Chapter 8
(The Virtue of Water Resembles the Tao)

Quote

The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike. Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao.

The excellence of a residence is in (the suitability of) the place; that of the mind is in abysmal stillness; that of associations is in their being with the virtuous; that of government is in its securing good order; that of (the conduct of) affairs is in its ability; and that of (the initiation of) any movement is in its timeliness.*

And when (one with the highest excellence) does not wrangle (about his low position), no one finds fault with him. (Legge's translation)

Commentary

The first paragraph is about the qualities of water that make it comparable to Tao itself: it nourishes all beings, it flows towards what is low (i.e. it does not show pride), it is fluid and at the same time non-contradictory (sameness with itself). All these qualities are associated with Tao seen as the power or energy that sustains the universe – human and physical.

The last paragraph is about someone who does not worry about the position he occupies, and does not contradict others (accepting his condition). This is of course an aspect borrowed from water, and Tao.

The last paragraph is translated as follows by Ma Kou and is much clearer:

By not competing with anyone, we remain beyond reproach. (From Lao Tseu, Tao Te King , Albin Michel, 1984, Chapter 8.)

About water we have a fine explanation by Moss Roberts: Water is adaptable but unchanging, always itself, unitary; it does not became its opposite, though it may alter al lit touches. Thus water is an apt and recurring metaphor for Dao. (From Dao De Jing, The Book of the Way, 2001 by the Regents of the University of California, p. 45.)

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*The second paragraph seems rather an earlier addition in the spirit of the idea of excellence and does not require comment.

Comentary by Jhian

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