Line by Line - Verse 62, Line 9

such an offering would not be equal to (a lesson of) this Tao, which one might present on his knees.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

But remain still and offer the Tao.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

None of it can compare to being seated in this Tao
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

sit still and stay right with Tao.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Rather than give people what many don't deserve or need, the best thing we can offer is our lives lived according to the principles of The Way. This is the kind of gift we can give without giving it.

I can remember as a child going to a few birthday parties. When it came time for the birthday boy or girl to open their gifts, the givers often made quite a spectacle of themselves. They pranced around haughtily and some would become mighty indignant if the receiver didn't shower them with praise for their "voluntary" act of kindness.

But, when we offer up our lives lived as best we can according to Tao, we don't make a display of imparting a thing; instead, we can offer the model of simplicity and humility.

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