Tao Te Ching Chapter 54 – 修觀 (道德經 第54章)
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Tao Te Ching — Chapter 54: Cultivation and Observation
道德經 第五十四章 · 修觀 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
English Translation — James Legge
What the Dao’s skilful planter plants can never be uptorn; what his skilful arms enfold, from him can never be borne. Sons shall bring in lengthening line, sacrifices to his shrine.
Dao when nursed within one’s self, his vigour will make true; and where the family it rules what riches will accrue! The neighbourhood where it prevails in thriving will abound; and when ‘tis seen throughout the state, good fortune will be found. Employ it the kingdom o’er, and men thrive all around.
In this way the effect will be seen in the person, by the observation of different cases; in the family; in the neighbourhood; in the state; and in the kingdom. As shown in Chapter 47, the sage knows all under heaven by observing himself — and Chapter 53 shows what happens when rulers abandon this cultivation.
How do I know that this effect is sure to hold thus all under the sky? By this method of observation.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 54 presents the Dao’s cultivation as a series of concentric circles: self, family, community, state, world. At each level, virtue takes a different quality — genuine, overflowing, enduring, abundant, universal. The method of knowing is the same at every level: observe like with like. Know the self by observing the self; know the world by observing the world. The chapter closes with Lao Tzu’s characteristic move: how do I know all this? By this very method.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi teaches that what is well planted cannot be uprooted. Cultivate the Dao in oneself — virtue becomes genuine; in the family — virtue overflows; in the community — virtue grows; in the state — virtue abounds; in the world — virtue spreads universally.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong says those who establish themselves in the Dao cannot be uprooted. Cultivate the Dao in yourself — become a true person. In the family, harmony; in the community, respect; in the state, loyalty. Throughout the world, silent transformation.
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 →
