Dao De Jing, Laozi
Chapter 26
"The natural way is the way of the sage,
serving as his dwelling,
providing his centre deep within,
whether in his home or journeying.
Even when he travels far,
he is not separate
from his own true nature.
Maintaining awareness of natural beauty,
he still does not forget his purpose.
Although he may dwell in a grand estate,
simplicity remains his guide,
for he is full aware, that losing it,
his roots as well would disappear.
So he is not restless,
lest he loses the natural way.
Similarly, the people's leader
is not flippant in his role, nor restless,
for these could cause the loss
of the roots of leadership."
- Translated by Stan Rosenthal, 1984, Chapter 26
"The solid is the platform of the light, and the heavy is the root of the light.
Quiet strength rules over activity, the not-so-active could be the big boss of the hasty.
So the wise man travels all day and never leaves his baggage;
He who travels all day hardly likes to be separated from his provision-chart:
However great and glorious the view, he sits quiet and dispassionate.
So the lord with ten thousand chariots can seldom allow himself to be light-spirited and lighter than those he rules.
The ruler of a great country should never make light of his body - anywhere.
In light frivolity, the controller's centre is lost; in hasty action, such self-mastery.
If the ruler is light-hearted, the minister will be destroyed.
If he is light, the foundation is lost;
If he is active, the lord is lost."
- Translated by Tormond Kinnes, Chapter 26
"The heavy is the root of the Light.
The quiet the master of motion.
Therefore the wise man in all the experience of the day will not depart from dignity.
Though he be surrounded with sights that are magnificent,
he will remain calm and unconcerned.
How does it come to pass that the Emperor,
master of ten thousand chariots,
has lost the mastery of the Empire?
Because being flippant himself, he has lost the respect of his subjects;
being passionate himself, he has lost the control of the Empire."
- Translated by Dwight Goddard, 1919, Chapter 26
"The heavy is of the light the root, and rest is motion's master.
Therefore the holy man in his daily walk does not depart from gravity.
Although he may have magnificent sights, he calmly sits with liberated mind.
But how is it when the master of the ten thousand chariots in his personal conduct is too light for the empire?
If he is too light he will lose his vassals.
If he is too passionate he will lose the throne."
- Translated by Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki and Paul Carus, 1913, Chapter 26
Therefore the holy man in his daily walk does not depart from gravity.
Although he may have magnificent sights, he calmly sits with liberated mind.
But how is it when the master of the ten thousand chariots in his personal conduct is too light for the empire?
If he is too light he will lose his vassals.
If he is too passionate he will lose the throne."
- Translated by Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki and Paul Carus, 1913, Chapter 26
"The Place of Peace ...
The heavy is foundation for the light;
So quietness is master of the deed.
The Wise Man, though he travel all the day,
Will not be separated from his goods.
So even if the scene is glorious to view,
He keeps his place, at peace, above it all.
For how can one who rules
Ten thousand chariots
Give up to lighter moods
As all the world may do?
If he is trivial,
His ministers are lost;
If he is strenuous,
There is no master then."
- Translated by Raymond Blackney, 1955, Chapter 26
The heavy is foundation for the light;
So quietness is master of the deed.
The Wise Man, though he travel all the day,
Will not be separated from his goods.
So even if the scene is glorious to view,
He keeps his place, at peace, above it all.
For how can one who rules
Ten thousand chariots
Give up to lighter moods
As all the world may do?
If he is trivial,
His ministers are lost;
If he is strenuous,
There is no master then."
- Translated by Raymond Blackney, 1955, Chapter 26
Chapter and Thematic Index to the Tao Te Ching
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