[
    {
        "chapter": 1,
        "text": "The tao that can be told\nis not the eternal Tao\nThe name that can be named\nis not the eternal Name.\n\nThe unnamable is the eternally real.\nNaming is the origin \nof all particular things.\n\nFree from desire, you realize the mystery.\nCaught in desire, you see only the manifestations.\n\nYet mystery and manifestations \narise from the same source. \nThis source is called darkness.\n\nDarkness within darkness. \nThe gateway to all understanding."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 2,
        "text": "When people see some things as beautiful,\nother things become ugly.\nWhen people see some things as good,\nother things become bad.\n\nBeing and non-being create each other. \n\n  Difficult and easy support each other. \n\n  Long and short define each other. \n\n  High and low depend on each other. \n\nBefore and after follow each other.\n\nTherefore the Master \n\n  acts without doing anything \n\n  and teaches without saying anything. \n\n  Things arise and she lets them come; \n\n  things disappear and she lets them go. \n\n  She has but doesn't possess, \n\n  acts but doesn't expect. \n\n  When her work is done, she forgets it. \n\n  That is why it lasts forever."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 3,
        "text": "If you overesteem great men,\npeople become powerless.\nIf you overvalue possessions,\npeople begin to steal.\n\nThe Master leads \n\n  by emptying people's minds \n\n  and filling their cores, \n\n  by weakening their ambition \n\n  and toughening their resolve. \n\n  He helps people lose everything \n\n  they know, everything they desire, \n\n  and creates confusion \n\nin those who think that they know.\n\nPractice not-doing, \n\n  and everything will fall into place."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 4,
        "text": "The Tao is like a well:\nused but never used up.\nIt is like the eternal void:\nfilled with infinite possibilities.\n\nIt is hidden but always present. \n\n  I don't know who gave birth to it. \n\n  It is older than God."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 5,
        "text": "The Tao doesn't take sides;\nit gives birth to both good and evil.\nThe Master doesn't take sides;\nshe welcomes both saints and sinners.\n\nThe Tao is like a bellows: \n\n  it is empty yet infinitely capable. \n\n  The more you use it, the more it produces; \n\nthe more you talk of it, the less you understand.\n\nHold on to the center."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 6,
        "text": "The Tao is called the Great Mother:\nempty yet inexhaustible,\nit gives birth to infinite worlds.\n\nIt is always present within you. \n\n  You can use it any way you want."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 7,
        "text": "The Tao is infinite, eternal.\nWhy is it eternal?\nIt was never born;\nthus it can never die.\nWhy is it infinite?\nIt has no desires for itself;\nthus it is present for all beings.\n\nThe Master stays behind; \n\n  that is why she is ahead. \n\n  She is detached from all things; \n\n  that is why she is one with them. \n\n  Because she has let go of herself, \n\n  she is perfectly fulfilled."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 8,
        "text": "The supreme good is like water,\nwhich nourishes all things without trying to.\nIt is content with the low places that people disdain.\nThus it is like the Tao.\n\nIn dwelling, live close to the ground. \n\n  In thinking, keep to the simple. \n\n  In conflict, be fair and generous. \n\n  In governing, don't try to control. \n\n  In work, do what you enjoy. \n\n  In family life, be completely present.\n\nWhen you are content to be simply yourself \n\n  and don't compare or compete, \n\n  everybody will respect you."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 9,
        "text": "Fill your bowl to the brim\nand it will spill.\nKeep sharpening your knife\nand it will blunt.\nChase after money and security\nand your heart will never unclench.\nCare about people's approval\nand you will be their prisoner.\n\nDo your work, then step back. \n\n  The only path to serenity."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 10,
        "text": "Can you coax your mind from its wandering\nand keep to the original oneness?\nCan you let your body become\nsupple as a newborn child's?\nCan you cleanse your inner vision\nuntil you see nothing but the light?\nCan you love people and lead them\nwithout imposing your will?\nCan you deal with the most vital matters\nby letting events take their course?\nCan you step back from you own mind\nand thus understand all things?\n\nGiving birth and nourishing, \n\n  having without possessing, \n\n  acting with no expectations, \n\n  leading and not trying to control: \n\n  this is the supreme virtue."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 11,
        "text": "We join spokes together in a wheel,\nbut it is the center hole\nthat makes the wagon move.\n\nWe shape clay into a pot, \n\n  but it is the emptiness inside \n\nthat holds whatever we want.\n\nWe hammer wood for a house, \n\n  but it is the inner space \n\nthat makes it livable.\n\nWe work with being, \n\n  but non-being is what we use."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 12,
        "text": "Colors blind the eye.\nSounds deafen the ear.\nFlavors numb the taste.\nThoughts weaken the mind.\nDesires wither the heart.\n\nThe Master observes the world \n\n  but trusts his inner vision. \n\n  He allows things to come and go. \n\n  His heart is open as the sky."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 13,
