Tao Te Ching Chapter 35

The Original Chinese Text

执大象，天下往。往而不害，安平泰。乐与饵，过客止。道之出口，淡乎其无味，视之不足见，听之不足闻，用之不足既。

To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Dao), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him,and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feeling ofease.
Music and dainties will make the passing guest stop (for a time). But though the Dao as it comes from the mouth,seems insipid and has no flavour, though it seems not worth being looked at or listened to, the use of it is inexhaustible.

【译文】施行大道，天下万物就会来归附。归附乐国就不会有灾祸，万物安享于平安泰然的生活。音乐和美食，能使行人驻足。而用言辞表述出的道，淡然几近没有味道，查看它却不能发现，听它也不能听到，但是用它却怎么也用不完。

【Translation】
By practicing the great way, all things under heaven will come to submit. When they are in a joyful country, there will be no calamities; everything enjoys peace and tranquility. Music and delicious food can make travelers stop in their tracks. The way expressed through words is so indifferent that it almost lacks flavor, yet when examined or listened to, one cannot find or hear it. However, with its use, it never runs out.

Read Next Chapter