Tao Te Ching Chapter 66 – 后己 (道德经 第66章)
Paul PengShare
Tao Te Ching — Chapter 66: Putting One’s Self Last
道德经 第六十六章 · 后己 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
English Translation — James Legge
That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower than they — it is thus that they are the kings of them all.
So it is that the sage ruler, wishing to be above men, puts himself by his words below them, and, wishing to be before them, places his person behind them. As shown in Chapter 61, a great state draws all things to itself precisely because it lies low — humility is the source of true authority.
In this way though he has his place above them, men do not feel his weight, nor though he has his place before them, do they feel it an injury to them. Therefore all in the world delight to exalt him and do not weary of him. Because he does not strive, no one finds it possible to strive with him.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 66 opens with the image of rivers and seas: they are kings of all valleys because they lie lower than the valleys. The sage applies the same principle to leadership. To be above the people, speak humbly; to lead the people, follow behind. The result is a ruler whose authority is felt as no burden, whose presence is felt as no threat. The world gladly exalts such a person and never tires of him. The final line is one of the most quoted in the Tao Te Ching: because he does not strive, no one can strive with him.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi explains that rivers and seas are kings of all valleys because they lie lower. The sage, wishing to be above the people, puts himself below them; wishing to lead them, he follows behind. Because he does not contend, no one can contend with him.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong says rivers and seas are king of all streams because they lie low. The sage places himself below the people in speech and action. Thus the people do not feel burdened by his rule. Because he does not contend, no one can contend with him.
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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