Tao Te Ching · Chapter
LXXVII explained
This chapter compares the Way of Heaven to the bending of a bow, where the high is brought low and the low is raised up, diminishing superabundance and supplementing deficiency.
What happens
This chapter compares the Way of Heaven to the bending of a bow, where the high is brought low and the low is raised up, diminishing superabundance and supplementing deficiency. In contrast, the way of man takes from those who have not enough to add to his own excess. Only one who possesses the Tao can use his own superabundance to serve all under heaven. The sage acts without claiming results, achieves merit without arrogance, and does not display superiority.
Themes in this chapter
The Tao as the Ultimate Principle
The Way of Heaven is described as the principle that balances excess and deficiency.
Critique of Conventional Virtue
Human way is criticized for taking from the deficient to add to the superabundant, opposing Heaven's way.
Characters to notice
- Laozi
Speaker of the chapter's teachings on the Way of Heaven and the sage.
Key passages
“May not the Way (or Tao ) of Heaven be compared to the (method of) bending a bow? The (part of the bow) which was high is brought low, and what was low is raised up.”
The Tao of Heaven is like drawing a bow: the high part is lowered and the low part is raised.
Illustrates the balancing action of Heaven.
“It is the Way of Heaven to diminish superabundance, and to supplement deficiency. It is not so with the way of man. He takes away from those who have not enough to add to his own superabundance.”
Heaven reduces excess and adds to scarcity, but humans take from the needy to increase their own surplus.
Contrasts divine justice with human greed.
“Who can take his own superabundance and therewith serve all under heaven? Only he who is in possession of the Tao !”
Only one who embodies the Tao can use his own surplus to benefit the world.
Highlights the sage's selfless generosity.
“Therefore the (ruling) sage acts without claiming the results as his; he achieves his merit and does not rest (arrogantly) in it:—he does not wish to display his superiority.”
The sage acts without taking credit, accomplishes without pride, and does not flaunt his excellence.
Emphasizes humility and non-attachment.