DAO DE JING

Chapter 48

Translation by K Ellis

In seeking knowledge,
you gather more each day.
In seeking the Way,
you release more each day.

Release, and release again,
until you rest in non-action.
When nothing is done,
nothing is left undone.

To hold the world,
meet it without interference.
When you interfere,
you are no longer fit to hold it.

Translation © 2026 K Ellis. All rights reserved.