檢欲章第十二
Key Takeaway: "The five colours confuse the eye; the five sounds dull the ear; the five tastes spoil the palate." — Laozi, Daodejing Chapter 12
The five colors blind the human eye; the five tones deafen the ear; racing and hunting derange the mind. The sage nourishes the inner belly of real vitality rather than feeding the gluttonous outer eyes—a foundational perspective explored in Daodejing Chapter 12 Translation.
Daodejing Chapter 12 Translation: Returning to Authentic Sustenance
The wisdom of Daodejing Chapter 12 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 the More We See, the Less We Actually See.
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
The fives colours confuse the eye, The fives sounds dull the ear, The five tastes spoil the palate. Excess of hunting and chasing Makes minds go mad.
Products that are hard to get Impede their owner's movements. Therefore the Sage Considers the belly not the eye.
Truly, “he rejects that but takes this”.
道德经中文原文与对照
【原文】 五色令人目盲；五音令人耳聾；五味令人口爽；馳騁畋獵，令人心發狂；難得之貨，令人行妨。是以聖人爲腹不爲目，故去彼取此。
核心要义解析 (Philosophical Insights)
- 道义发微：本章通过“檢欲章第十二”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 Transcending Favor and Disgrace: Accepting Misfortune as Part of Having a Self.
For a deeper comparative examination of these ideas, explore our related study on Benevolent Virtue: Holding to the Great Form to Which the World Flocks.