        "text": "Success is as dangerous as failure.\nHope is as hollow as fear.\n\nWhat does it mean that success is a dangerous as \n  failure? \n\n  Whether you go up the ladder or down it, \n\n  you position is shaky. \n\n  When you stand with your two feet on the ground, \n\nyou will always keep your balance.\n\nWhat does it mean that hope is as hollow \n  as fear? \n\n  Hope and fear are both phantoms \n\n  that arise from thinking of the self. \n\n  When we don't see the self as self, \n\nwhat do we have to fear?\n\nSee the world as your self. \n\n  Have faith in the way things are. \n\n  Love the world as your self; \n\n  then you can care for all things."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 14,
        "text": "Look, and it can't be seen.\nListen, and it can't be heard.\nReach, and it can't be grasped.\n\nAbove, it isn't bright. \n\n  Below, it isn't dark. \n\n  Seamless, unnamable, \n\n  it returns to the realm of nothing. \n\n  Form that includes all forms, \n\n  image without an image, \n\nsubtle, beyond all conception.\n\nApproach it and there is no beginning; \n\n  follow it and there is no end. \n\n  You can't know it, but you can be it, \n\n  at ease in your own life. \n\n  Just realize where you come from: \n\n  this is the essence of wisdom."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 15,
        "text": "The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.\nTheir wisdom was unfathomable.\nThere is no way to describe it;\nall we can describe is their appearance.\n\nThey were careful \n\n  as someone crossing an iced-over stream. \n\n  Alert as a warrior in enemy territory. \n\n  Courteous as a guest. \n\n  Fluid as melting ice. \n\n  Shapable as a block of wood. \n\n  Receptive as a valley. \n\nClear as a glass of water.\n\nDo you have the patience to wait \n\n  till your mud settles and the water is clear? \n\n  Can you remain unmoving \n\ntill the right action arises by itself?\n\nThe Master doesn't seek fulfillment. \n\n  Not seeking, not expecting, \n\n  she is present, and can welcome all things."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 16,
        "text": "Empty your mind of all thoughts.\nLet your heart be at peace.\nWatch the turmoil of beings,\nbut contemplate their return.\n\nEach separate being in the universe \n\n  returns to the common source. \n\nReturning to the source is serenity.\n\nIf you don't realize the source, \n\n  you stumble in confusion and sorrow. \n\n  When you realize where you come from, \n\n  you naturally become tolerant, \n\n  disinterested, amused, \n\n  kindhearted as a grandmother, \n\n  dignified as a king. \n\n  Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, \n\n  you can deal with whatever life brings you, \n\n  and when death comes, you are ready."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 17,
        "text": "When the Master governs, the people\nare hardly aware that he exists.\nNext best is a leader who is loved.\nNext, one who is feared.\nThe worst is one who is despised.\n\nIf you don't trust the people, \n\nyou make them untrustworthy.\n\nThe Master doesn't talk, he acts. \n\n  When his work is done, \n\n  the people say, \"Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!\""
    },
    {
        "chapter": 18,
        "text": "When the great Tao is forgotten,\ngoodness and piety appear.\nWhen the body's intelligence declines,\ncleverness and knowledge step forth.\nWhen there is no peace in the family,\nfilial piety begins.\nWhen the country falls into chaos,\npatriotism is born."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 19,
        "text": "Throw away holiness and wisdom,\nand people will be a hundred times happier.\nThrow away morality and justice,\nand people will do the right thing.\nThrow away industry and profit,\nand there won't be any thieves.\n\nIf these three aren't enough, \n\n  just stay at the center of the circle \n\n  and let all things take their course."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 20,
        "text": "Stop thinking, and end your problems.\nWhat difference between yes and no?\nWhat difference between success and failure?\nMust you value what others value,\navoid what others avoid?\nHow ridiculous!\n\nOther people are excited, \n\n  as though they were at a parade. \n\n  I alone don't care, \n\n  I alone am expressionless, \n\nlike an infant before it can smile.\n\nOther people have what they need; \n\n  I alone possess nothing. \n\n  I alone drift about, \n\n  like someone without a home. \n\nI am like an idiot, my mind is so empty.\n\nOther people are bright; \n\n  I alone am dark. \n\n  Other people are sharper; \n\n  I alone am dull. \n\n  Other people have a purpose; \n\n  I alone don't know. \n\n  I drift like a wave on the ocean, \n\nI blow as aimless as the wind.\n\nI am different from ordinary people. \n\n  I drink from the Great Mother's breasts."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 21,
        "text": "The Master keeps her mind\nalways at one with the Tao;\nthat is what gives her her radiance.\n\nThe Tao is ungraspable. \n\n  How can her mind be at one with it? \n\nBecause she doesn't cling to ideas.\n\nThe Tao is dark and unfathomable. \n\n  How can it make her radiant? \n\nBecause she lets it.\n\nSince before time and space were, \n\n  the Tao is. \n\n  It is beyond \nis and is not.\n \n\n  How do I know this is true? \n\n  I look inside myself and see."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 22,
