Tao Te Ching Chapter 39 – 法本 (道德經 第39章)
Paul PengShare
Tao Te Ching — Chapter 39: The Origin of the Law
道德經 第三十九章 · 法本 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
English Translation — James Legge
The things which from of old have got the One are: Heaven which by it is bright and pure; Earth rendered thereby firm and sure; Spirits with powers by it supplied; Valleys kept full throughout their void; All creatures which through it do live; Princes and kings who from it get the model which to all they give.
All these are the results of the One. If heaven were not thus pure, it soon would rend; if earth were not thus sure, 'twould break and bend; without these powers, the spirits soon would fail; if not so filled, the drought would parch each vale; without that life, creatures would pass away; princes and kings, without that moral sway, however grand and high, would all decay.
Thus it is that dignity finds its firm root in its previous meanness, and what is lofty finds its stability in the lowness from which it rises. Hence princes and kings call themselves ‘Orphans,’ ‘Men of small virtue,’ and ‘Carriages without a nave.’ Is not this an acknowledgment that in their considering themselves mean they see the foundation of their dignity? They do not wish to show themselves elegant-looking as jade, but prefer to be coarse-looking as an ordinary stone.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 39 introduces the concept of the One (yi 一) — the primordial unity that underlies all things. Heaven, Earth, spirits, valleys, all creatures, and rulers each obtained the One and thereby became what they are. Without it, each would collapse. The chapter then draws a political lesson: nobility is rooted in humility. The ruler who calls himself ‘orphan’ and ‘worthless’ acknowledges that his greatness rests on lowness. Better to be plain as stone than to glitter like jade.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi explains that from ancient times all things obtained the One: Heaven became clear, Earth became steady, spirits became efficacious, valleys became full, all things came alive, rulers became upright. If they lose the One, they collapse. Nobility is rooted in humility, height is founded on lowness.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong says ‘One’ is non-action, the child of the Dao. Heaven, Earth, spirits, valleys, all things, and rulers all rely on it. The ruler should humble himself. Nobility is rooted in humility — the ruler who calls himself ‘orphan’ and ‘worthless’ understands this.
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 →
