If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness,According to Jonathan Star, the operative words in line 3 are jên and yi. Jên can be translated as benevolence, humanity, kindness or philanthropy and yi can mean righteousness, justice, morality and duty. Whichever of these words one chooses to utilize, why would Lao Tzu suggest we toss them to the side of the road?
the people would again become filial and kindly.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Give up kindness, renounce morality,
And men will rediscover filial piety and love.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
End benevolence; abandon righteousness
The people return to piety and charity
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
Get rid of morality.
People will respect each other and do what's right.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
In my estimation, Lao Tzu is suggesting that the employment of these acts involves a level of calculation. When we behave kindly toward someone else, we are calculating how we should act against the counterweight of being unkind. When we choose to be philanthropic, we are calculating our level of giving versus the counter position of being stingy.
In other words, when our actions are based on external definitions and standards, we try to figure how far we think we need to go to nudge over the line -- how far we need to go to earn praise or escape scorn.
When we act spontaneously in accordance with Tao, no calculations are needed. We act in accordance with the flow of life seamlessly and without self-conscious thought.
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AS I understand it, this verse is a critique of Confucian propriety.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are natural, in tune with the Tao, you have no need for jen and yi. The desired results occur naturally.