        "text": "If you want to become whole,\nlet yourself be partial.\nIf you want to become straight,\nlet yourself be crooked.\nIf you want to become full,\nlet yourself be empty.\nIf you want to be reborn,\nlet yourself die.\nIf you want to be given everything,\ngive everything up.\n\nThe Master, by residing in the Tao, \n\n  sets an example for all beings. \n\n  Because he doesn't display himself, \n\n  people can see his light. \n\n  Because he has nothing to prove, \n\n  people can trust his words. \n\n  Because he doesn't know who he is, \n\n  people recognize themselves in him. \n\n  Because he has no goal in mind, \n\neverything he does succeeds.\n\nWhen the ancient Masters said, \n\n  \"If you want to be given everything, give everything up,\" \n\n  they weren't using empty phrases. \n\n  Only in being lived by the Tao can you be truly yourself."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 23,
        "text": "Express yourself completely,\nthen keep quiet.\nBe like the forces of nature:\nwhen it blows, there is only wind;\nwhen it rains, there is only rain;\nwhen the clouds pass, the sun shines through.\n\nIf you open yourself to the Tao, \n\n  you are at one with the Tao \n\n  and you can embody it completely. \n\n  If you open yourself to insight, \n\n  you are at one with insight \n\n  and you can use it completely. \n\n  If you open yourself to loss, \n\n  you are at one with loss \n\nand you can accept it completely.\n\nOpen yourself to the Tao, \n\n  then trust your natural responses; \n\n  and everything will fall into place."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 24,
        "text": "He who stands on tiptoe\ndoesn't stand firm.\nHe who rushes ahead\ndoesn't go far.\nHe who tries to shine\ndims his own light.\nHe who defines himself\ncan't know who he really is.\nHe who has power over others\ncan't empower himself.\nHe who clings to his work\nwill create nothing that endures.\n\nIf you want to accord with the Tao, \n\n  just do \n  your job, then let go."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 25,
        "text": "There was something formless and perfect\nbefore the universe was born.\nIt is serene. Empty.\nSolitary. Unchanging.\nInfinite. Eternally present.\nIt is the mother of the universe.\nFor lack of a better name,\nI call it the Tao.\n\nIt flows through all things, \n\n  inside and outside, and returns \n\nto the origin of all things.\n\nThe Tao is great. \n\n  The universe is great. \n\n  Earth is great. \n\n  Man is great. \n\nThese are the four great powers.\n\nMan follows the earth. \n\n  Earth follows the universe. \n\n  The universe follows the Tao. \n\n  The Tao follows only itself."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 26,
        "text": "The heavy is the root of the light.\nThe unmoved is the source of all movement.\n\nThus the Master travels all day \n\n  without leaving home. \n\n  However splendid the views, \n\nshe stays serenely in herself.\n\nWhy should the lord of the country \n\n  flit about like a fool? \n\n  If you let yourself be blown to and fro, \n\n  you lose touch with your root. \n\n  If you let restlessness move you, \n\n  you lose touch with who you are."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 27,
        "text": "A good traveler has no fixed plans\nand is not intent upon arriving.\nA good artist lets his intuition\nlead him wherever it wants.\nA good scientist has freed himself of concepts\nand keeps his mind open to what is.\n\nThus the Master is available to all people \n\n  and doesn't reject anyone. \n\n  He is ready to use all situations \n\n  and doesn't waste anything. \n\nThis is called embodying the light.\n\nWhat is a good man but a bad man's teacher? \n\n  What is a bad man but a good man's job? \n\n  If you don't understand this, you will get lost, \n\n  however intelligent you are. \n\n  It is the great secret."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 28,
        "text": "Know the male,\nyet keep to the female:\nreceive the world in your arms.\nIf you receive the world,\nthe Tao will never leave you\nand you will be like a little child.\n\nKnow the white, \n\n  yet keep to the black: \n\n  be a pattern for the world. \n\n  If you are a pattern for the world, \n\n  the Tao will be strong inside you \n\nand there will be nothing you can't do.\n\nKnow the personal, \n\n  yet keep to the impersonal: \n\n  accept the world as it is. \n\n  If you accept the world, \n\n  the Tao will be luminous inside you \n\nand you will return to your primal self.\n\nThe world is formed from the void, \n\n  like utensils from a block of wood. \n\n  The Master knows the utensils, \n\n  yet keeps to the the block: \n\n  thus she can use all things."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 29,
        "text": "Do you want to improve the world?\nI don't think it can be done.\n\nThe world is sacred. \n\n  It can't be improved. \n\n  If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it. \n\n  If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it.\n\nThere is a time for being ahead, \n\n  a time for being behind; \n\n  a time for being in motion, \n\n  a time for being at rest; \n\n  a time for being vigorous, \n\n  a time for being exhausted; \n\n  a time for being safe, \n\na time for being in danger.\n\nThe Master sees things as they are, \n\n  without trying to control them. \n\n  She lets them go their own way, \n\n  and resides at the center of the circle."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 30,
        "text": "Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men\ndoesn't try to force issues\nor defeat enemies by force of arms.\nFor every force there is a counterforce.\nViolence, even well intentioned,\nalways rebounds upon oneself.\n\nThe Master does his job \n\n  and then stops. \n\n  He understands that the universe \n\n  is forever out of control, \n\n  and that trying to dominate events \n\n  goes against the current of the Tao. \n\n  Because he believes in himself, \n\n  he doesn't try to convince others. \n\n  Because he is content with himself, \n\n  he doesn't need others' approval. \n\n  Because he accepts himself, \n\n  the whole world accepts him."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 31,
