Tao Te Ching Chapter 26 – 重德 (道德經 第26章)
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Tao Te Ching — Chapter 26: The Quality of Gravity
道德經 第二十六章 · 重德 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
English Translation — James Legge
Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler of movement.
Therefore a wise prince, marching the whole day, does not go far from his baggage waggons. Although he may have brilliant prospects to look at, he quietly remains in his proper place, indifferent to them.
How should the lord of a myriad chariots carry himself lightly before the kingdom? If he act lightly, he has lost his root of gravity; if he proceed to active movement, he will lose his throne.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 26 establishes two fundamental polarities: heavy is the root of light, stillness is the master of movement. The sage ruler never abandons his center of gravity, even amid splendor. Lao Tzu's warning to the lord of ten thousand chariots is timeless: act rashly and lose your throne. This principle of grounded stillness runs through all of Taoist governance and inner cultivation.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi teaches that gravity is the root of lightness, stillness the master of activity. The sage travels all day without leaving his heavy baggage. Though surrounded by splendor, he remains detached. Losing gravity means losing the root; losing stillness means losing mastery.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong says if the ruler is not grave, he loses authority; if the self is not still, the spirit departs. The sage never departs from stillness and gravity throughout the day. The lord of ten thousand chariots should not act lightly — lightness loses ministers, rashness loses the throne.
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.
Read his full story →
