Chapter 67 teaches that the way is great but seems like nothing. The three treasures—compassion, frugality, and not being first—are the heart of the teaching. Compassion gives courage, frugality gives abundance, and not being first allows growth.
Key Concepts
三宝
慈
俭
不敢为天下先
Cite This Chapter
Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 67, "Gnam lcags kyi lam chen po", laotzu.ai: https://www.laotzu.ai/dov/chapters/67/
Classical Chinese, translation, and AI reflection are shown separately; cite this chapter URL for references.
Gnam lcags na bdag gi lam chen po zer nas | Mid la 'dra ste ma lags par 'dug gi | Lam chen por na de lta bur 'gyur ba | De lta na yang bdag gi lam chen po yin | Rung ngar na gnam lcags yun ring por phra zhib tu 'gyur | Bdag gi sgo na rdzas gsum yod de | 'dzin zhing srung bar bya ste | Re zhig thugs rje re zhig gcod pa re zhig gnam lcags la sna mar 'gro ba min no | Thugs rje yod pas 'phags par 'gyur ba | Gcod pa yod pas khyab par 'gyur ba | Gnam lcags la sna mar 'gro ba yod pas rdzas chen por 'gyur ba | De dag spangs nas 'phags 'dzin pa spangs nas khyab pa 'dzin pa spangs nas sna mar 'gro ba na 'chi ba 'gyur ro | Thugs rje yod na 'dun rtsod la rnam rgyal 'gyur | Srung na mi g.yo bar 'gyur ro | Gnam lcags kyis skyob par 'dod na | Thugs rjes skyabs su 'gro'o ||
Deep Reflekshon
Wot is this sjapter aboot?
Chapter 67 teaches that the way is great but seems like nothing. The three treasures—compassion, frugality, and not being first—are the heart of the teaching. Compassion gives courage, frugality gives abundance, and not being first allows growth.
Ow duz it rileyt to mee?
In my own journey, I often rush to be first, to prove myself. This chapter reminds me that true strength comes from gentleness, not from forcing my way. I can let go of the need to compete and instead cultivate compassion for myself and others.
Wot shood I doo toodai?
Today I will practice one act of kindness without seeking recognition. I will observe my impulse to compete and instead choose generosity. I will let someone go ahead of me without resentment, finding peace in not being first.
All the world says that, while my Tao is great, it yet appears to be inferior (to other systems of teaching). Now it is just its greatness that makes it seem to be inferior. But I have three precious things which I prize and hold fast. The first is gentleness; the second is economy; and the third is shrinking from taking precedence of others.
AI Modern
Gnam lcags na bdag gi lam chen po zer nas | Mid la 'dra ste ma lags par 'dug gi | Lam chen por na de lta bur 'gyur ba | De lta na yang bdag gi lam chen po yin | Rung ngar na gnam lcags yun ring por phra zhib tu 'gyur | Bdag gi sgo na rdzas gsum yod de | 'dzin zhing srung bar bya ste | Re zhig thugs rje re zhig gcod pa re zhig gnam lcags la sna mar 'gro ba min no | Thugs rje yod pas 'phags par 'gyur ba | Gcod pa yod pas khyab par 'gyur ba | Gnam lcags la sna mar 'gro ba yod pas rdzas chen por 'gyur ba | De dag spangs nas 'phags 'dzin pa spangs nas khyab pa 'dzin pa spangs nas sna mar 'gro ba na 'chi ba 'gyur ro | Thugs rje yod na 'dun rtsod la rnam rgyal 'gyur | Srung na mi g.yo bar 'gyur ro | Gnam lcags kyis skyob par 'dod na | Thugs rjes skyabs su 'gro'o ||
Mai Reflekshon
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?
