The poem below has been credited on the internet on many sites to Lao Tse but it seems it cannot be found in the Tao Te Ching. It is doesn’t seem to fit any chapter of the Tao Te Ching with the possible exception of chapter 54 which reads in part:
Cultivate Virtue in yourself and virtue will be real
Cultivate Virtue in your family and virtue will abound
Cultivate Virtue in your village and virtue will grow
Cultivate Virtue in your nation and virtue will be abundant
Cultivate Virtue in your universe and virtue will be everywhere
Here is the poem I had posted. Thanks to the reader who brought this error to my attention. This is still a lovely thought, but I have changed this post to Author unknown.
If there is to be peace in the world
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbours,
If there is to be peace among neighbours,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home
There must be peace in the heart.
Author Unknown
From Wikipedia: Laozi (Chinese: 老子; pinyin: Lǎozǐ; Wade–Giles: Lao Tzu; also Lao Tse, Lao Tu, Lao-Tzu, Lao-Tsu, Laotze, Laosi, Lao Zi, Laocius, and other variations) was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, and best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching. His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (also spelled “Daoism”). He is also revered as a deity in most religious forms of the Taoist religion, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or “One of the Three Pure Ones“. Laozi translated literally from Chinese means “old master” or “old one”, and is generally considered honorific.
According to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BCE. Historians variously contend that Laozi is a synthesis of multiple historical figures, that he is a mythical figure, or that he actually lived in the 4th century BCE, concurrent with the Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period.[1]
A central figure in Chinese culture, both nobility and common people claim Laozi in their lineage. Throughout history, Laozi’s work has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements.
Peacefully,
Jane
Minister of Spiritual Peacemaking
USUI Reiki Master
The poem is missing the line “If there is to be peace among neighbours.”
Thanks so much for noticing the missing line. Appreciate your post.
Someone tell me where this passage is in the Tao de Ching because I cannot find it.
Hello, Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I have changed this post and think I have found where this quote is found in Tao Te Ching #54. In the translation I have the words begin…What is skillfully established will not be uprooted; That is skillfully grasped will not slip away. Thus it is honored for generations.
Cultivate the inner self,
Its Power becomes real.
Cultivate the home.
Its power becomes abundant.
Cultivate the community;
Its power becomes greater.
Cultivate the organization;
Its power becomes prolific.
Cultivate the world;
Its power becomes universal.
Hope this helps you. There must me many translations of the Tao Te Ching. I think that the words I have are a translation that has been used in churches and with peace groups. Regardless, Lao Tse is still influencing our lives and we can certainly learn from this ancient philosopher and integrate his teaching of how to live in harmony and peace. Please see my other comment on this post.
Thanks so much for your comment, Peacefully, Jane
A reader brought to my attention that Lao Tse (Tzu) did not write the words of the poem I had posted. I have changed the post to unknown author. Lao Tse is credited for writing the Tao Te Ching. There are many translations of these writings. I have The Tao of Power, a new translation of the Tao Te Ching by R.L.Wing where Chapter 54 is about ‘establishing a universal view”.
Here is the Wing translation of Chapt.54
“Cultivate the inner self;
Its Power becomes real.
Cultivate the home;
Its Power becomes abundant.
Cultivate the community;
Its Power becomes greater.
Cultivate the organization;
Its Power becomes prolific.
Cultivate the world;
Its Power becomes universal.” Tao Te Ching Chapter 54, Lao Tse translation by R.L.Wing