Chapter 62

Chapter 62

The Tao is the tabernacle of creation,
it is a treasure for those who are good,
and a place of refuge for those who are not.

How can those who are not good be abandoned?
Words that are beautiful are worth much,
but good behavior can only be learned by example.

When a new leader takes office,
don’t give him gifts and offerings.
These things are not as valuable
as teaching him about the Tao.

Why was the Tao esteemed by the ancient Masters?
Is it not said: “With it we find without looking.
With it we find forgiveness for our transgressions.”
That is why the world can not understand it.

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There might have been sage rulers that befitted the descriptions of the ideal monarch in the tao te ching. However, because I hardly know anything about either ancient or modern Chinese history, I can only cite Marcus Aurelius as one example that practiced the tao. However, some historians note that he might have continued to be only a good person and parent for his people. Even when his wife committed repeated adultery, he forgave her. He might have been consistently too generous when he needed to show some deliberate anger to frighten his subordinates for control.