phrase from Tao Te Ching

天网恢恢，疏而不漏|The Net of Heaven is Wide（No matter how you translate it, it doesn’t reach the original meaning） Literal Translation: “The net of Heaven is wide-meshed” (天网恢恢) “Loosely, yet nothing slips through” (疏而不漏) Key Concepts: Heaven’s Justice: “Heaven’s net” symbolizes the natural or cosmic order that governs all things. Non-Action (Wu Wei): The phrase reflects Daoist…

千里之行始于足下|A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step  Literal Meaning: The phrase states that even a long journey (1,000 li, an ancient Chinese unit of distance) starts with the first step taken at one’s feet. Core Principle: Action Initiates Achievement: Grand accomplishments or long-term goals require starting with small, immediate actions. Emphasis on…

功成身退|retire after winning merit 1. Literal Translation 功 (gōng): Achievement / Merit 成 (chéng): Completion / Success 身 (shēn): Oneself / Personal 退 (tuì): Withdraw / Retreat → “Withdraw oneself after the work is accomplished.” 2. Core Meaning A philosophy advocating voluntary retreat from power or recognition after achieving success, to avoid excess and maintain harmony with…

大巧若拙|Great Skill Seems Clumsy Literal Meaning: “Great skill” (大巧 dà qiǎo): Supreme mastery or refined artistry. “Seems clumsy” (若拙 ruò zhuō): Appears awkward or unpolished outwardly. Core Idea: True mastery often appears simple or unadorned, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Aligns with the Taoist principle of wu wei (无为, “effortless action”)—natural effectiveness without force. Examples: Art/Craftsmanship: A master’s work may seem…

知足常乐|Contentment Brings Happiness Literal Meaning: “知足” (zhī zú): “Knowing sufficiency” or “being content.” “常乐” (cháng lè): “Constant joy” or “enduring happiness.” → Combined: “Contentment leads to lasting happiness.” Core Philosophy: Against Excessive Desire: Excessive cravings (e.g., wealth, power) create unrest. Value of Enough: True peace comes from appreciating what one has rather than chasing what one lacks. Alignment with…

大器晚成|Great Vessels Take Time to Complete Literal Meaning: Great Vessels (大器): Objects of substantial size or importance (e.g., ceremonial cauldrons, sacred tools). Take Time to Complete (晚成): Require prolonged effort/time to be perfected. Philosophical Interpretation: Natural Process: True mastery or significant achievements align with Dao (the Way) and cannot be rushed. Rejection of Haste: Contrasts with superficial quick success;…

 无为而治|Govern by Non-action Literal Meaning: Wu Wei (无为): “Non-action” or “effortless action.” Er Zhi (而治): “Thus governing” or “to govern thereby.” → Combined: “Governance through non-action.” Core Principle: Advises rulers to avoid excessive interference, coercion, or micromanagement. Aligns with the Taoist idea of flowing with natural order (Dao), not forcing outcomes. Key Practices: Simplify laws to avoid…

上善若水|the supreme good is like water Literal Translation: “The highest good (shang shan) is like water (ruo shui).” Key Qualities of Water (Metaphorical Meaning): Nourishes without contention: Water benefits all things (plants, animals, humans) yet does not compete. Flows to low places: Symbolizes humility and aligning with the natural order (wu wei). Adapts effortlessly: Takes…

道法自然|the tao way follows nature 1. Literal Translation 道 (Dào): “The Way” (the fundamental principle of the universe in Taoism). 法 (Fǎ): “Follows” or “Models itself after.” 自然 (Zìrán): “Nature” or “What is so of itself” (spontaneity, self-sufficiency). → “The Way follows nature.” 2. Interpretation Core Idea: The Tao (ultimate reality) operates by embodying the spontaneity and harmony…