top of page

Tao Te Ching Chapter 7 | Lao-Tzu | Comparative Translations

Writer: Liveology Liveology

The Way of Virtue





Heaven is long-enduring and earth continues long. The reason why heaven and earth are able to endure and continue thus long is because they do not live of, or for, themselves. This is how they are able to continue and endure.


Therefore the sage puts his own person last, and yet it is found in the foremost place; he treats his person as if it were foreign to him, and yet that person is preserved. Is it not because he has no personal and private ends, that therefore such ends are realised?

The Tao is infinite, eternal.

Why is it eternal?

It was never born;

thus it can never die.

Why is it infinite?

It has no desires for itself;

thus it is present for all beings.


The Master stays behind;

that is why she is ahead.

She is detached from all things;

that is why she is one with them.

Because she has let go of herself,

she is perfectly fulfilled.




Translated by J. Legge





Translated by Stephen Mitchell













 

Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world.


Peace & Pineapples!

Comments


Featured Products

Yin_Yang-Embroidered-Meditation-Cushion-edited_4.png
LIVEOLOGY-YOGA-MAGAZINE-OPEN-MAGS.HEIC
MAGAZINE
HOME
 
Christina+Victoria+Peace+Sign+White+Dress.jpg
ABOUT US
LEARN MORE
12561090928308233047_2048.jpeg
OUR
PRODUCTS
Image by Matt Flores
JOIN THE PARTY
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT

Welcome!

peace@liveology.org



This site is dedicated to you! Liveology is a project of interfaith  spiritual exploration drawing upon traditions across the world. Read spiritual texts in their entirety, peruse uplifting content for self-study and personal growth, and shop our handmade products.

Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world.

Wishing you abundant life, love, joy, peace and prosperity.





© Christina V. Mills 2025

bottom of page