        "text": "Weapons are the tools of violence;\nall decent men detest them.\n\nWeapons are the tools of fear; \n\n  a decent man will avoid them \n\n  except in the direst necessity \n\n  and, if compelled, will use them \n\n  only with the utmost restraint. \n\n  Peace is his highest value. \n\n  If the peace has been shattered, \n\n  how can he be content? \n\n  His enemies are not demons, \n\n  but human beings like himself. \n\n  He doesn't wish them personal harm. \n\n  Nor does he rejoice in victory. \n\n  How could he rejoice in victory \n\nand delight in the slaughter of men?\n\nHe enters a battle gravely, \n\n  with sorrow and with great compassion, \n\n  as if he were attending a funeral."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 32,
        "text": "The Tao can't be perceived.\nSmaller than an electron,\nit contains uncountable galaxies.\n\nIf powerful men and women \n\n  could remain centered in the Tao, \n\n  all things would be in harmony. \n\n  The world would become a paradise. \n\n  All people would be at peace, \n\nand the law would be written in their hearts.\n\nWhen you have names and forms, \n\n  know that they are provisional. \n\n  When you have institutions, \n\n  know where their functions should end. \n\n  Knowing when to stop, \n\nyou can avoid any danger.\n\nAll things end in the Tao \n\n  as rivers flow into the sea."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 33,
        "text": "Knowing others is intelligence;\nknowing yourself is true wisdom.\nMastering others is strength;\nmastering yourself is true power.\n\nIf you realize that you have enough, \n\n  you are truly rich. \n\n  If you stay in the center \n\n  and embrace death with your whole heart, \n\n  you will endure forever."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 34,
        "text": "The great Tao flows everywhere.\nAll things are born from it,\nyet it doesn't create them.\nIt pours itself into its work,\nyet it makes no claim.\nIt nourishes infinite worlds,\nyet it doesn't hold on to them.\nSince it is merged with all things\nand hidden in their hearts,\nit can be called humble.\nSince all things vanish into it\nand it alone endures,\nit can be called great.\nIt isn't aware of its greatness;\nthus it is truly great."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 35,
        "text": "She who is centered in the Tao\ncan go where she wishes, without danger.\nShe perceives the universal harmony,\neven amid great pain,\nbecause she has found peace in her heart.\n\nMusic or the smell of good cooking \n\n  may make people stop and enjoy. \n\n  But words that point to the Tao \n\n  seem monotonous and without flavor. \n\n  When you look for it, there is nothing to see. \n\n  When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear. \n\n  When you use it, it is inexhaustible."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 36,
        "text": "If you want to shrink something,\nyou must first allow it to expand.\nIf you want to get rid of something,\nyou must first allow it to flourish.\nIf you want to take something,\nyou must first allow it to be given.\nThis is called the subtle perception\nof the way things are.\n\nThe soft overcomes the hard. \n\n  The slow overcomes the fast. \n\n  Let your workings remain a mystery. \n\n  Just show people the results."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 37,
        "text": "The Tao never does anything,\nyet through it all things are done.\n\nIf powerful men and women \n\n  could venter themselves in it, \n\n  the whole world would be transformed \n\n  by itself, in its natural rhythms. \n\n  People would be content \n\n  with their simple, everyday lives, \n\nin harmony, and free of desire.\n\nWhen there is no desire, \n\nall things are at peace."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 38,
        "text": "The Master doesn't try to be powerful;\nthus he is truly powerful.\nThe ordinary man keeps reaching for power;\nthus he never has enough.\n\nThe Master does nothing, \n\n  yet he leaves nothing undone. \n\n  The ordinary man is always doing things, \n\nyet many more are left to be done.\n\nThe kind man does something, \n\n  yet something remains undone. \n\n  The just man does something, \n\n  and leaves many things to be done. \n\n  The moral man does something, \n\n  and when no one responds \n\nhe rolls up his sleeves and uses force.\n\nWhen the Tao is lost, there is goodness. \n\n  When goodness is lost, there is morality. \n\n  When morality is lost, there is ritual. \n\n  Ritual is the husk of true faith, \n\nthe beginning of chaos.\n\nTherefore the Master concerns himself \n\n  with the depths and not the surface, \n\n  with the fruit and not the flower. \n\n  He has no will of his own. \n\n  He dwells in reality, \n\n  and lets all illusions go."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 39,
        "text": "In harmony with the Tao,\nthe sky is clear and spacious,\nthe earth is solid and full,\nall creature flourish together,\ncontent with the way they are,\nendlessly repeating themselves,\nendlessly renewed.\n\nWhen man interferes with the Tao, \n\n  the sky becomes filthy, \n\n  the earth becomes depleted, \n\n  the equilibrium crumbles, \n\ncreatures become extinct.\n\nThe Master views the parts with compassion, \n\n  because he understands the whole. \n\n  His constant practice is humility. \n\n  He doesn't glitter like a jewel \n\n  but lets himself be shaped by the Tao, \n\n  as rugged and common as stone."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 40,
