The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom: Chapter 1 to Chapter 5
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Laozi’s Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching), as the earliest philosophical work in China, shines with the light of wisdom and has become a gem in the treasury of human intellect. However, this profound work, with its simple words yet deep meanings, often leaves readers feeling perplexed. For many, understanding the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) is a gradual journey of exploration.
To bring the wisdom of the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) closer to more people, I have divided the original content into 81 chapters and created 81 vivid and natural stories. Through a combination of text and illustrations, these stories further showcase the profound and concise ideas within the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching). It is my hope that this approachable method will help readers connect with its teachings on a deeper level.
For example, the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) states: “The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things and does not compete with them.” This short statement reflects the nature of the Tao and its superior virtue. In the story The Secret of the Stream, a small stream, with its humble and generous attitude, silently nourishes the earth and helps the villagers without complaint. An elder in the village explains that the stream remains quiet because it understands humility and avoids contention. A clever boy learns the wisdom of “non-contention” from the stream and begins to treat others with tolerance, living in harmony with his friends and earning their affection. Ultimately, the entire village, inspired by the stream, understands the truth of “The highest good is like water”: helping others, remaining humble, avoiding conflict, and living a better life.
Each chapter presents a fundamental idea of the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) through a short story, demonstrating how its principles can be applied in daily life. It is my hope that readers, while savoring the stories, can awaken to the wisdom of the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching) and embark on a meaningful journey of enlightenment.
Modern life is characterized by a fast pace, heavy work pressures, and various anxieties. Through the small stories inspired by the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching), one can gain wisdom, achieve inner peace, and find enduring joy.
Let us illuminate our lives with the light of Taoist virtue through these stories, allowing the natural principles of the Dao(Tao) and traditional philosophy to shine brightly in the glow of our times.
Meng Zhaoliang
Beijing, December 30, 2024
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 1: The Gateway to All Things: The Mystery of Dao and Names
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“The Dao(Tao) that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao(Tao);
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth;
The named is the mother of all things.
Therefore, always be without desire to observe its wonders;
Always have desire to observe its manifestations.
These two emerge from the same source but have different names;
Both are called profound.
The profound of the profound,
The gateway to all wonders.”
1. “The Dao(Tao) that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao(Tao); the name that can be named is not the eternal name.”
Explanation: The “Dao(Tao)” you can describe is not the true and eternal Dao(Tao), and the name you give to something cannot fully capture its essence.
Example: For instance, the sky is vast, and we call it “sky,” but this name cannot encompass everything about it. It’s like drawing a picture — it can’t represent the entirety of the world.
2. “The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth; the named is the mother of all things.”
Explanation: At the beginning of the world, there were no names; everything existed in its natural state. Later, names were given to things, like “mountain,” “river,” or “flower,” making them easier for us to understand.
Example: Imagine painting on a blank canvas. Initially, it’s just empty paper (nameless). Then you draw the sun, flowers, and birds, naming each element (named). While the names help us identify them, the painting itself existed even without names.
3. “Therefore, always be without desire to observe its wonders; always have desire to observe its manifestations.”
Explanation: If you look at the world without desire, you can perceive its profound beauty. If you look with a desire to gain something, you will only see its surface-level changes.
Example: Imagine walking into a forest. If you observe out of curiosity, you’ll notice the patterns on the leaves and the songs of the birds. But if you’re focused on finding fruit, you’ll only pay attention to fruit trees and miss the other wonders.
4. “These two emerge from the same source but have different names; both are called profound. The profound of the profound — the gateway to all wonders.”
Explanation: The two perspectives (with and without desire) are interconnected but named differently. They originate from the same mysterious source, which serves as the gateway to all wonders.
Example: Think of a door. Sometimes you look out from inside (without desire), and sometimes you look in from outside (with desire). What you see differs, but the door remains the same. This door leads to a greater, mysterious world.
Story: The Secret Door of the Nameless Village
Far away, there was a mysterious place called the “Nameless Village.” It had no signs, and no map showed its name, yet it was said to be the gateway to all beauty and wonders.
One day, a little girl, Qingqing, and her younger brother, Xiaoshi, stumbled upon the village. They found everything there seemingly ordinary, yet, upon closer inspection, full of hidden marvels.
Qingqing asked her brother, “Xiaoshi, what do you think is the village’s secret?”
Xiaoshi replied, “Maybe we need to find a ‘special name’ to understand everything here!”
They began searching for the “name.”
They asked a tall tree, “What’s your name?”
The tree smiled and said, “I have no name, but I’ve stood here watching the sunrise and sunset. That is my wonder.”
