Tao Te Ching Chapter 78 – 任信 (道德经 第78章)
Paul PengShare
Tao Te Ching — Chapter 78: Trust in the Dao
道德经 第七十八章 · 任信 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
English Translation — James Legge
There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it — for there is nothing so effectual for which it can be changed. As shown in Chapter 8, the highest good is like water — it benefits all things and does not contend.
Every one in the world knows that the soft overcomes the hard, and the weak the strong, but no one is able to carry it out in practice. As shown in Chapter 77, Heaven’s Way reduces excess and supplements deficiency — the same principle that makes water the supreme overcomer of stone.
Therefore a sage has said: ‘He who accepts his state’s reproach is hailed therefore its altars’ lord; to him who bears men’s direful woes they all the name of King accord.’ Words that are strictly true seem to be paradoxical.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 78 returns to the image of water — the softest thing in the world, yet the supreme overcomer of the hardest. Everyone knows this principle; no one applies it. The chapter then moves to a political paradox: the ruler who accepts his state’s shame and bears its calamities becomes the true sovereign. This is the Taoist inversion at its most radical — the one who descends lowest rises highest. The closing line captures the entire chapter: words that are strictly true seem paradoxical.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi says nothing is weaker than water, yet nothing surpasses it in attacking the hard. The weak overcomes the strong, the soft overcomes the hard — everyone knows this but no one acts accordingly. The sage accepts the nation’s disgrace and bears its calamities.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong says water is the softest thing, yet it overcomes the hardest: carving mountains, grinding metal. The weak overcomes the strong — a tongue outlasts teeth. Everyone knows this but few practice it. The sage who bears the nation’s disgrace becomes its true sovereign.
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 →