        "text": "Return is the movement of the Tao.\nYielding is the way of the Tao.\n\nAll things are born of being. \n\n  Being is born of non-being."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 41,
        "text": "When a superior man hears of the Tao,\nhe immediately begins to embody it.\nWhen an average man hears of the Tao,\nhe half believes it, half doubts it.\nWhen a foolish man hears of the Tao,\nhe laughs out loud.\nIf he didn't laugh,\nit wouldn't be the Tao.\n\nThus it is said: \n\n  The path into the light seems dark, \n\n  the path forward seems to go back, \n\n  the direct path seems long, \n\n  true power seems weak, \n\n  true purity seems tarnished, \n\n  true steadfastness seems changeable, \n\n  true clarity seems obscure, \n\n  the greatest are seems unsophisticated, \n\n  the greatest love seems indifferent, \n\n  the greatest wisdom seems childish.\n\nThe Tao is nowhere to be found. \n\n  Yet it nourishes and completes all things."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 42,
        "text": "The Tao gives birth to One.\nOne gives birth to Two.\nTwo gives birth to Three.\nThree gives birth to all things.\n\nAll things have their backs to the female \n\n  and stand facing the male. \n\n  When male and female combine, \n\nall things achieve harmony.\n\nOrdinary men hate solitude. \n\n  But the Master makes use of it, \n\n  embracing his aloneness, realizing \n\n  he is one with the whole universe."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 43,
        "text": "The gentlest thing in the world\novercomes the hardest thing in the world.\nThat which has no substance\nenters where there is no space.\nThis shows the value of non-action.\n\nTeaching without words, \n\n  performing without actions: \n\n  that is the Master's way."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 44,
        "text": "Fame or integrity: which is more important?\nMoney or happiness: which is more valuable?\nSuccess or failure: which is more destructive?\n\nIf you look to others for fulfillment, \n\n  you will never truly be fulfilled. \n\n  If your happiness depends on money, \n\nyou will never be happy with yourself.\n\nBe content with what you have; \n\n  rejoice in the way things are. \n\n  When you realize there is nothing lacking, \n\n  the whole world belongs to you."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 45,
        "text": "True perfection seems imperfect,\nyet it is perfectly itself.\nTrue fullness seems empty,\nyet it is fully present.\n\nTrue straightness seems crooked. \n\n  True wisdom seems foolish. \n\nTrue art seems artless.\n\nThe Master allows things to happen. \n\n  She shapes events as they come. \n\n  She steps out of the way \n\n  and lets the Tao speak for itself."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 46,
        "text": "When a country is in harmony with the Tao,\nthe factories make trucks and tractors.\nWhen a country goes counter to the Tao,\nwarheads are stockpiled outside the cities.\n\nThere is no greater illusion than \n  fear, \n\n  no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, \n\nno greater misfortune than having an enemy.\n\nWhoever can see through all fear \n\n  will always be safe."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 47,
        "text": "Without opening your door,\nyou can open your heart to the world.\nWithout looking out your window,\nyou can see the essence of the Tao.\n\nThe more you know, \n\nthe less you understand.\n\nThe Master arrives without leaving, \n\n  sees the light without looking, \n\n  achieves without doing a thing."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 48,
        "text": "In pursuit of knowledge,\nevery day something is added.\nIn the practice of the Tao,\nevery day something is dropped.\nLess and less do you need to force things,\nuntil finally you arrive at non-action.\nWhen nothing is done,\nnothing is left undone.\n\nTrue mastery can be gained \n\n  by letting things go their own way. \n\n  It can't be gained by interfering."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 49,
        "text": "The Master has no mind of her own.\nShe works with the mind of the people.\n\nShe is good to people who are good. \n\n  She is also good to people who aren't good. \n\n  This is true goodness.\n\nShe trusts people who are trustworthy. \n\n  She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy. \n\n  This is true trust.\n\nThe Master's mind is like space. \n\n  People don't understand her. \n\n  They look to her and wait. \n\n\nShe treats them like her own children."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 50,
        "text": "The Master gives himself up\nto whatever the moment brings.\nHe knows that he is going to die,\nand her has nothing left to hold on to:\nno illusions in his mind,\nno resistances in his body.\nHe doesn't think about his actions;\nthey flow from the core of his being.\nHe holds nothing back from life;\ntherefore he is ready for death,\nas a man is ready for sleep\nafter a good day's work."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 51,
        "text": "Every being in the universe\nis an expression of the Tao.\nIt springs into existence,\nunconscious, perfect, free,\ntakes on a physical body,\nlets circumstances complete it.\nThat is why every being\nspontaneously honors the Tao.\n\nThe Tao gives birth to all beings, \n\n  nourishes them, maintains them, \n\n  cares for them, comforts them, protects them, \n\n  takes them back to itself, \n\n  creating without possessing, \n\n  acting without expecting, \n\n  guiding without interfering. \n\n  That is why love of the Tao \n\n  is in the very nature of things."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 52,