They asked a clear stream, “What’s your name?”
The stream murmured, “My name isn’t important. What matters is that I nourish all life. That is my purpose.”
Disappointed, Qingqing said, “So, nothing here has a name. Does that mean we’ll never uncover its secret?”
Suddenly, an old villager approached with a smile and said, “Child, do you know? Some things can be explained with names, like an apple or the moon. But others, like the softness of the wind or the depth of the sky, have secrets that cannot be named. They’re like this village — nameless yet full of mystery.”
Qingqing suddenly understood: “Oh, I see! Some beautiful things in this world are invisible and intangible. Only by calming our hearts and feeling them can we discover their ‘wonder.’”
From that day onward, Qingqing and Xiaoshi stopped obsessing over names. They observed the rustling leaves, the twinkling stars at night, and discovered countless wonders they had never noticed before.
This story teaches us that sometimes, instead of seeking clear definitions for everything, we only need to open our hearts to experience the mysteries and wonders of life.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 2: The Wisdom of Governance Through Non-Action
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“When all under Heaven recognize beauty as beauty, there arises the recognition of ugliness.
When all recognize goodness as goodness, there arises the recognition of not-goodness.
Thus, being and non-being give rise to each other,
Difficult and easy complement each other,
Long and short define each other,
High and low incline toward each other,
Sound and silence harmonize with each other,
Before and after follow each other.
Therefore, the sage manages affairs without action
And teaches without words.
The myriad things arise but do not feel controlled,
They live but are not claimed as possessions.
The sage acts but does not rely on the action,
Accomplishes but does not dwell on the accomplishment.
It is precisely because they do not dwell on it
That it never leaves them.”
1. “When all under Heaven recognize beauty as beauty, there arises the recognition of ugliness.
When all recognize goodness as goodness, there arises the recognition of not-goodness.”
Explanation: When people universally recognize beauty, the concept of ugliness naturally arises. Similarly, when goodness is acknowledged, evil inherently exists. Beauty and ugliness, as well as good and evil, are relative to each other.
Example: Xiaoming painted a picture he thought was beautiful, but his classmate Xiaohong said, “It looks a bit strange.” Xiaoming felt upset. In truth, if there were no “strange” paintings, there would be no benchmark for beauty. Beauty is only highlighted through the contrast with what is perceived as ugly.
2. “Thus, being and non-being give rise to each other,
Difficult and easy complement each other,
Long and short define each other,
High and low incline toward each other,
Sound and silence harmonize with each other,
Before and after follow each other.”
Explanation:
- Being and non-being are interdependent.
- Difficulty and ease are defined through comparison.
- Length and shortness exist in contrast.
- Height and lowness complement each other.
- Sound and silence harmonize together.
- Front and back follow one another.
Everything in the world is relative and interconnected, relying on one another to exist.
Examples:
- Being and non-being: Without “lack,” the concept of “having” would lose its significance. For instance, hunger (lack of food) makes you appreciate a meal.
- Difficulty and ease: Learning to ride a bicycle feels hard at first, but once mastered, it becomes easy. Without the initial difficulty, the ease wouldn’t be valued.
- Length and shortness: A 1-meter stick appears short next to a 2-meter stick, and long next to a 50 cm stick.
- Height and lowness: Tall buildings seem tall only when contrasted with shorter ones.
- Sound and silence: The harmony of low and high notes creates beautiful music.
- Front and back: When walking, your front foot moves forward, and your back foot follows — they are inseparable.
3. “Therefore, the sage manages affairs without action
And teaches without words.
The myriad things arise but do not feel controlled,
They live but are not claimed as possessions.
The sage acts but does not rely on the action,
Accomplishes but does not dwell on the accomplishment.”
Explanation: A sage acts in harmony with nature, avoiding deliberate interference. They teach through actions rather than words, helping all things grow without claiming ownership or taking pride in their work. By not seeking credit, their achievements endure.
Example: A teacher plants a tree but never boasts, “I planted this tree.” Everyone enjoys the shade without thinking the teacher is seeking recognition. This reflects the principle of “giving life without possessing, acting without relying on, and accomplishing without taking credit.”
4. “It is precisely because they do not dwell on it
That it never leaves them.”
Explanation: Because the sage does not view their accomplishments as personal, their contributions are remembered and respected forever.
Example: Historical inventors created remarkable innovations without proclaiming their greatness. Their contributions persist through continued use, and people remember them fondly for their impact rather than their self-promotion.
Story: The Wise Master of Non-action
In a quiet town lived a remarkable figure known as the “Wise Master of Non-action.” He never sought attention or competed for recognition but was beloved by all.
