THE WAY • Chuang Tzu

By Chuang Tzu, translated by Thomas Merton

Chuang Tzu considered, along with Lao Tzu, one of the great figures of early Taoist thought—used parables and anecdotes, allegory and paradox, to illustrate that real happiness and freedom are found only in understanding the Tao or Way of nature, and dwelling in its unity. The abridged version and the pdf can be found HERE

This poem is read by Joseph Goldstein in this episode:

POEM

The men and women in whom Tao act without impediment are no other being by their actions.

They do not know themselves to be kind or gentle.

The men and women in whom Tao act without impediment do not bother with their own interests and do not despise others who do.

They do not struggle to make money and do not make a virtue of poverty.

They go their way without relying on others and do not pride themselves on walking alone.

While they do not follow the crowd, they won’t complain of those who do.

Rank and reward make no appeal to them;

Disgrace and shame do not deter them.

They are not always looking for right and wrong, always deciding “Yes” or “No”.

The ancients said therefore:

The men and women of Tao remain unknown

Perfect virtue produces nothing

No self is true self

The greatest one is nobody