THIRTY-FOUR

The great Tao flows everywhere, both to the left and to the right.

The ten thousand things depend upon it; it holds nothing back.

It fulfills its purpose silently and makes no claim.


It nourishes the ten thousand things,

And yet is not their lord.

It has no aim; it is very small.


The ten thousand things return to it,

Yet it is not their lord.

It is very great.


It does not show greatness,

And is therefore truly great.

LAO TSU.