Tao Te Ching Chapter 15 – 显德 (道德經 第15章)
Paul PengShare
Tao Te Ching — Chapter 15: The Exhibition of the Qualities of the Dao
道德經 第十五章 · 顯德 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
豫兩若冬涉川；猶兩若畏四鄰；億兩其若容；渙兩若冰之將釋；敦兩其若樸；曠兩其若谷；混兩其若濁。
孰能濁以靜之徐清？孰能安以久動之徐生？
保此道者，不欲盈。夫唯不盈，故能蔽不新成。
English Translation — James Legge
The skilful masters of the Dao in old times, with a subtle and exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries, and were deep also so as to elude men's knowledge. As they were thus beyond men's knowledge, I will make an effort to describe of what sort they appeared to be.
Shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in winter; irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them; grave like a guest in awe of his host; evanescent like ice that is melting away; unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into anything; vacant like a valley, and dull like muddy water.
Who can make the muddy water clear? Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest? Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise.
They who preserve this method of the Dao do not wish to be full of themselves. It is through their not being full of themselves that they can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 15 offers seven poetic images of the ancient Taoist master: cautious as one crossing a winter stream, alert as one fearing neighbors, grave as a guest, yielding as melting ice, simple as uncarved wood, open as a valley, and turbid as muddy water. These are not weaknesses but the marks of profound attainment. The muddy water that clears through stillness is one of the most enduring metaphors in Taoist inner cultivation: do not force clarity — allow it to arise.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi portrays the ancient masters as subtle, mysterious, and deep beyond recognition. Cautious like crossing a winter stream, hesitant like fearing neighbors, grave like a guest, melting like ice, simple like uncarved wood, open like a valley, murky like muddy water — none of these images can be fixed into a name or form. By remaining still, the muddy becomes clear; by remaining calm, life gradually arises. Those who preserve this Dao do not wish to be full, and therefore can endure without needing to appear new.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong describes the person who has attained the Dao: their aspirations are mysterious and their spirit communicates with Heaven. Cautious like crossing a winter stream, hesitant like fearing neighbors, grave like a guest, dissolving like melting ice — releasing feelings and desires day by day until empty. Simple like uncarved wood, guarding the spirit within. Open like a valley, embracing all without claiming virtue or fame. Like muddy water that clears when still, the sage remains quiet and lets clarity arise gradually. Those who preserve this Dao do not seek fullness, and therefore can conceal their brilliance without needing to appear newly accomplished.
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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