Dao De Jing 35 – Dao and the world in perfect harmony

Abide in the Dao, the whole world follows.

(The whole world) follows it without conflict, in perfect harmony.

-> Abide in the source, one sees the whole world manifesting.  Conflicts are self-based descriptions, when the self is transcended, there is no conflict.

Music and fine food stop people. Dao when being spoken, is however tasteless.

(It) can’t be seen, can’t be heard, however is used without limit.

-> our “self” is drawn to sensual pleasures, the truth of the Dao however, is beyond pleasure and non-pleasure.

-> beyond senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, feeling), therefore are not limited, and could not be exhausted.

* * *

Chapter 35 Discussion:

When there is no “self”, how could there be conflict?  The pathway to ultimate liberation starts with the transcendence of the “self”.

Senses are temporary: sight, sound, taste, smell, feeling are temporary; even thoughts and notion of “self” is temporary.  Accept them as they are, and seek the reality beyond.

Bilingual version of Ch35: http://www.lisiming.net/philosophy/chinese-philosophy/daoist/daoist-philosophy/dao-de-jing-core-33-chapters/ddj34-52/