免锋芒毕露，切忌贪婪，不要畏惧。要有排除万难的勇气，解开每一个结。不可逃避，要做万物之宗。做到明智，谦恭，隐蔽。
仿佛目标就在眼前，但你不要因陈守旧，不断创新。
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