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Tao Te Ching · 34 of 81

Chapter 34

All-pervading is the Great Tao! It may be found on the left hand and on the right.

All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to them, not one refusing obedience to it. When its work is accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it. It clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being their lord;—it may be named in the smallest things. All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so;—it may be named in the greatest things.

Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can accomplish them.

Asked of Guide

Why does Lao Tzu say the Tao “does not claim the name of having done it” after giving life to all things?

Lao Tzu describes the Tao as the source that gives life and order yet never takes credit: “When its work is accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it.” The image is of a garment that clothes everything without asserting lordship, so the Tao’s action is total and anonymous.

That anonymity models the sage: by “not making himself great” the sage accomplishes great things, mirroring the Tao’s effortless giving. This echoes Chuang Tzu, who pictures the holder of the Great Image attracting the world by presence rather than domination.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.

Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoism35. 1. To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tâo), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him, and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feelin Cosmic Consciousness · Esotericwhich, without the directions of men, reaches equally everywhere as of its own accord [166: 74]. To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Tâo) the whole worl The Sayings of Lao Tzu · TaoismWe may call it small. All things return to it, yet it does not act as master. We may call it great. The whole world will flock to him who holds the mighty form of Tao. They will co