歸元章第五十二
Key Takeaway: "The world had a beginning, which can be considered the Mother of all under heaven… Close your mouth, shut your gates, and to the end of life you will not be exhausted." — Laozi, Daodejing Chapter 52
The universe had a beginning, which may be regarded as the Mother of all things. Once having found the Mother, we understand her children. Close the apertures, shut the doors, and exhaustion never arrives—a foundational perspective explored in Daodejing Chapter 52 Translation.
Daodejing Chapter 52 Translation: Preserving the Delicate Light
The wisdom of Daodejing Chapter 52 Translation addresses a fundamental human dynamic: how we navigate ambition, quietude, and the natural flow of existence. In the classical tradition, this passage serves as both a metaphysical mirror and a practical compass for daily living and leadership. Explore how this principle translates into contemporary daily life in our guide to Why True Strength Is Not Expanding Forever: Laozi’s Lesson on Knowing When to Close the Door.
By shifting our focus from outer coercion to internal stillness, we uncover a more resilient way of relating to ourselves and the world around us.
Complete Chapter Translation: Modern Western Reading
That which was the beginning of all things under heaven We may speak of as the “mother” of all things. He who apprehends the mother Thereby knows the sons.
And he who has known the sons, Will hold all the tighter to the mother, And to the end of his days suffer no harm; “Block the passages, shut the doors,
And till the end your strength shall not fail. Open up the passages, increase your doings, And till your last day no help shall come to you.” As good sight means seeing what is very small So strength means holding on to what is weak.
He who having used the outer-light can return to the innerlight Is thereby preserved from all harm. This is called resorting to the always-so.
道德经中文原文与对照
【原文】 天下有始，以為天下母。既得其母，以知其子；既知其子，復守其母，沒身不殆。塞其兌，閉其門，終身不勤。開其兌，濟其事，終身不救。見小曰明，守柔曰強。用其光，復歸其明，無遺身殃；是爲習常。
核心要义解析 (Philosophical Insights)
- 道义发微：本章通过“歸元章第五十二”阐发了《道德经》的核心精髓。从“有”与“无”、“动”与“静”的辩证转化中，提醒我们在日用常行中摒弃过度的功利执念，回归纯粹本真的生命状态。
- 现代启示：当外界喧嚣与评判标准不断施加压力时，保持内心的虚静与不争，反而是最强大的定力与智慧。
Follow the sequential development of the text in Laozi’s next philosophical movement in Increasing Grievance: Straying from the Main Road into Ostentation.
For a deeper comparative examination of these ideas, explore our related study on Placing Oneself Behind: How Rivers and Seas Become Kings of the Valleys.
