Chapter 34

Quote

The Great Way is vast,
Reaching to the right and to the left.

The multitude of beings owe it their lives,
Yet it asks for nothing in return.

It accomplishes its work
Without seeking to possess.

It clothes and nourishes all beings
Without appearing as their master.

Constant, free of desire,
It might be called small.

Beings depend upon it,
Yet it does not act as a ruler;
It might be called great.

Because it does not seek to be great,
It brings the great work to completion. (Ma Kou version, Albin Michel, 1984. Translation from French by Jhian)

Commentary

The Great way means Tao.
We have here an overview of the Te (qualities) of Tao.

It doesn't want to be ruler or to possess, it sustains life without asking something in return and so forth.

Finally we can stress that Tao is self-sufficient, something that simply acts without acting and without will to be complete.

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Commentary by Jhian