Original Text
The Way is a shelter for all things, the good treasure it as a precious gem, and the unworthy also hold fast to it. Fine words can win respect from others, and noble deeds can elevate one's standing. How could those who are unworthy ever abandon the Way? Therefore, when a ruler ascends the throne and appoints the three highest ministers, even the ceremony of presenting a jade disc before a team of four horses is less valuable than offering them this tranquil and effortless Way. Why has the Way been so valued since ancient times? Is it not because those who seek it find fulfillment, and those who have transgressed receive its forgiveness? For this reason, all under heaven cherish the Way.
Guide
The Way is the root of all things under heaven, omnipotent in its power; apply it to the market and you can profit, apply it to the world and you can win people over; follow the great Way and nothing is impossible; do not stray from it, and even mistakes can avert disaster.Analysis
This chapter discusses the preciousness of the Tao and the principles to uphold in its cultivation. Whether good or not, high or low in status, every step of progress on the Tao brings its own benefit. For the emperor and the three dukes, the Tao holds greater significance than fine horses and jade.
The preciousness of the Way is once again addressed by Laozi, who speaks of its attributes and functions: "The Way is the shelter of all things. It is the treasure of the good, and the protection of the not-good." This means that the Way is the master of all things, a precious tool for the good, and even the not-good use it to preserve themselves. Laozi believes that the Way is the origin of heaven, earth, and all things, a refuge that stores and shelters them, constantly blessing them; it is an unperceived presence within the world's matter, treating all things equally, judging them not by their past actions but by their present and future conduct. Therefore, whether a person is good or bad, as long as they can comprehend the essence of the Way and grasp its core principles, the Way will vigorously protect their safety.
Why is the Way considered precious? Because the Way is not only a treasure for the good but also protects those who are not good. Those who are not good can still be called human precisely because the Way still protects them. It must be emphasized here that what we mean by good and not good does not refer to kindness or unkindness but to having attained the Way or not having attained it. Since beautiful words can earn respect and beautiful deeds can earn attention, how can we abandon those who are not good?
"Beautiful words can win respect, and beautiful deeds can elevate one. Why should those who are not good be abandoned? Therefore, the Son of Heaven is established and the Three Dukes are appointed." This illustrates the Dao's principle of treating all equally, though this equality is not without principles. When a person's actions align with the virtue of the Dao, the Dao rewards them. When a person's actions deviate from the virtue of the Dao, the Dao punishes them. The Dao's rewards and punishments are manifested through the establishment of the Son of Heaven and the Three Dukes, meaning they represent the Dao in governing the people of the world, punishing evil and promoting good.
"Joining" means increasing the population, that is, having many descendants. "Three Dukes" refers to the three officials in ancient times whose status was second only to the emperor, often referring to the Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Protector in the Zhou Dynasty. There have always been different interpretations of this passage; some believe that "establishing the Son of Heaven and appointing the Three Dukes" means that people with good words and noble conduct can become the Son of Heaven or the Three Dukes, while others think that "why should those who are not good be abandoned" means that there is no reason to abandon even those who are not virtuous.
"Even if one is presented with a jade disc and rides in a carriage drawn by four horses, it is better to sit and enter this Way." "Jade disc" refers to holding a piece of jade in both hands. "Carriage drawn by four horses" refers to a vehicle pulled by four horses. In the Spring and Autumn period, this was the ceremonial procession of a king, with someone leading while holding a jade disc and the king riding behind in the carriage. "Sit and enter" means to sit quietly and comprehend. This passage reiterates the preciousness of the Way and clearly states that cultivating the Way requires the right purpose. In Laozi's view, even attaining the status of a king is not as good as sitting quietly and realizing the Way. Therefore, he compares the ceremonial grandeur of a king to attaining the Way, aiming to make people understand the preciousness of the Way.
Next, Laozi explains the correct purpose of cultivating the Dao by clarifying the ancients' precious view of it. "Why did the ancients value this Dao so highly? Was it not because by seeking it, one could attain it, and by having faults, one could be absolved? Therefore, it is valued by all under heaven." "Having faults, one could be absolved" means that after awakening to the Dao and acting in accordance with it, one can be freed from past transgressions. Why did the ancients consider the Dao precious? Was it not because acting in accordance with the Dao could absolve even those with faults? Thus, it is not difficult to understand why the Dao is valued by all under heaven.
Laozi's philosophy still holds great relevance today. Humans live on Earth, endowed with intelligent minds and agile limbs, which are prerequisites for being noble beings. Noble individuals possess humble and virtuous moral qualities, treating everyone equally regardless of their past good or bad deeds, yet we find this difficult to achieve. In contrast, we often despise someone because of their past misdeeds. The Great Way is different; it is merciful to all, even protecting those who are not virtuous. We should learn from the Great Way, align ourselves with it, and treat all things in the world with equal regard.