Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tao te Ching: 53

If I had but little knowledge
I should, in walking on a broad way,
Fear getting off the road.
Broad ways are extremely even,
But people are fond of by-paths.
The courts are exceedingly splendid,
While the fields are exceedingly weedy,
And the granaries are exceedingly empty.
Elegant clothes are worn,
Sharp weapons are carried,
Food and drinks are enjoyed beyond limit,
And wealth and treasures are accumulated in excess.
This is robbery and extravagance.
This is indeed not Tao (the way).

Did you catch the pun at the end? Lao Tzu is winking at us, or maybe the translator. Tao means "the way", and so the final word of this hits us on both levels.

Imagine you're driving across country to visit a relative. Great Aunt Louise is having a birthday bash and all your relatives will be there and you want to go. She's the one that gave you money and never pinched your cheeks. Would it be easier to stay on the highway if you didn't know about the World's Largest Ball of String coming up at Exit 171? Or if you don't care about string, let's call it Disneyland.

All the things you can learn that take you off the path (Tao) are nothing but distractions. You get out there and they suck you dry or they waste your time, and in the end, you haven't made it to see your family. Lao Tzu isn't advocating complete ignorance, but rather hsü as he did in Chatper 3.

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