One day, the town’s children argued over who was the most useful.
- Xiaohua said, “I am! I help my mom with chores every day.”
- Xiaoyong countered, “No, I am! I run fast and deliver messages for everyone.”
- Xiaoming protested, “I help my grandpa fix houses! Isn’t that important?”
The argument escalated until the Wise Master arrived with a smile. “Children, let’s play a game,” he said, producing a stone and a rope. “Find out how these can be useful.”
The children eagerly replied:
- Xiaohua said, “The stone can hold things down!”
- Xiaoyong added, “The rope can tie things together!”
- Xiaoming said, “The rope can also pull things!”
The Wise Master chuckled and asked, “What if the rope is too short? Or the stone too heavy?” The children were momentarily stumped.
He explained, “Everything has its use and limitations. Long exists because of short, high because of low. Each of you contributes, and together you make this town wonderful.”
The children understood and stopped quarreling. They played with the stone and rope instead, appreciating the value of each. Over time, they noticed the Wise Master never claimed credit or sought praise, yet his quiet efforts enriched the town.
From then on, the children learned to appreciate one another and to value quiet dedication. They embraced the Master’s wisdom: “By not competing, one endures; by not claiming credit, one earns respect.”
Moral of the Story:
The beauty of the world lies in mutual support. Instead of striving to be the best, focus on silent, meaningful contributions to better yourself and others.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 3: The Governance of Non-action: Allowing the World to Be at Peace Naturally
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“Do not honor the worthy, so that the people will not compete;
Do not value hard-to-obtain goods, so that the people will not steal;
Do not show what is desirable, so that the people’s hearts will not be disturbed.
Therefore, the governance of the sage is to empty the mind and fill the belly;
To weaken the will and strengthen the bones.
Constantly make the people ignorant and without desires, so that the wise will not dare to act.
By practicing non-action, nothing will remain ungoverned.”
1. “Do not honor the virtuous, and the people will not compete.”
Explanation: Avoid excessively praising those deemed “virtuous” to prevent others from competing to achieve the same status or comparing abilities.
Example: In school, if a teacher only praises the smartest student, other children may feel jealous or struggle to compete. But if the teacher treats everyone equally, the students won’t fight for attention or recognition.
2. “Do not value rare and expensive goods, and the people will not steal.”
Explanation: If rare and valuable items are not overly emphasized, people won’t be tempted to steal them.
Example: Xiao Ming loved a limited-edition toy. Since everyone talked about its rarity and value, Xiao Ming couldn’t resist stealing it from a classmate. If society didn’t overemphasize the toy’s importance, Xiao Ming might not have desired it so strongly.
3. “Do not show what is desirable, so that the people’s hearts will not be disturbed.”
Explanation: If items that entice people are not openly displayed, their desires will not be stirred.
Example: When a store places attractive snacks prominently, children might beg to buy them. But if the snacks are not highlighted, the children may not even think about wanting them.
4. “Therefore, the governance of the sage is to empty the mind and fill the belly;
To weaken the will and strengthen the bones.”
Explanation: A sage governs by reducing greed and promoting satisfaction with a simple life. They discourage excessive ambition and instead focus on ensuring physical health and strength.
Example:
- Emptying minds, filling bellies: Children don’t need to worry about being the best; they just need to eat well and rest to maintain health.
- Weakening ambitions, strengthening bodies: Instead of pushing kids to excel immediately, it’s better to let them develop strong bones and healthy habits first.
5. “Constantly make the people ignorant and without desires, so that the wise will not dare to act.”
Explanation: When people have fewer complex desires and knowledge, those with cunning intentions won’t dare to take advantage of others.
Example: If children are overly focused on flashy things, like owning the latest shoes, some classmates might resort to tricks to outshine others. But if such items aren’t highly desired, there’s no incentive for deceitful behavior.
6. “By practicing non-action, nothing will remain ungoverned.”
Explanation: Adopting a “non-action” approach — allowing things to follow their natural course — leads to harmony without excessive intervention.
Example: In a classroom, if a teacher enforces strict rules, students may feel oppressed and rebel. However, if the teacher trusts the students and lets them self-organize, the class might function more harmoniously.
The Story: The Village Without Jewels
Once upon a time, there was a small village where people lived simple and happy lives. The villagers had no shiny jewels or priceless treasures; they merely farmed, cooked, and cared for their families, content with what they had.
One day, a wealthy merchant passed through the village with a dazzling jewel. He boasted, “This gem is the most precious thing in the world. Do you want it?”
