反樸章第二十八
Key Takeaway: "He who knows the male yet cleaves to the female becomes the ravine of the world." — Laozi, Daodejing Chapter 28
Know the masculine yet cleave to the receptive feminine; be the riverbed of the world. Constant virtue will never desert you, guiding your return to the uncarved block of pristine nature—a foundational perspective explored in Daodejing Chapter 28 Translation.
Daodejing Chapter 28 Translation: Returning to the Uncarved Block
The wisdom of Daodejing Chapter 28 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 Keeping Your Softness While Gaining Strength: Laozi’s Chapter 28 for Modern Life.
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
“He who knows the males, yet cleaves to what is female Because like a ravine, receiving all things under heaven,” And being such a ravine He knows all the time a power that he never calls upon in vain.
This is returning to the state of infancy. He who knows the white, (yet cleaves to the black Becomes the standard by which all things are tested;
And being such a standard He has all the time a power that never errs, He returns to the Limitless. He who knows glory,) yet cleaves to ignominy Become like a valley that receives into it all things under heaven,
And being such a valley He has all the time a power that suffices; He returns to the state of the Uncarved Block. Now when a block is sawed up it is made into implements; But when the Sage uses it, it becomes Chief of all Ministers.
Truly, “The greatest carver does the least cutting”.
道德经中文原文与对照
【原文】 知其雄，守其雌，爲天下谿。爲天下谿，常德不離，復歸於嬰兒。知其白，守其黑，爲天下式。爲天下式，常德不忒，復歸於無極。知其榮，守其辱，爲天下谷。爲天下谷，常德乃足，復歸於樸。樸散則爲器，聖人用之，則爲官長，故大制不割。
核心要义解析 (Philosophical Insights)
- 道义发微：本章通过“反樸章第二十八”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 Non-Meddling Wisdom: The World Is a Sacred Vessel That Cannot Be Forced.
For a deeper comparative examination of these ideas, explore our related study on Flowing with Transformation: Misfortune Leaning on Blessing.
[…] Follow the sequential development of the text in Laozi’s next philosophical movement in Returning to Simplicity: Knowing the Male While Cleaving to the Female. […]