Chapter 1
The truth that can be told
is not the eternal Truth.
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name.The origin of the universal law is eternally unnamable.
The inception of all manifest instances begins in their naming.Free from desire, we perceive the true essence
But caught in desire, its outer skin is all we seeThe universal law and her manifest instances arises from the same source.
Yet as it unfolds, they are perceived and named differently.Inseparable, together we call them the mystic entity.
Where this is deepest, therein lies the gatewayTo all that is subtle and wonderful.
Chapter 2
In seeing beauty in what is beautiful, we know what ugliness is.
In seeing refinement in that which is cultivated, we know what imperfection is.In truth,
Existence and non-existence create each other.
Difficult and easy produce each other.
Long and short define each other.
High and low contrast each other.
Before and after follow each other.Knowingly the Master accomplishes without deliberate act,
and guides without elaborate speechesAs things are created, she lets them manifest in their nature.
As things grows, she made no claim to their accomplishment.
As things progresses, she made no expectation to their result.
As things finishes, she rest not upon the outcome.Even after her work is done, no one realizes
This secret of her enduring and unceasing power.
Chapter 3
If great individuals are not overly favored,
selfish competition is much lessened.If rare treasures are not overly valued,
desire to steal is diminished.If things that excite are not overly paraded,
temptation is minimized.Thus the wise leads in such ways:
She blunts their arrogance; and fulfill their critical necessities.
She blunts their desires; and fortify their foundations.She foster clarity of the mind amongst the people, so they can be without ego,
that even the cunning wouldn’t dare to upset the harmonious.Without manipulating, everything is brought to order.
Chapter 4 ( 帝)
Tao is overflowing,
Inexhaustible even in constant use.Like the deepest abyss,
that is the origin for innumerable things.It rounds the roughness,
Untangles the knot,
Tempers the brightness,
Merges with dust.Like the unknown corners of the earth,
it seemingly indeed to not exist.Yet none knew whose child it is.
For it seems to have existed,even before God.
Chapter 5 (神)
The spirit of the valleys and rivers are eternal.
For its name is the All-Mother herself.Within whose gate lies the origin
of Heaven and Earth.Seemingly like a weak candle that flickers in the wind;
When used, never fails to fulfil.