Tao Te Ching Chapter 32 – 圣德 (道德經 第32章)
Paul PengShare
Tao Te Ching — Chapter 32: The Dao with No Name
道德經 第三十二章 · 圣德 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
English Translation — James Legge
The Dao, considered as unchanging, has no name.
Though in its primordial simplicity it may be small, the whole world dares not deal with one embodying it as a minister. If a feudal prince or the king could guard and hold it, all would spontaneously submit themselves to him.
Heaven and Earth under its guidance unite together and send down the sweet dew, which, without the directions of men, reaches equally everywhere as of its own accord.
As soon as it proceeds to action, it has a name. When it once has that name, men can know to rest in it. When they know to rest in it, they can be free from all risk of failure and error.
The relation of the Dao to all the world is like that of the great rivers and seas to the streams from the valleys.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 32 opens with one of the Tao Te Ching's most fundamental statements: the Dao is eternally nameless. The uncarved block (pu 樸), though seemingly small, cannot be mastered by anyone. When rulers hold to it, all things submit spontaneously — like sweet dew falling without command. Once institutions are established, names arise; knowing when to stop prevents peril. The Dao's relationship to the world is like rivers flowing to the sea: all things return to it naturally, without being summoned.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi teaches that the Dao is eternally nameless. Though the uncarved block is small, nothing can master it. When rulers can hold to it, all things submit. Once institutions are established, names arise, and knowing when to stop prevents peril.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong says the Dao has no constant name — it can be yin or yang, relax or tighten, exist or vanish. Though the uncarved block seems insignificant, nothing can subdue it. When rulers hold to the Dao, Heaven responds with sweet dew and all things harmonize.
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 →
