35. Holding the Great Image
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
执大象，天下往。
English translation
Hold fast to the great pattern, and all under heaven will come toward it.
The “great pattern” is the Way as an encompassing guide, not a visible image.
Original Chinese text
往而不害，安平大。
English translation
They come and suffer no harm, finding deep peace and security.
Because the Way does not coerce or contend, those who approach it can settle in safety.
Original Chinese text
乐与饵，过客止。
English translation
Music and tempting food make a passing traveler stop.
Immediate pleasures readily attract attention, setting up a contrast with the plainness of the Way.
Original Chinese text
道之出口，淡乎其无味，视之不足见，听之不足闻，用之不足既。
English translation
When the Way is put into words, it seems bland and without flavor. Look for it, and there is not enough to see; listen for it, and there is not enough to hear. Yet in use, it cannot be exhausted.
The Way offers little sensory excitement, but its practical power does not run out.