Tao Te Ching Chapter 62: The Sanctuary of the Tao
Original Chinese Text
道者万物之奥，
善人之宝，不善人之所保。
美言可以市尊，美行可以加人。
人之不善，何弃之有？
故立天子，置三公，
虽有拱璧以先驷马，不如坐进此道。
古之所以贵此道者何？
不曰：求以得，有罪以免邪？
故为天下贵。
Pinyin (Pronunciation)
Dào zhě wànwù zhī ào,
Shàn rén zhī bǎo, bù shàn rén zhī suǒ bǎo.
Měi yán kěyǐ shì zūn, měi xíng kěyǐ jiā rén.
Rén zhī bù shàn, hé qì zhī yǒu?
Gù lì tiānzǐ, zhì sān gōng,
Suī yǒu gǒng bì yǐ xiān sì mǎ, bùrú zuò jìn cǐ dào.
Gǔ zhī suǒyǐ guì cǐ dào zhě hé?
Bù yuē: Qiú yǐ dé, yǒu zuì yǐ miǎn xié?
Gù wéi tiānxià guì.
Structured Translation & Interpretation
Core Teachings
| Concept | Translation | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 万物之奥 | “Tao is the sanctuary of all things” | Cosmic refuge beyond dualities |
| 善人之宝 | “Treasure of the virtuous” | Source of enlightenment |
| 不善人之所保 | “Protection for the flawed” | Redemption for all |
| 美言可以市尊 | “Fine words may earn respect” | Social virtue vs. true wisdom |
| 美行可以加人 | “Good deeds may elevate status” | External validation’s limits |
| 坐进此道 | “Sitting to advance in Tao” | Inner cultivation > ritual pomp |
Plain English Paraphrase
- Tao’s All-Embracing Nature
- “The guilty find absolution here” (不善人之所保)
- “The enlightened find their compass” (善人之宝)
- Beyond Social Rewards
- “You can buy honor with eloquence” (美言可以市尊)
- “But real transformation comes through silent practice” (坐进此道)
- Ancient Secret of Power
- Why did rulers value Tao?
- “It grants wishes without asking” (求以得)
- “Cleanses sins without confession” (有罪以免)
- Why did rulers value Tao?
Key Philosophical Terms
| Chinese | Literal Meaning | Deeper Concept |
|---|---|---|
| 奥 | “Sanctuary” | Unfathomable spiritual womb |
| 拱璧驷马 | “Jade discs & chariots” | Empty ceremonial status |
| 坐进 | “Sitting advancement” | Meditation as true progress |
Modern Applications
For Social Justice
- “No soul is beyond redemption” (何弃之有) → Prison reform implications
For Leadership
- “True authority needs no symbols” (不如坐进此道) → Contrast with modern political theater
For Personal Growth
- “Your worst mistakes may become your greatest teachers” (有罪以免)
“Like an ancient tree—hollowed by time yet offering shelter to all creatures.”
— Metaphor for Tao’s 万物之奥