Daodejing Chapter 28 breakdown: a state of simplicity
Chapter 28 of the Daodejing calls for you to return to a state of natural simplicity and potential exemplified by the infant and uncarved block by striking the right balance between “hard” masculine and “soft” feminine qualities. Remaining humble and open like a ravine enables you to resolve the most complex problems by drawing on the enduring strength and wisdom of the Dao. Adopting a holistic approach means that you can meet your objectives by ensuring that even the most disparate of pieces remain connected.
Section 1
Know the male,
Keep to the female,
Be a ravine for all-under-heaven.
As a ravine for all-under-heaven,
Constant power never leaves you,
And you return to being an infant.
The chapter begins with the advice to “know” masculine qualities such as strength, initiative, and clarity, but to “keep to” the feminine ones like receptiveness, flexibility, and endurance. Rather than climbing the mountains in search of ever greater glories and conquests, you should act as a ravine by embracing openness and humility and becoming a rich and fertile source for nourishing and sustaining life.
By maintaining the humility and receptivity of a ravine, you remain connected to the “constant power” of the Dao. This does not refer to physical strength but a return to a primal state of being that allows you to experience the world directly and authentically, without the filters of learned behaviour and ego.
Section 2
Know the white,
Keep to the black.
Be a model for all-under-heaven.
As a model for all-under-heaven,
Constant power never fails you,
And you return to the infinite.
In the same way, you should stay in tune with everything that is happening in the world while keeping yourself rooted in the hidden and mysterious aspects of existence. By striking the right balance between the seen and unseen and the known and unknown, you can serve as an example for others and connect with the boundless nature of the Dao.
Section 3
Know honour,
But keep to disgrace.
Be a valley for all-under-heaven.
As a valley for all-under-heaven,
Constant power is always sufficient,
And you return to the uncarved block.
If you achieve success and recognition from others, it is vital to remain humble and avoid becoming attached to your status and reputation. By maintaining the humility and receptiveness of a valley, you not only continue to draw on the strength of the Dao. You also return to the simplicity and authenticity of the “uncarved block” — full of natural potential and free from artificial distinctions.
Section 4
When the uncarved block is split,
It forms utensils.
The sage makes use of them,
And becomes the lord of all officials.
The greatest cut does not sever.
When the uncarved block is split into pieces, the sage recognizes the potential of each one and defines its specific role and function without disrupting the underlying unity that binds them all. Because of the effectiveness of this holistic approach, he becomes “the lord of all officials” and achieves his goals though effortless action without causing harm and disconnection.
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Daodejing Chapter 28: the uncarved block
