Tao Te Ching Chapter 56
1. Classical Chinese Original
知者不言，言者不知。
塞其兑，闭其门，挫其锐，解其纷，和其光，同其尘，是谓玄同。
故不可得而亲，不可得而疏；
不可得而利，不可得而害；
不可得而贵，不可得而贱。
故为天下贵。
2. Pinyin Transcription
Zhī zhě bù yán, yán zhě bù zhī.
Sāi qí duì, bì qí mén, cuò qí ruì, jiě qí fēn, hé qí guāng, tóng qí chén, shì wèi xuán tóng.
Gù bù kě dé ér qīn, bù kě dé ér shū;
Bù kě dé ér lì, bù kě dé ér hài;
Bù kě dé ér guì, bù kě dé ér jiàn.
Gù wéi tiānxià guì.
3. Structural Analysis
Section 1: The Paradox of Wisdom
- Original: “Those who know don’t speak; those who speak don’t know.”
- Interpretation:
- True understanding transcends verbal expression
- Echoes Wittgenstein’s “Whereof one cannot speak…”
Section 2: Sixfold Path to Mystical Unity (玄同)
- “Close sensory openings” → Withdraw from distractions
- “Shut worldly gates” → Disengage from materialism
- “Blunt sharp edges” → Soften aggressive tendencies
- “Untangle complexities” → Simplify existence
- “Harmonize inner light” → Balance spiritual energy
- “Merge with the dust” → Embrace humble existence
Section 3: The State of Absolute Equanimity
- Transcendent Qualities:
- Beyond human categories: “Cannot be made intimate or distant”
- Beyond worldly values: “Cannot be made profitable or harmful”
- Beyond social hierarchy: “Cannot be made noble or base”
- Ultimate Value: “Therefore becomes most precious under heaven”
4. Key Concepts
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Philosophical Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 玄同 | xuán tóng | Mystical unity | Non-dual consciousness |
| 兑/门 | duì/mén | Sensory gates | Channels of attachment |
| 和光同尘 | hé guāng tóng chén | Harmonize light, merge with dust | Balanced engagement |
| 天下贵 | tiānxià guì | World’s treasure | Transcendent value |
5. Comparative Commentary
- Chapter 52 Parallel: Similar sensory withdrawal instruction
- Buddhist Comparison: Resembles Nirvikalpa Samadhi (formless meditation)
- Modern Psychology: Flow state and cognitive detachment
6. Plain-English Summary
This chapter teaches:
- Silent Wisdom: Authentic knowing needs no proclamation
- Six Practices:
- Sensory discipline
- Emotional softening
- Mental simplification
- Achievement:
- Complete equanimity
- Freedom from worldly valuations
- Result: Becomes universally revered