Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 11

with all the doing in the way of the sage he does not strive.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The Tao of the sage is work without effort.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The Tao of sages
Assists and does not contend
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

The Masters always work with people, never against them.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Throughout this long series, I have leaned on many to help me wend my way through the Tao Te Ching line by line. The thought and analysis I leaned on most often is Derek Lin, so it only seems fitting to me to end this series with his final observation of this meaningful text.

The positive, uplifting Tao of Heaven benefits all things. The rain waters all plants; the sun warms everyone. In emulating this, we also seek to benefit all people and refrain from hurting them with criticism or contention.

To view the Index page for this entire series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 10

With all the sharpness of the Way of Heaven, it injures not;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The Tao of heaven is pointed but does no harm.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The Tao of heaven
Benefits and does not harm
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

If you want to get right with Tao,
help other people, don't hurt them.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

How can Lao Tzu write that Tao doesn't harm anyone? We each will die, won't we?

If we each emanate from the One, then all we really do is to change form. From this standpoint, death is not negation. It is merely a different step in a never ending transformation.

If death does not represent an end -- a final point -- how could it then be harmful?

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 9

the more that he gives to others, the more does he have himself.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The more he gives to others, the greater his abundance.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The more they give to others, the more they gain
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

so they always have more to give.
They give away whatever they have, so what they have is worth more.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Again, let's turn to John Lash to sum up the essence of this line.

The closer that you come to Oneness with all things, the closer I come to such Oneness.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 8

The more that he expends for others, the more does he possess of his own;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The more he does for others, the more he has.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The more they assist others, the more they possess
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They're always doing something for other people,
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

In a very few words, I think John Lash captures the essence of this line and the next exceptionally well.

The more I help you towards realization of your own nature, the closer I move towards realization of my own.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 7

The sage does not accumulate (for himself).
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The sage never tries to store things up.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Sages do not accumulate
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

The Masters don't hang on to things.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

If you think about it, most of us spend our entire lives collecting crap! Of course, we don't consider it crap at the time; it's damn important stuff!

At the end of the day, however, what's the point? We come into this realm of existence with nothing and that's how we all leave it.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 6

the extensively learned do not know it.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The learned do not know.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Those who are broad of knowledge do not know
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Smart people don't always have an education.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

When I graduated from college in 1979 (with my first degree), I was more than a little full of myself. I had spent 4 years studying sociology and psychology; the only subject that will screw up your brain more is philosophy!

Let me tell you, I ran around the world using my book smarts to analyze and critique the way people related with one another. Of course, I somehow missed the idea that the sociological theories I had studied were pale facsimiles to real flesh-and-blood human experience. Consequently, I was a boorish ignoramus!!

It took a while, but I eventually grew up.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 5

Those who know (the Tao) are not extensively learned;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Those who know are not learned.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Those who know are not broad of knowledge
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Educated people aren't always smart.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

In our society, we place a great deal of emphasis on book learning. Earn a college degree and the statistics will tell us that you'll earn far more in a lifetime than someone with less formal education.

But there are scores of people in this country who have degrees, certificates, awards and what not who, when it comes to commonsense, are raving imbeciles!! They couldn't think their way out of a paper sack even if there was a big arrow pointing to a wide opening!!

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 4

the disputatious are not skilled in it.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Those who argue are not good.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Those who debate are not good
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

People who argue aren't good.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Let's continue with Derek Lin's commentary on the previous line and this one.

Sometimes we think we are helping friends by arguing with them, but because this brings contention into the relationship, it can do more harm than good. People are rarely at their best when a debate causes them to become defensive and stubborn. It would be better for us to leave the matter alone, and wait for the right time to approach the subject.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 3

Those who are skilled (in the Tao) do not dispute (about it);
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Good men do not argue.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Those who are good do not debate
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Good people don't argue.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Since I'm the sort of person who rarely backs away from a good 'ol argument or debate, I'm not really qualified to comment on today or tomorrow's line. So, I'll step back and defer to Derek Lin!

Those who are skillful in the art of living recognize the futility of arguments and refrain from engaging in debates. Sages let action reveal their virtues; they have no need to explain themselves with words.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 2

fine words are not sincere.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Beautiful words are not truthful.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Beautiful words are not true
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Flashy words aren't true.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Though I often don't favor the Legge translation over the others, I think he hits the nail on the head in regards to this line. When we dress up the truth, we are not being sincere.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 81, Line 1

Sincere words are not fine;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Truthful words are not beautiful.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

True words are not beautiful
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

The truth isn't flashy.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Actually, the truth CAN be a beautiful thing, but I think that the point here is about manipulation and flattery. When we dress up the truth to win plaudits or avoid punishment, our concern isn't with the truth as we see it at all. No, our focus is on ourselves and what we THINK we can get out of the situation.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Lines 9-11

