Daodejing Chapter 37 breakdown: the Dao does nothing
Chapter 37 of the Daodejing marks what is traditionally regarded as the end of the first half of the text. It highlights the power of wuwei, or effortless action, and calls for rulers to return their realms to a state of simplicity and tranquillity by aligning themselves with the Dao.
Section 1
The Dao does nothing,
But leaves nothing undone.
The chapter begins with what has become the classic statement on the nature of wuwei: “The Dao does nothing, but leaves nothing undone.” This does not mean that you should literally do nothing, but that you should only take action that is in harmony with the natural flow of things. The Dao itself is the ultimate embodiment of this principle, effortlessly bringing about the natural order of the universe without force or struggle.
Section 2
When nobles and kings
Stay true to the Dao,
The myriad things
Transform of their own accord.
When a ruler aligns with the Dao, everything will instinctively find its own place in the natural order. Rather than attempt to force this process, the ruler remains hands-off and allows events to unfold in their own way.
Section 3
If desire arises within the myriad things
During their transformation,
I will calm them with
The nameless uncarved block.
This will free them of desire.
If he notices his people being tempted to go off track by selfish desires and ambitions, the ruler gently nudges them back in the right direction by embodying the simplicity and humility of the uncarved block of wood.
The removal of unnecessary yearnings leads to tranquillity, both for individuals and society at large. This tranquillity is not a forced peace but a natural state that emerges when people are free from the turmoil and distractions fuelled by the allure of wealth, fame, and luxury.
Section 4
Free of desire,
They will be tranquil,
And all-under-heaven
Will find peace
Of its own accord.
The chapter concludes that the world will find peace of its own accord when it is free of desire and aligned with the Dao. True peace is not something that can be imposed from the outside but must emerge naturally from a state of balance and harmony with the natural order.
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Daodejing Chapter 37: the nameless uncarved block
