How should the lord of a myriad chariots carry himself lightly before the kingdom?
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Why should the lord of ten thousand chariots act lightly in public?
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
How can the lords of ten thousand chariots
Apply themselves lightly to the world?
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
Why should a Master scurry about thoughtlessly?
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
I again turn to
Derek Lin to aid in interpreting this line.
"Ten thousand chariots" is a metaphor for great responsibility. In life, when we encounter a great responsibility, whether it's an important project at work or starting a family or anything else, we need to approach it with a somber attitude and firm footing. Those who treat it lightly will be easily distracted and uprooted by the winds of adversity.
To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.
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