Chapter 67

Three Treasures

三宝 慈 俭 不敢为天下先

Original

天下皆谓我道大，似不肖。夫唯大，故似不肖。若肖，久矣其细也夫！
我有三宝，持而保之：一曰慈，二曰俭，三曰不敢为天下先。
慈故能勇，俭故能广，不敢为天下先故能成器长。
今舍慈且勇，舍俭且广，舍后且先，死矣！夫慈，以战则胜，以守则固。天将救之，以慈卫之。

Translation

The whole world says that my Way is great, but it seems unlike anything else. Because it is great, it seems unlike anything else. If it were like anything else, it would have become small long ago. I have three treasures that I hold and keep: the first is compassion, the second is frugality, the third is daring not to be ahead of the world. With compassion, one can be brave; with frugality, one can be generous; by daring not to be ahead of the world, one can become the leader of all officials. Now if one abandons compassion and is brave, abandons frugality and is generous, abandons humility and takes the lead, one is dead. Compassion brings victory in battle and security in defense. Heaven will save those it helps, and protect them with compassion.

Deep Reflection

What is this chapter about?

This chapter introduces the three treasures of the Tao: compassion, frugality, and humility. It warns against abandoning these virtues for their opposites, which leads to ruin. Compassion is especially emphasized as a source of true strength and divine protection.

How does it relate to me?

I often prioritize ambition and assertiveness, thinking they lead to success. This chapter reminds me that true strength comes from gentleness, simplicity, and putting others first. I can be more effective by being less aggressive.

What should I do today?

Today, I will practice humility by letting someone else take the lead in a conversation or meeting, listening more than speaking.

Related Chapters

8 Highest Good Like Water 9 Fill and Spill 22 Bending Preserves Wholeness 69 The Sorrowful Conqueror

My Reflection

What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?

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