Tao Te Ching · 73 of 81 · tr. James Legge
Chapter 73
He whose boldness appears in his daring (to do wrong, in defiance of the laws) is put to death; he whose boldness appears in his not daring (to do so) lives on. Of these two cases the one appears to be advantageous, and the other to be injurious. But When Heaven's anger smites a man, Who the cause shall truly scan? On this account the sage feels a difficulty (as to what to do in the former case). It is the way of Heaven not to strive, and yet it skilfully overcomes; not to speak, and yet it is skilful in (obtaining a reply; does not call, and yet men come to it of themselves. Its demonstrations are quiet, and yet its plans are skilful and effective. The meshes of the net of Heaven are large; far apart, but letting nothing escape.
§ Ask Guru about this passage →Themes
Apophatic Theologytheology
Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa.
Heaven's nature is described primarily through negations such as not striving, not speaking, and not calling.
All passages →Paradox As Teachingethics
Using apparent contradiction, reversal, or riddle to destabilise ordinary understanding and induce insight.
[auto] The text relies on apparent contradictions such as not speaking yet obtaining a reply to convey the nature of Heaven's way.
All passages →Wu Weipraxis
Effortless action aligned with the spontaneous flow of the Dao; non-coercive, non-striving conduct that yields results without forcing — the sage acts without acting.
[auto] The passage explicitly defines the Way of Heaven as not striving yet overcoming, which is the core definition of effortless action.
All passages →Related passages · 3 parallels
christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 4, Section 1l
“Need is there to understand that in proper truth we do but use the elements and syllables and phrases and written terms and words as an aid to our senses; inasmuch as when our soul is moved by spiritual energies unto spiritual things, our s…”
Shared concept: Apophatic Theology — Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa. (derived)
christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 4, Section 1ah
“Aug., Transcende mundum et sape animum, transcende animum et sape Deum.
307 This shows that the Via Negativa starts from something positive.
It is a transcendence, not a mere negation.
308 Prov.
iv.
6, 8 .
309 ὁ ἐμὸς Ἔρως ἐσταύρωται&g…”
Shared concept: Apophatic Theology — Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa. (derived)
western_esoteric|Tertium Organum (P.D. Ouspensky)|Chapter XX (part 1)
“p.
243 CHAPTER XX The sense of infinity.
The Neophyte's first ordeal.
An intolerable sadness.
The loss of everything real.
What would an animal feel on becoming a man?
The transition to the new logic.
Our logic as founded on the obse…”
Shared concept: Paradox As Teaching — Using apparent contradiction, reversal, or riddle to destabilise ordinary understanding and induce insight. (derived)
Contrasts · where traditions diverge
western_esoteric|Transcendental Magic I: The Doctrine (Éliphas Lévi)|1. The Candidate-d
“One who neglects his moral dignity in order to obey blindly the instincts of Nature.
As a fact, in the presence of danger it is natural to be afraid and seek flight: why, then, is it shameful?
Because honour has erected it into a law that…”
Both passages discuss the concept of aligning with a higher principle (Heaven in Tao Te Ching, honour in The Candidated) and the consequences of defiance or obedience. They emphasize the importance of inner strength and discipline to overcome natural inclinations, highlighting a shared insight into the nature of self-mastery and alignment with a transcendent order.
western_esoteric|Transcendental Magic I: The Doctrine (Éliphas Lévi)|9. Initiation-b
“He knows the failings of the human heart; he dares make use of them to achieve his work; and he is silent as to his purposes.
He knows the significance of all symbolisms and of all religions; he dares to practise or abstain from them witho…”
Both passages emphasize the importance of silence, humility, and the wise use of power. They also highlight the difficulties and persecutions faced by those who follow a higher path, though they do so in different cultural and religious contexts.