Daodejing Chapter 35 breakdown: words of the Dao
Chapter 35 of the Daodejing contrasts the fleeting allure of sensory pleasures with the deep and enduring peace that comes from engaging with the Dao. Even though it is not something that can be directly perceived with the senses or understood with the rational mind, the Dao is an unlimited source of strength and sustenance that is never depleted no matter how much it is employed.
Section 1
Grasp the great image,
All-under-heaven will come,
Safe from harm,
In peace and tranquillity.
The chapter begins with the idea of grasping the “great image”, which is a metaphor for understanding or aligning with the Dao first featured in Chapter 21. A leader or individual who truly embodies the Dao, will win the hearts and minds of the people and make them feel happy and safe.
Section 2
Music and fine food
Entice the passerby to stop.
Words of the Dao,
Are bland and flavourless.
When you look for it,
You cannot see it.
When you listen for it,
You cannot hear it.
But when you use it,
You cannot exhaust it.
Even though the Dao does not offer people temporary delights and distractions like “music and fine food,” it is the source of permanent tranquillity and contentment. It does not matter that you cannot taste, see, or hear it, because the Dao provides an inexhaustible supply of energy and enlightenment to draw from.
Related Articles
Daodejing Chapter 21: The greatest power
Daodejing Chapter 21: the origin of all things
Daodejing Chapter 35: grasp the great image
