Thursday, June 11, 2015

Inspired by Tao Te Ching - Chapter 46

道德經第46章

天下有道,卻走馬以糞。天下無道,戎馬生於郊。禍莫大於不知足;咎莫大於欲得。故知足之足,常足矣。

My translation of Chapter 46 of Tao Te Ching:

If society is run according to Tao,
Horses will have nothing to do but eat and defecate.
If society is not run according to Tao,
Pregnant war horses will have to give birth in the field.

The greatest misfortune is caused by discontent;
The greatest trouble is due to covet.
Therefore be contented with what you have
And you will be contented at all time.

Paul’s comment: The Taoist concept of “be contented with what you have”, and its variant "content and always happy" (知足常樂),has become a core component of traditional Chinese culture.

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