Tao Te Ching 6

In this particular day I shall interpret a verse from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, namely verse 6.  In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:

“6. The spirit of the valley never dies.

It is called subtle and profound female.

The gate of the subtle and profound female

Is the root of Heaven and Earth.

It is continuous, and seems to be always existing.

Use it and you will never wear it out.” ¹

Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse.  The theme of the verse revolves around the concept of the expressions of Tao.  The symbolism of the spirit of valley as described as subtle and profound means the value of being light and yet deep about things.   When one has these attitudes, his existence is balanced and he will not be exhausted by anything.

Let us observe this notion as we go over the text.   Let us discuss the first four lines in the verse.

“The spirit of the valley never dies.

It is called subtle and profound female.

The gate of the subtle and profound female

Is the root of Heaven and Earth.”

In the first line of the verse it can be observed that it discusses nature, specifically the Tao.  The Tao is the “spirit of the valley” that is being discussed in here.  It is described with the metaphor “subtle and profound female”.  It is calm and yet full of mystery.  That is why, it is likened to subtle and profound female which implies lowliness and depth.  It is in being lowly that understanding of anything in existence is possible.  The attitude of being lowly is the way to the depth of things.  It is then said to be the root of Heaven and Earth.  Heaven symbolizes "eternity" while Earth symbolizes "temporality".  In one’s existence, the depth of things belongs to eternity but is realized through the Earth’s "temporality".

This can be also understood by looking into the reality of one’s weakness.  The term “female” can also symbolize weakness.  Weakness is considered as an expression of Tao because it is inherent in human being.  It is the quality which makes a human, “human”.  It is an expression of the Tao because it is a manifestation of the natural course in things.  In this sense, weakness is an expression of the Tao as being the natural characteristic of a human being. 

The notion of weakness is observed at this point in the idea of “female” in the lines.  Females, as observed, are physically inferior to men.  Even in the internal composition of their body systems are subordinate to that of men.   Even with these facts, this “weakness” that is expressed in the metaphor of “female”, is not a disadvantage.  Rather it is all the more the source of strength. Female complements the male as there is what we call Heaven and Earth. These symbolize the complementary roles of the Eternal and the Temporal.  It is in this context that the Tao should be treated.   Weakness gives a gauge for one to see how to build himself with all that he has.  It is in this sense that one can always be along the course of nature and not against it.  Weakness is an expression of Tao.  It showcases the natural characteristics of an individual.  It is in this recognition that he can apply the Tao in his life.

Now let us move on to the remaining lines in the verse.   

“It is continuous, and seems to be always existing.

Use it and you will never wear it out.”

In these last lines, it gives the notion that weakness will always be a part of a human being.  It will always be inherent in him.  These lines imply that one should use this “weakness” in order to temper oneself in doing their duties.   This does not necessarily require one to act weakly, but rather, one must do things in a moderate way.  One must do things which do not go over their natural essence.  In this way, an individual does “not wear out”, for he conserves his strength and uses it with efficiency without going to the extremes.   As a phrase would say “one man’s weakness is his strength”.  It is only in recognizing this “weakness” that one can freely utilize and use his capabilities.  It is in this recognition of “weakness” can one become a true sage.   Weakness, for Lao Tzu, is not something which burdens human life.   It is a potential. 

When one uses his weakness by transforming it into positives, he will never be exhausted or drained by it.  Like the Tao, weakness should be taken with the intention of understanding it and make the best of it while alive.  There is always depth in all things.  But through the Tao, this depth is realized through the ordinary realities one encounters every day.  One’s weakness should sharpen his insights, skills, abilities and thoughts.   Through it, one can become the best.    It is in “weakness” that one can truly embrace his human nature.  Human weakness tames one’s pride and selfishness when it is taken as an opportunity to find wisdom in existence.  Through being subtle yet profound in life like the valley, one realizes the Tao within him.

Source:

  1.       Wing Tsit Chan, “The Natural Way of Lao Tzu”, (United States: Princeton University Press, 1963), In In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy,142.