Tao Te Ching Chapter 47
1. Classical Chinese Original
不出户，知天下；
不窥牖，见天道。
其出弥远，其知弥少。
是以圣人不行而知，不见而明，不为而成。
2. Pinyin Transcription
Bù chū hù, zhī tiānxià;
Bù kuī yǒu, jiàn tiān dào.
Qí chū mí yuǎn, qí zhī mí shǎo.
Shì yǐ shèng rén bù xíng ér zhī, bù jiàn ér míng, bù wéi ér chéng.
3. Structural Analysis
Section 1: Inner Knowing
- Original:
“Without stepping outdoors, know the world;
Without peering through windows, perceive the Heavenly Dao.” - Interpretation:
- True wisdom comes from inner reflection rather than external searching
- Contrasts with conventional learning methods
Section 2: The Paradox of Seeking
- Original:
“The farther one travels, the less one understands.” - Interpretation:
- Physical journey ≠ spiritual understanding
- Echoes modern “information overload” concept
Section 3: Sage’s Attainment
- Threefold Wisdom:
- “Knows without traveling” → Intuitive understanding
- “Comprehends without seeing” → Inner vision
- “Accomplishes without forcing” → Wu Wei principle
4. Key Concepts
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Philosophical Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 天道 | tiān dào | Heavenly Dao | Cosmic operating principle |
| 不为 | bù wéi | Non-action | Effortless accomplishment |
| 明 | míng | Illumination | Direct understanding |
| 弥少 | mí shǎo | Diminishing returns | External seeking’s limitation |
5. Comparative Commentary
- Chapter 5 Parallel: “Heaven and earth are heartless”
- Zen Buddhism: Similar emphasis on inner realization
- Modern Physics: Holographic universe theory analogy
6. Plain-English Summary
This chapter teaches:
- True knowledge comes from within
- External searching often leads to confusion
- Sages understand:
- Through stillness, not activity
- Via intuition, not senses
- By allowing, not forcing