There should be a neighboring state within sight, and the voices of the fowls and dogs should be heard all the way from it to us, but I would make the people to old age, even to death, not have any intercourse with it.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Though they live within sight of their neighbors,
And crowing cocks and barking dogs are heard across the way,
Yet they leave each other in peace while they grow old and die.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Neighboring countries see one another
Hear the sounds of roosters and dogs from one another
The people, until they grow old and die
Do not go back and forth with one another
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

And even though their neighbors were so close
they could hear the dogs barking at night,
they had no interest in leaving their homes,
where they grew old peacefully and died.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Simply put, people who live in peace will die in peace. Derek Lin tells us that the last line means that people "do not visit trouble upon one another."

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Line 8

and their common (simple) ways sources of enjoyment.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

They are happy in their ways.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

happy in their customs
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

and kept their traditions alive.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

I often wonder if the egregiously wealthy know happiness and contentment. In my mind's eye, it would be a difficult task. When a person always is scrambling up the next mountain, it leaves little time to stop to smell the roses or gaze at the scenery.

Dawdle too long and someone else will get ahead of you. We can't have that, now can we?!

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Line 7

They should think their (coarse) food sweet; their (plain) clothes beautiful; their (poor) dwellings places of rest;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Their food is plain and good, their clothes fine but simple, their homes secure;
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Savor their food, admire their clothes
Content in their homes,
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They enjoyed simple foods,
dressed plainly, lived comfortably,
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

I was watching a documentary the other day in which I learned that a Wall Street hedge manager recently purchased a house that has over 50,000 square feet!! Who NEEDS a home that large? Does his family include a herd of elephants?

The more complex our lives become, the more stressful they are. The more trinkets and baubles we collect, the more we have to protect them, lest they be damaged, lost or stolen.

Enough is never quite enough and so our lives begin to resemble one lived on the proverbial treadmill.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Line 6

I would make the people return to the use of knotted cords (instead of the written characters).
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Men return to the knotting of rope in place of writing.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Let the people return to tying knots and using them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They had so few responsibilities,
they never had to make a To-Do list to remember what had to be done.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

As Derek Lin explains it, this line is about the virtues of simplicity.

"Tying knots" was a way for people to record events. It is a general metaphor for simple solutions, which are often the most effective and reliable solutions.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Line 5

though they had buff coats and sharp weapons, they should have no occasion to don or use them.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Though they have armor and weapons, no one displays them.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Although they have armors and weapons
They have no need to display them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They may have owned weapons,
but they kept those weapons locked up, securely hidden.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

It is sad that throughout history humans have equated power with force. If you want others to do what you want, you flex your military muscles. (In the present day, think of the US and Israel posturing versus Iran.)

Real power comes from working with others to solve society's ills. The compassionate and just role model can utilize their virtuous power to convince others of the folly of force, prejudice and injustice.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Line 4

Though they had boats and carriages, they should have no occasion to ride in them;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

Though they have boats and carriages, no one uses them.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Although they have boats and chariots
They have no need to take them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They may have owned boats and carriages,
but they never went anywhere.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

In a just society, those who are more well off lack the desire to flaunt their riches in other people's faces. They fully understand the line from the song, there but for fortune go you or I!

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Line 3

I would make the people, while looking on death as a grievous thing, yet not remove elsewhere (to avoid it).
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The people take death seriously and do not travel far.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Let the people regard death seriously
And not migrate far away
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They took their lives seriously,
and stayed close to home.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

For me, Wang An-Shih (1021-1086), as quoted by Red Pine, really gets to the heart of this line.

When people are content with their lot, they don't concern themselves with moving far away or going to war.

Since the US is always going to war, it must mean that we lack the ability to find contentment!

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 80, Lines 1-2

In a little state with a small population, I would so order it, that, though there were individuals with the abilities of ten or a hundred men, there should be no employment of them;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

A small country has fewer people.
Though there are machines that can work ten to a hundred times faster than man, they are not needed.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Small country, few people
Let them have many weapons but not use them
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Lao Tzu had a dream
about a small country
with very few people.
They didn't need machines
to get their work done faster.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

It is far easier to take proper care of things when they are small. For example think of the differences between undertaking a small and a large project. You can focus on each aspect of a small project, but you often only have time or the wherewithal to peruse many aspects of a large project. Small projects can be fine-tuned to get the results you want. Large projects typically fall short in one way or another due to time constraints or exhaustion.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.

Line by Line - Verse 79, Line 8

it is always on the side of the good man.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

It stays with good men all the time.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

It constantly gives to the kind people
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

But if you do right by Tao,
Tao will do right by you.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

The model of Tao is available to all things. Those beings that recognize this model and follow it are those who we label as good or virtuous.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.