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Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu - chapter 51

All things arise from Tao.
They are nourished by Virtue.
They are formed by matter.
They are shaped by environment.
Thus the ten thousand things all respect Tao and honour Virtue.
Respect of Tao and honour of Virtue are not demanded,
But they are in the nature of things.

Therefore all things arise from Tao.
By Virtue they are nourished,
Developed, cared for,
Sheltered, comforted,
Grown, and protected.
Creating without claiming,
Doing without taking credit,
Guiding without interfering,
This is Primal Virtue.


(translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English)

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Tao Te Ching home page    |    chapter 50    |    chapter 52

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