Tao Te Ching Chapter 26 Lightness and Heaviness 轻与重

This Tao Te Ching excerpt, Chapter 26, titled "Lightness and Heaviness," contrasts the virtuous sage's calm and stable mind with the frivolous behavior of rulers. The sage maintains inner peace despite outward grandeur, while rulers who prioritize fleeting pleasures lose their foundation and self-worth. Lightness represents a lack of inner stability, while heaviness signifies groundedness and inner strength. The chapter emphasizes the importance of cultivating a calm, centered state of mind for both personal and societal well-being. It cautions against the dangers of impulsivity and superficiality.