Tao Te Ching

[the-grynne.livejournal.com]

from TAO TE CHING

11

Thirty spokes join one hub.
The wheel's use comes from emptiness.

Clay is fired to make a pot.
The pot's use comes from emptiness.

Windows and doors are cut to make a room.
The room's use comes from emptiness.

Therefore,
           Having leads to profit,
           Not having leads to use.



13

Favor and disgrace are like fear.
Honor and distress are like the self.

What does this mean?

Favor debases us.
Afraid when we get it,
Afraid when we lose it.

The self embodies distress.
           No self,
           No distress.

Respect the world as your self:
           The world can be your lodging,
Love the world as your self:
           The world can be your trust.


LAO-TZU

Translated from the Chinese by Stephen Addiss & Stanley Lombardo