《道德经》英译（第七十七章）

天之道，

其犹张弓与？

高者抑之，

下者举之。

有余者损之，

不足者补之。

天之道，

损有余而补不足。

人之道则不然，

损不足以奉有余。

孰能有余以奉天下？

唯有道者。

是以圣人为而不恃，

功成而不处。

其不欲见贤。

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

Chapter 77

 

The Way of heaven is like the bending of a bow -

the upper part is pressed down,

the lower part is raised up,

the part that has too much is reduced,

the part that has too little is increased.

Therefore,

The Way of heaven

reduces surplus to make up for scarcity;

The Way of man

reduces scarcity and pays tribute to surplus.

Who is there that can have a surplus and take from it to pay tribute to heaven?

Surely only one who has the Way!

For this reason,

The sage

acts but does not possess,

completes his work but does not dwell on it.

In this fashion,

he has no desire to display his worth.

 

（Victor H. Mair 译）

 

Chapter 77

 

May not the Way (or Tao) of Heaven be compared to the (method of) bending a bow? The (part of the bow) which was high is brought low, and what was low is raised up. (So Heaven) diminishes where there is superabundance, and supplements where there is deficiency.

 

It is the Way of Heaven to diminish superabundance, and to supplement deficiency. It is not so with the way of man. He takes away from those who have not enough to add to his own superabundance.

 

Who can take his own superabundance and therewith serve all under heaven? Only he who is in possession of the Tao!

 

Therefore the (ruling) sage acts without claiming the results as his; he achieves his merit and does not rest (arrogantly) in it:--he does not wish to display his superiority.

 

（James Legge 译）

 

Chapter 77

 

The “way” of Heaven

is similar to pulling a bow [for shooting at a target], isn’t it?

Aim it lower if it is too high;

aim it higher if it is too low;

reduce the strength if it is too full;

increase the strength if it is not full enough.

The “way” of Heaven

Reduces the surplus, and uses it to add to the insufficient.

However, the “way” of humanity is not like this.

People intentionally reduce the insufficient and add it to the surplus.

Who is able to support the whole country with surplus?

It is only the person with “Dao”.

Therefore, the “sage”

causes things to happen but never feels it is enough;

succeeds but never takes the credit for himself;

and never wants to show off his own skills.

 

（任远 译）