In this particular day I shall
interpret a verse from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, namely verse 32. In A
Source Book In Chinese Philosophy,
Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:
“32. Tao is eternal and has no
name.
Though its simplicity seems insignificant, none in the world
can master it.
If kings and barons would hold on to it, all things would
submit to them
spontaneously .
Heaven and earth unite to drip sweet dew.
Without the command of men, it drips evenly over all.
As soon as there were regulations and institutions, there
were names (differentiation of things).
As soon as there are names, know that it is time to stop.
It is by knowing when to stop that one can be free from
danger.
Analogically, Tao in the world
(where everything is em-
braced by it), may be compared to rivers and streams
running into the
sea.” 1
Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse. The theme of the verse revolves around the
concept of Tao as the best paradigm to attain right governance and right
living. Obedience to the law and better relation in society can only be
attained in consonance with the Tao, the origin of all things and the
foundation of all that are in Nature.
Let us go over the first seven lines in the verse.
“Tao is eternal and has no name.
Though its simplicity seems insignificant, none in the world
can master it.
If kings and barons would hold on to it, all things would
submit to them
spontaneously .
Heaven and earth unite to drip sweet dew.
Without the command of men, it drips evenly over all.”
These lines express the notion that one must understand that the Tao
is the universal guiding principle in Nature.
It embraces everything; thus it is considered by the sage as the way to
spontaneity. It is the principle which
one’s life should be rooted in order to become productive and contented. It is nameless because it cannot be fully
spoken yet it can be practiced. It is
the guiding principle. When one is outside
of it, life is in chaos.
Moreover, the Tao dwells in humility and simplicity. From these two values, a lot more good values
develop. In contrary, there are rulers who
amassed more wealth as they lead a state.
Some would even think about acquiring more, becoming more powerful and
more famous by using such wealth. These rulers or in other case, even persons
of high position, are actually doing things leading to their downfall. And because of this, most rulers fail to make
their people follow them and trust them about state matters.
If only rulers or persons would fashion themselves along with Nature’s
way, then they would have less problems.
They would not stress over pointless things such as how to keep their
reign longer, or on how to contain the people in the state. If the rulers or persons would only rid
themselves out of pride and selfishness, then, they will realize the beauty and
serenity of living without extremes and excesses. Just being content with what is necessary,
one will not go beyond his means.
Another way of looking at this
is in terms of the resources of the state.
Greedy officials deprive people from essential resources that can
sustain themselves and their families.
In being simple and content, these resources are distributed evenly to
all, and no one will be left hungry or deprived of anything. In this way people can be more effective to
the state and contribute to its integrity and progress.
Now let us continue with the remaining lines in the verse.
“As soon as there were regulations and institutions, there
were names (differentiation of things).
As soon as there are names, know that it is time to stop.
It is by knowing when to stop that one can be free from
danger.
Analogically, Tao in the world (where everything is em-
braced by it), may be compared to rivers and streams
running into the
sea.”
In these last lines, it can be observed that when a ruler insists on
his own way, there are distinctions.
When there are so many distinctions, people become restricted in their
movements. There is even a tendency to
overdo things just to satisfy these restrictions. With too many regulations and institutions,
people have many things to do. These names set limitations to what is supposed
to be spontaneous and free. In this
manner people are overtaken by restrictions and harm themselves in the process.
This is the reason why knowing when to stop is crucial. In
terms of governance, when a ruler realizes that the imposition of laws is going
too much and he decides to stop, he saves the state from chaos and downfall.
Governing with non-interference in the way of the Tao is not an easy
task. The common tendency for rulers or
for anyone who has a position in the government is being too interfering. They
show this attitude in imposing a lot of things, even implementing laws that are
not even needed by the state. Another
point in looking at this is about the greedy rulers insisting on their own ways
of governing while amassing wealth. In
the course of Nature, it still holds that those who go against Nature find
themselves deprived of everything that is good.
Lao Tzu simply teaches us to aim to live within the principle of the
Tao or Nature. It is the foundation of
peace and happiness. Whatever function
or position one has, living within the Tao assures him of a quiet and fulfilled
life. Outside of it, one only finds
chaos and unhappiness.
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