        "text": "In the beginning was the Tao.\nAll things issue from it;\nall things return to it.\n\nTo find the origin, \n\n  trace back the manifestations. \n\n  When you recognize the children \n\n  and find the mother, \n\n  you will be free of sorrow.\n\nIf you close your mind in judgements \n\n  and traffic with desires, \n\n  your heart will be troubled. \n\n  If you keep your mind from judging \n\n  and aren't led by the senses, \n\nyour heart will find peace.\n\nSeeing into darkness is clarity. \n\n  Knowing how to yield is strength. \n\n  Use your own light \n\n  and return to the source of light. \n\n  This is called practicing eternity."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 53,
        "text": "The great Way is easy,\nyet people prefer the side paths.\nBe aware when things are out of balance.\nStay centered within the Tao.\n\nWhen rich speculators prosper \n\n  While farmers lose their land; \n\n  when government officials spend money \n\n  on weapons instead of cures; \n\n  when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible \n\n  while the poor have nowhere to turn- \n\n  all this is robbery and chaos. \n\n  It is not in keeping with the Tao."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 54,
        "text": "Whoever is planted in the Tao\nwill not be rooted up.\nWhoever embraces the Tao\nwill not slip away.\nHer name will be held in honor\nfrom generation to generation.\n\nLet the Tao be present in your life \n\n  and you will become genuine. \n\n  Let it be present in your family \n\n  and your family will flourish. \n\n  Let it be present in your country \n\n  and your country will be an example \n\n  to all countries in the world. \n\n  Let it be present in the universe \n\nand the universe will sing.\n\nHow do I know this is true? \n\n  By looking inside myself."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 55,
        "text": "He who is in harmony with the Tao\nis like a newborn child.\nIts bones are soft, its muscles are weak,\nbut its grip is powerful.\nIt doesn't know about the union\nof male and female,\nyet its penis can stand erect,\nso intense is its vital power.\nIt can scream its head off all day,\nyet it never becomes hoarse,\nso complete is its harmony.\n\nThe Master's power is like this. \n\n  He lets all things come and go \n\n  effortlessly, without desire. \n\n  He never expects results; \n\n  thus he is never disappointed. \n\n  He is never disappointed; \n\n  thus his spirit never grows old."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 56,
        "text": "Those who know don't talk.\nThose who talk don't know.\n\nClose your mouth, \n\n  block off your senses, \n\n  blunt your sharpness, \n\n  untie your knots, \n\n  soften your glare, \n\n  settle your dust. \n\nThis is the primal identity.\n\nBe like the Tao. \n\n  It can't be approached or withdrawn from, \n\n  benefited or harmed, \n\n  honored or brought into disgrace. \n\n  It gives itself up continually. \n\n  That is why it endures."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 57,
        "text": "If you want to be a great leader,\nyou must learn to follow the Tao.\nStop trying to control.\nLet go of fixed plans and concepts,\nand the world will govern itself.\n\nThe more prohibitions you have, \n\n  the less virtuous people will be. \n\n  The more weapons you have, \n\n  the less secure people will be. \n\n  The more subsidies you have, \n\n  the less self-reliant people will be.\n\nTherefore the Master says: \n\n  I let go of the law, \n\n  and people become honest. \n\n  I let go of economics, \n\n  and people become prosperous. \n\n  I let go of religion, \n\n  and people become serene. \n\n  I let go of all desire for the common good, \n\n  and the good becomes common as grass."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 58,
        "text": "If a country is governed with tolerance,\nthe people are comfortable and honest.\nIf a country is governed with repression,\nthe people are depressed and crafty.\n\nWhen the will to power is in charge, \n\n  the higher the ideals, the lower the results. \n\n  Try to make people happy, \n\n  and you lay the groundwork for misery. \n\n  Try to make people moral, \n\nand you lay the groundwork for vice.\n\nThus the Master is content \n\n  to serve as an example \n\n  and not to impose her will. \n\n  She is pointed, but doesn't pierce. \n\n  Straightforward, but supple. \n\n  Radiant, but easy on the eyes."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 59,
        "text": "For governing a country well\nthere is nothing better than moderation.\n\nThe mark of a moderate man \n\n  is freedom from his own ideas. \n\n  Tolerant like the sky, \n\n  all-pervading like sunlight, \n\n  firm like a mountain, \n\n  supple like a tree in the wind, \n\n  he has no destination in view \n\n  and makes use of anything \n\nlife happens to bring his way.\n\nNothing is impossible for him. \n\n  Because he has let go, \n\n  he can care for the people's welfare \n\n  as a mother cares for her child."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 60,
        "text": "Governing a large country\nis like frying a small fish.\nYou spoil it with too much poking.\n\nCenter your country in the Tao \n\n  and evil will have no power. \n\n  Not that it isn't there, \n\nbut you'll be able to step out of its way.\n\nGive evil nothing to oppose \n\n  and it will disappear by itself."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 61,
