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Auspicious events favor the left （symbolizing harmony） while inauspicious events favor the right （symbolizing force）。 Thus； the lieutenant general； responsible for the peacetime training of the military organization； is situated to the left of the emperor。 The major general； responsible for leading attacks； is stationed to the right。
Because of their involvement with the military； both generals are regarded by Tao cultivators as if they are fixtures in a funeral。
Because many lives are inevitably lost in battle； we understand the grief of those who mourn the dead； no matter which side they belong to。
The military parade that follows victory may just as well be a funeral procession； no matter which side happens to be the victor。
32
The Tao； eternally nameless
Its simplicity； although imperceptible
Cannot be treated by the world as subservient
If a sovereign can hold on to it
All will follow by themselves
The heaven and earth； together harmoniously
Will rain sweet dew
People won't need to force it； it will adjust by itself
In the beginning of creation； there were names
Names came to exist everywhere
One should know when to stop
Knowing when to stop； thus avoiding danger
The existence of the Tao in the world
Is like streams in the valley into rivers and the ocean
Rough Draft of notes
The Tao is always nameless。
And even though a sapling might be small
No one can make it be his subject。
If rulers could embody this principle
The myriad things would follow on their own。
Heaven and Earth would be in perfect accord
And rain sweet dew。
People； unable to deal with It on its own terms
Make adjustments；
And so you have the beginning of division into names。
Since there are already plenty of names
You should know where to stop。
Knowing where to stop； you can avoid danger。
The Tao's existence in the world
Is like valley streams running into the rivers and seas。
Tao… the Eternally Nameless。
Though primordial simplicity is infinitesimal； none dare make it a public servant。
Were princes and monarchs able to maintain it； all creation would spontaneously submit。
Heaven and earth harmonized； there would be an abundance of nourishing agencies； the people unbidden； would cooperate of their own accord。
Names arose when differentiation commenced； once there were names it became
important to know where to stop。 This being known； danger ceased。
The Tao spread throughout the world； may be compared to mountain rivulets and streams flowing toward the sea。
33
Those who understand others are intelligent
Those who understand themselves are enlightened
Those who overcome others have strength
Those who overcome themselves are powerful
Those who know contentment are wealthy
Those who proceed vigorously have willpower
Those who do not lose their base endure
Those who die but do not perish have longevity
The one who understands other people is merely knowledgeable or intelligent； the one who understands oneself is truly wise and enlightened。 Wisdom is above intelligence； just as knowledge is above ignorance。
The one who overcomes other people has external strength； the one who can overcome oneself possesses authentic inner power。 External strength never lasts。 True strength resides within and lasts forever。
The few who know the meaning of contentment and feel satisfied with what they have are truly wealthy。 Wealth is not measured by dollar amounts。 One can possess millions and still be tormented by feelings of inadequacy。
Tao cultivators go forth in life with vigor and energy。 They understand that vitality is the fuel for excellence and achievements； so they never overlook the importance of the body。 By practicing physical disciplines with willpower and determination； they develop their vigor and energy in a natural and healthy way。
The one who does not lose sight of spiritual basis can really withstand the test of time。 As we progress in the path of cultivation； it is a certainty that we will be tested。 Those who lack a strong foundation will not be able to handle the challenge。
The one who passes away； but does not fade from memory； is the one who possesses true longevity。 A noble goal for Tao cultivators is to live a life that is rich with meaning and full of the joy of helping others。 Such a life lives on forever in the hearts of people； fondly remembered and sorely missed。
34
The great Tao is like a flood
It can flow to the left or to the right
The myriad things depend on it for life； but it never stops
It achieves its work； but does not take credit
It clothes and feeds myriad things； but does not rule over them
Ever desiring nothing
It can be named insignificant
Myriad things return to it but it does not rule over them
It can be named great
Even in the end； it does not regard itself as great
That is how it can achieve its greatness
The great Tao is like a torrential flood。 It flows everywhere like water。 Left； right； up； down； over； under … there is no place it cannot go。 It is the principle that permeates all of existence。
All living things depend on the Tao； because the Tao is the life force of the universe。 It nurtures everyone and denies no one。 It never stops； never pauses in its all…pervasive movement to drive life； growth； and evolution。 The Tao moves forward and onward continuously。
Although the Tao is the ultimate cause of the miracle we call life； it accomplishes all of its work without needing to take credit； praise itself； or demand worship。
The nurturing aspect of the Tao protects and sustains all living things； but it does so without regarding itself as the lord of creation or ruler of the universe。 It gives life to all creatures without elevating itself to a position of superiority。
The Tao is； after all； a transcendental force rather than a human…like entity。 As such； it does not necessarily possess emotions。 Thus； the Tao cannot be said to desire anything。
In a way； the Tao seems insignificant because it stays in the background。 Its workings are subtle and imperceptible … easy for most people to overlook。
Even though all living things come from the Tao and must eventually return to it； it has no desire to dominate over them。 It simply does what it does without requiring anything extra。
In a way； the Tao is great precisely because of its seeming insignificance。 Even though it is often hidden from view and does not draw attention to itself； it is nevertheless the most fundamental force of reality。 Many people are not aware of the Tao； and yet none of us can exist without it。 Thus； the Tao is obscure and great at the same time。
In a similar way； the Tao is able to achieve its miraculous and often unnoticed greatness precisely because it does not regard itself as great。 When everything is said and done； the true character of the Tao … its complete indifference to self…glorification or domination over all … inspires in us a sense of awe that is far beyond anyt