The villagers, mesmerized by its brilliance, crowded around. Some began to think, If I owned this jewel, everyone would envy me! Others thought, If I steal it, I could sell it for a fortune! From that day, the village was no longer peaceful. Arguments broke out, and people stopped helping one another.
Seeing this, the village chief invited an elder, known as the “Master of Harmony,” for advice. The elder observed the situation and asked the villagers, “Do you remember how life was before this jewel arrived?”
The villagers thought and replied, “We were happy.”
“Yes,” someone added. “Our fields were full, and we helped one another. There was no need to fight.”
The elder nodded and said, “This jewel has not brought happiness — it has brought greed and division. It doesn’t belong here.” Taking the jewel, he left the village, leaving behind these words:
“You don’t need rare treasures to be happy. True joy comes from being content with simple things — eating well, staying healthy, and helping one another. Remember, peace comes when there is no greed, and harmony thrives when there is no competition.”
The villagers followed the elder’s advice, returning to their simple lives. They farmed, cooked, and supported one another, and the village regained its peace and happiness.
Moral of the Story:
Excessive pursuit of rare and valuable things can lead to greed and discord. The best life is simple and grounded, where people feel secure and content. When individuals avoid competition and greed, the world becomes more harmonious.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 4: The Origin of the Dao: Before All Things, Harmonizing Light and Dust
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“The Dao(Tao) is empty, yet when used, it is never exhausted. It is deep and seems to be the origin of all things. It dulls its sharpness, unravels its confusion, harmonizes its light, and mingles with its dust. It is still and seems to endure, though I do not know whose child it is. It seems to have existed before the creation of the Emperor.”
1. “The Dao(Tao) is Empty, Yet When Used, it is Never Exhausted.”
Explanation: The Dao (the principle or origin) is like an empty cup — though it appears empty, it is always filled with endless possibilities. No matter how it is used, it is never depleted.
Example: A child’s father uses a hose to water the garden. The water in the hose seems limited, but as long as the water source keeps flowing, it keeps coming out. This is like the Dao(Tao) — it is always inexhaustible.
2. “It is deep and seems to be the origin of all things.”
Explanation: The Dao(Tao) is like a deep, bottomless abyss, the origin and beginning of all things.
Example: Imagine a large tree. All its fruits, branches, and leaves come from its roots. Without the roots, there would be no tree. The “roots” of the tree are like the Dao(Tao) — the source of everything.
3. “It dulls its sharpness, unravels its confusion, harmonizes its light, and mingles with its dust.”
Explanation: The Dao(Tao) can soften sharp things, turn chaos into calm, dim strong light, and blend with dust, remaining simple and natural.
Example: If two children argue over a toy, their mother helps them share it, and everyone becomes happy, ending the quarrel. This method, like the Dao(Tao), harmonizes conflict.
4. “It is still and seems to endure”
Explanation: The Dao(Tao) is like still water. It may seem invisible, but it truly exists.
Example: Xiao Ming stands by a pond, and the surface of the water is very calm, as if there is nothing there. But when the wind blows, ripples form on the water’s surface, showing that even though the water seems still, it is always there, like the Dao(Tao).
5. “Though I do not know whose child it is. It seems to have existed before the creation of the Emperor.”
Explanation: The origin of the Dao(Tao) cannot be traced, and no one knows where it comes from. It precedes all things, including all great existences.
Example: A child asks, “Where does the world come from?” An adult answers, “Scientists say it came from the Big Bang.” The child asks again, “Then where did the Big Bang come from?” This question has no answer, just like the origin of the Dao(Tao).
Story: The Spring That Never Runs Dry
Long ago, in a dry land, all the creatures relied on a mysterious spring for their survival. The spring looked ordinary, with no special decorations and no one guarding it, but no matter how much water people took from it, it was always full and never dried up.
One day, a group of children came to play by the spring. They drank the cool water and found it sweet, so they asked the spring, “Why do you always have so much water? Do you have a secret?”
The spring flowed quietly, offering no answer.
Then, a clever little girl spoke up, “The spring never boasts. It quietly provides water for us, never asking for thanks. It must be because of this that it has endless water.”
The children nodded. Some asked, “But why does the spring look so ordinary? If it’s such an important spring, why isn’t it decorated nicely?”
At that moment, an old man passing by heard them and laughed. He said, “Children, the power of this spring is like the Dao(Tao). The deeper something is, the less it seeks to show off or compete. The water of the spring is soft, yet it nourishes all life. It appears simple, but it is the foundation of everything. It is because it does not compete or show off that it has endless strength.”