        "text": "When a country obtains great power,\nit becomes like the sea:\nall streams run downward into it.\nThe more powerful it grows,\nthe greater the need for humility.\nHumility means trusting the Tao,\nthus never needing to be defensive.\n\nA great nation is like a great man: \n\n  When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. \n\n  Having realized it, he admits it. \n\n  Having admitted it, he corrects it. \n\n  He considers those who point out his faults \n\n  as his most benevolent teachers. \n\n  He thinks of his enemy \n\nas the shadow that he himself casts.\n\nIf a nation is centered in the Tao, \n\n  if it nourishes its own people \n\n  and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others, \n\n  it will be a light to all nations in the world."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 62,
        "text": "The Tao is the center of the universe,\nthe good man's treasure,\nthe bad man's refuge.\n\nHonors can be bought with fine words, \n\n  respect can be won with good deeds; \n\n  but the Tao is beyond all value, \n\nand no one can achieve it.\n\nThus, when a new leader is chosen, \n\n  don't offer to help him \n\n  with your wealth or your expertise. \n\n  Offer instead \n\nto teach him about the Tao.\n\nWhy did the ancient Masters esteem the Tao? \n\n  Because, being one with the Tao, \n\n  when you seek, you find; \n\n  and when you make a mistake, you are forgiven. \n\n  That is why everybody loves it."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 63,
        "text": "Act without doing;\nwork without effort.\nThink of the small as large\nand the few as many.\nConfront the difficult\nwhile it is still easy;\naccomplish the great task\nby a series of small acts.\n\nThe Master never reaches for the great; \n\n  thus she achieves greatness. \n\n  When she runs into a difficulty, \n\n  she stops and gives herself to it. \n\n  She doesn't cling to her own comfort; \n\n  thus problems are no problem for her."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 64,
        "text": "What is rooted is easy to nourish.\nWhat is recent is easy to correct.\nWhat is brittle is easy to break.\nWhat is small is easy to scatter.\n\nPrevent trouble before it arises. \n\n  Put things in order before they exist. \n\n  The giant pine tree \n\n  grows from a tiny sprout. \n\n  The journey of a thousand miles \n\nstarts from beneath your feet.\n\nRushing into action, you fail. \n\n  Trying to grasp things, you lose them. \n\n  Forcing a project to completion, \n\nyou ruin what was almost ripe.\n\nTherefore the Master takes action \n\n  by letting things take their course. \n\n  He remains as calm \n\n  at the end as at the beginning. \n\n  He has nothing, \n\n  thus has nothing to lose. \n\n  What he desires is non-desire; \n\n  what he learns is to unlearn. \n\n  He simply reminds people \n\n  of who they have always been. \n\n  He cares about nothing but the Tao. \n\n  Thus he can care for all things."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 65,
        "text": "The ancient Masters\ndidn't try to educate the people,\nbut kindly taught them to not-know.\n\nWhen they think that they know the answers, \n\n  people are difficult to guide. \n\n  When they know that they don't know, \n\npeople can find their own way.\n\nIf you want to learn how to govern, \n\n  avoid being clever or rich. \n\n  The simplest pattern is the clearest. \n\n  Content with an ordinary life, \n\n  you can show all people the way \n\n  back to their own true nature."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 66,
        "text": "All streams flow to the sea\nbecause it is lower than they are.\nHumility gives it its power.\n\nIf you want to govern the people, \n\n  you must place yourself below them. \n\n  If you want to lead the people, \n\nyou must learn how to follow them.\n\nThe Master is above the people, \n\n  and no one feels oppressed. \n\n  She goes ahead of the people, \n\n  and no one feels manipulated. \n\n  The whole world is grateful to her. \n\n  Because she competes with no one, \n\n  no one can compete with her."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 67,
        "text": "Some say that my teaching is nonsense.\nOthers call it lofty but impractical.\nBut to those who have looked inside themselves,\nthis nonsense makes perfect sense.\nAnd to those who put it into practice,\nthis loftiness has roots that go deep.\n\nI have just three things to teach: \n\n  simplicity, patience, compassion. \n\n  These three are your greatest treasures. \n\n  Simple in actions and in thoughts, \n\n  you return to the source of being. \n\n  Patient with both friends and enemies, \n\n  you accord with the way things are. \n\n  Compassionate toward yourself, \n\n  you reconcile all beings in the world."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 68,
        "text": "The best athlete\nwants his opponent at his best.\nThe best general\nenters the mind of his enemy.\nThe best businessman\nserves the communal good.\nThe best leader\nfollows the will of the people.\n\nAll of the embody \n\n  the virtue of non-competition. \n\n  Not that they don't love to compete, \n\n  but they do it in the spirit of play. \n\n  In this they are like children \n\n  and in harmony with the Tao."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 69,
