Chapter 35: The Attraction of the Tao

Holding the Great Image

執大象，天下往 — “Holding the great image, the world goes to you.”

Holding to the Tao means the world naturally comes to you. This is not force but attraction.

Going Without Harm

往而不害，安平泰 — “Going without harm — peace, calm, ease.”

When you hold to the Tao, those who come to you are without harm. You bring peace, calm, and ease.

The Attraction of Music and Food

樂與餌，過客止 — “Music and food make the passing guest stop.”

Music and food have strong appeal. They attract people and make them stop. This is the attraction of the senses.

The Tao Has No Taste

道之出口，淡乎其無味 — “But the Tao when spoken is bland — without taste.”

When the Tao is described, it has no taste. It does not stimulate the senses the way music and food do.

Cannot Be Seen or Heard

視之不足見，聽之不足聞 — “Look at it and you cannot see it. Listen to it and you cannot hear it.”

The Tao cannot be perceived by the senses. It is beyond sight and sound.

Never Runs Out

用之不足既 — “Use it and it never runs out.”

When you use the Tao, it never exhausts itself. Unlike food that is consumed, the Tao produces without depletion.

Modern Application

We are attracted to things that stimulate the senses. Chapter 35 suggests: true lasting value is subtle and inexhaustible.

Key Takeaways

• Holding the Tao attracts the world
• Music and food create temporary attraction
• The Tao has no taste
• It cannot be seen or heard
• It never runs out when used

Next: Chapter 36 — The Principle of Reversal →