The children understood and realized a truth. From that day on, they learned that the most powerful things are often the silent and humble ones, like this spring, which helps others in its own way without boasting.
From then on, the children cherished the spring’s water and understood the value of simplicity and peace. The spring continued to flow quietly, nurturing everything on that land.
Moral of the Story: Sometimes the most powerful and profound things are not the flashy ones, but the quiet, unassuming forces that always exist. Just like the wisdom of the Dao(Tao), it is hidden but gives birth to everything.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
Chapter 5: The Way of Heaven, Earth, and the Sage
Original Text from the Dao De Jing(Tao Te Ching):
“Heaven and Earth are not benevolent; they treat all things as straw dogs.
The sage is not benevolent; he treats the people as straw dogs.
Between Heaven and Earth, is it not like a bellows? Empty yet inexhaustible, it moves and the more it produces.
Too much talking leads to exhaustion, while staying centered is better.”
1. “Heaven and Earth are not benevolent; they treat all things as straw dogs.”
Explanation: Heaven and Earth are impartial, treating all things equally, without favoring any particular one. Just like how a master treats a dog as a tool, Heaven and Earth are indifferent to the needs of all creatures.
Example: Imagine the wind, rain, sun, and stars in nature — they don’t serve any specific plant or animal. They operate according to their own rules, regardless of what is around them.
2. “The sage is not benevolent; he treats the people as straw dogs.”
Explanation: The sage, representing a wise person, also does not favor any specific individuals. They treat all people equally, much like Heaven and Earth, not giving preferential treatment to anyone.
Example: A smart leader doesn’t show favoritism to certain people. They treat everyone fairly, and everyone lives by the same rules.
3. “Between Heaven and Earth, is it not like a bellows? Empty yet inexhaustible, it moves and the more it produces.”
Explanation: This refers to the principle that the relationship between Heaven and Earth is like a bellows. The bellows is empty, but it keeps being pushed and, the more it moves, the more power it produces. Heaven and Earth seem empty but are full of energy and life.
Example: Imagine an empty balloon. It looks unremarkable, but when you blow air into it, it inflates and fills with air. Similarly, nature may seem empty at first glance, but it is always working in the background.
4. “Too much talking leads to exhaustion, while staying centered is better.”
Explanation: This saying means that excessive speech leads to exhaustion. It is wiser to stay calm and centered rather than speaking endlessly.
Example: For instance, when doing homework, talking too much can make it harder to finish. If you stay focused and silent, you are more likely to complete the task effectively.
Short Story: Mr. Bellows and the Secret of the Straw Dogs
The Magic Village
Once upon a time, in a magical village, there lived an elderly man named Mr. Bellows. In his home, there was a special bellows called “Tuo Yue.” It appeared empty, but whenever Mr. Bellows pulled or pushed it, wind would blow out, making the village’s stoves burn brighter. No matter how cold the winter, every stove in the village was warm, thanks to this bellows.
The Straw Dog Competition
One day, the village held a “Straw Dog Competition,” where people created small straw dogs to see who could make the most beautiful one. After the competition, however, no one cared for the straw dogs. They were either burned as firewood or thrown into the fields. A little boy asked Mr. Bellows, “Why doesn’t anyone cherish the straw dogs anymore? Weren’t they important during the competition?”
Mr. Bellows smiled and said, “The straw dogs were useful during the competition because everyone took them seriously, but once the competition was over, they lost their purpose. This is the wisdom of Heaven and Earth — they treat everything equally, not favoring what’s beautiful or useful.”
Inspiration from the Bellows
Mr. Bellows then pointed to his bellows and said, “Look at this bellows. It’s empty inside, but as long as I move it, wind comes out. The space in between Heaven and Earth is similar — seemingly empty, yet full of endless energy. But if I keep the bellows blowing non-stop, it will eventually break. So, in life, we must stay calm. Don’t talk too much, don’t do too much — let things flow naturally.”
The Boy’s Realization
The little boy nodded and said, “I understand now. Heaven and Earth are like the bellows — seemingly empty, yet very useful. And people are like the straw dogs — everyone has their role, and it’s best to go with the flow.”
Mr. Bellows smiled with satisfaction: “That’s right. This is the wisdom of nature. Remember, to live well, you must find balance — don’t talk too much, don’t demand too much, and everything will last.”
Summary of the Story:
Through the example of the bellows and the straw dogs, the story teaches children that Heaven and Earth treat all things equally. Every being has its own purpose, and the best way to live is to stay calm, balanced, and allow life to unfold naturally.
“The Power of the Dao De Jing — 81 Stories to Live a Life of Wisdom”