        "text": "The generals have a saying:\n\"Rather than make the first move\nit is better to wait and see.\nRather than advance an inch\nit is better to retreat a yard.\"\n\nThis is called \n\n  going forward without advancing, \n\npushing back without using weapons.\n\nThere is no greater misfortune \n\n  than underestimating your enemy. \n\n  Underestimating your enemy \n\n  means thinking that he is evil. \n\n  Thus you destroy your three treasures \n\nand become an enemy yourself.\n\nWhen two great forces oppose each other, \n\n  the victory will go \n\n  to the one that knows how to yield."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 70,
        "text": "My teachings are easy to understand\nand easy to put into practice.\nYet your intellect will never grasp them,\nand if you try to practice them, you'll fail.\n\nMy teachings are older than the \n  world. \n\nHow can you grasp their meaning?\n\nIf you want to know me, \n\n  look inside your heart."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 71,
        "text": "Not-knowing is true knowledge.\nPresuming to know is a disease.\nFirst realize that you are sick;\nthen you can move toward health.\n\nThe Master is her own physician. \n\n  She has healed herself of all knowing. \n\n  Thus she is truly whole."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 72,
        "text": "When they lose their sense of awe,\npeople turn to religion.\nWhen they no longer trust themselves,\nthey begin to depend upon authority.\n\nTherefore the Master steps back \n\n  so that people won't be confused. \n\n  He teaches without a teaching, \n\n  so that people will have nothing to learn."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 73,
        "text": "The Tao is always at ease.\nIt overcomes without competing,\nanswers without speaking a word,\narrives without being summoned,\naccomplishes without a plan.\n\nIts net covers the whole universe. \n\n  And though its meshes are wide, \n\n  it doesn't let a thing slip through."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 74,
        "text": "If you realize that all things change,\nthere is nothing you will try to hold on to.\nIf you aren't afraid of dying,\nthere is nothing you can't achieve.\n\nTrying to control the future \n\n  is like trying to take the master carpenter's place. \n\n  When you handle the master carpenter's tools, \n\n  chances are that you'll cut your \n  hand."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 75,
        "text": "When taxes are too high,\npeople go hungry.\nWhen the government is too intrusive,\npeople lose their spirit.\n\nAct for the people's benefit. \n\n  Trust them; leave them alone."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 76,
        "text": "Men are born soft and supple;\ndead, they are stiff and hard.\nPlants are born tender and pliant;\ndead, they are brittle and dry.\n\nThus whoever is stiff and inflexible \n\n  is a disciple of death. \n\n  Whoever is soft and yielding \n\nis a disciple of life.\n\nThe hard and stiff will be broken. \n\n  The soft and supple will prevail."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 77,
        "text": "As it acts in the world, the Tao\nis like the bending of a bow.\nThe top is bent downward;\nthe bottom is bent up.\nIt adjusts excess and deficiency\nso that there is perfect balance.\nIt takes from what is too much\nand give to what isn't enough.\n\nThose who try to control, \n\n  who use force to protect their power, \n\n  go against the direction of the Tao. \n\n  They take from those who don't have enough \n\nand give to those who have far too much.\n\nThe Master can keep giving \n\n  because there is no end to her wealth. \n\n  She acts without expectation, \n\n  succeeds without taking credit, \n\n  and doesn't think that she is better \n\n  than anyone else."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 78,
        "text": "Nothing in the world\nis as soft and yielding as water.\nYet for dissolving the hard and inflexible,\nnothing can surpass it.\n\nThe soft overcomes the hard; \n\n  the gentle overcomes the rigid. \n\n  Everyone knows this is true, \n\nbut few can put it into practice.\n\nTherefore the Master remains \n\n  serene in the midst of sorrow. \n\n  Evil cannot enter his heart. \n\n  Because he has given up helping, \n\nhe is people's greatest help.\n\nTrue words seem paradoxical."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 79,
        "text": "Failure is an opportunity.\nIf you blame someone else,\nthere is no end to the blame.\n\nTherefore the Master \n\n  fulfills her own obligations \n\n  and corrects her own mistakes. \n\n  She does what she needs to do \n\n  and demands nothing of others."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 80,
        "text": "If a country is governed wisely,\nits inhabitants will be content.\nThey enjoy the labor of their hands\nand don't waste time inventing\nlabor-saving machines.\nSince they dearly love their homes,\nthey aren't interested in travel.\nThere may be a few wagons and boats,\nbut these don't go anywhere.\nThere may be an arsenal of weapons,\nbut nobody ever uses them.\nPeople enjoy their food,\ntake pleasure in being with their families,\nspend weekends working in their gardens,\ndelight in the doings of the neighborhood.\nAnd even though the next country is so close\nthat people can hear its roosters crowing and its dogs barking,\nthey are content to die of old age\nwithout ever having gone to see it."
    },
    {
        "chapter": 81,
        "text": "True words aren't eloquent;\neloquent words aren't true.\nWise men don't need to prove their point;\nmen who need to prove their point aren't wise.\n\nThe Master has no possessions. \n\n  The more he does for others, \n\n  the happier he is. \n\n  The more he gives to others, \n\n  the wealthier he is.\n\nThe Tao nourishes by not forcing. \n\n  By not dominating, the Master leads."
    }
]