Chapter 61 of Laozi's Tao Te Ching explains how a great state (大國) can embrace small states (小國), coexist harmoniously, and ultimately bring stability to the world. Rather than trying to rule through artificial force, it presents the profound philosophy of 'governance through non-action' (無為之治). It suggests that only by lowering itself like the 'lower reaches of a river' (下流) where all streams converge, and by possessing the empty, feminine quality ('牝'), can a great state naturally attract all things (the small states) and achieve what it truly desires (stability and unity).
📖 Table of Contents
- ✨ Introduction
- 📜 Original Text (原文)
- 📃 Meaning of the Original Text
- 🌲 Line-by-Line Translation
- 💧 Verse-by-Verse Commentary and Interpretation
- 大國者下流 (dà guó zhě xià liú)
- 天下之交 (tiān xià zhī jiāo)
- 天下之牝 (tiān xià zhī pìn)
- 牝常以靜勝牡 (pìn cháng yǐ jìng shèng mǔ)
- 以靜為下 (yǐ jìng wéi xià)
- 故大國以下小國 則取小國 (gù dà guó yǐ xià xiǎo guó, zé qǔ xiǎo guó)
- 小國以下大國 則取大國 (xiǎo guó yǐ xià dà guó, zé qǔ dà guó)
- 故或下以取 或下而取 (gù huò xià yǐ qǔ, huò xià ér qǔ)
- 大國不過欲兼於人 小國不過欲入於人 (dà guó bù guò yù jiān yū rén, xiǎo guó bù guò yù rù yū rén)
- 夫兩者各得其所欲 (fū liǎng zhě gè dé qí suǒ yù)
- 大者宜為下 (dà zhě yí wéi xià)
- 🌳 Overall Interpretation
- 🌟 The Meaning and Importance of Chapter 61
📜 Original Text (原文)
大國者下流
天下之交
天下之牝
牝常以靜勝牡
以靜為下
故大國以下小國 則取小國
小國以下大國 則取大國
故或下以取 或下而取
大國不過欲兼於人
小國不過欲入於人
夫兩者各得其所欲
大者宜為下
📃 Meaning of the Original Text
A great state is the lower reaches of a river.
It is the meeting point of the world.
It is the feminine of the world.
The feminine always overcomes the male through stillness.
Through stillness, it takes the lower position.
Therefore, if a great state places itself below a small state, it wins over the small state.
If a small state places itself below a great state, it wins over the great state.
Thus, one wins by lowering itself, and the other is won over by lowering itself.
A great state wants nothing more than to unite and shelter others,
And a small state wants nothing more than to enter and serve others.
In this way, both get what they desire.
The great one must always place itself below.
🌲 Line-by-Line Translation
大國者下流 (dà guó zhě xià liú)
A great state is the lower reaches of a river.
天下之交 (tiān xià zhī jiāo)
It is the meeting point of the world.
天下之牝 (tiān xià zhī pìn)
It is the feminine of the world.
牝常以靜勝牡 (pìn cháng yǐ jìng shèng mǔ)
The feminine always overcomes the male through stillness.
以靜為下 (yǐ jìng wéi xià)
Through stillness, it takes the lower position.
故大國以下小國 則取小國 (gù dà guó yǐ xià xiǎo guó, zé qǔ xiǎo guó)
Therefore, if a great state places itself below a small state, it wins over the small state.
小國以下大國 則取大國 (xiǎo guó yǐ xià dà guó, zé qǔ dà guó)
If a small state places itself below a great state, it wins over the great state.
故或下以取 或下而取 (gù huò xià yǐ qǔ, huò xià ér qǔ)
Thus, one wins by lowering itself, and the other is won over by lowering itself.
大國不過欲兼於人 小國不過欲入於人 (dà guó bù guò yù jiān yū rén, xiǎo guó bù guò yù rù yū rén)
A great state wants nothing more than to unite and shelter others, and a small state wants nothing more than to enter and serve others.
夫兩者各得其所欲 (fū liǎng zhě gè dé qí suǒ yù)
In this way, both get what they desire.
大者宜為下 (dà zhě yí wéi xià)
The great one must always place itself below.
💧 Verse-by-Verse Commentary and Interpretation (逐句解說與解釋)
1. 大國者下流 (dà guó zhě xià liú)
o Literal Meaning: A great state is a place that flows downward.
o Commentary: '大國者' (dà guó zhě) means 'that which is a great state (大國).' '下流' (xià liú) means 'a downward-flowing place,' referring to the lower reaches of a river, the low place where all water gathers. This connects to Chapter 8, 'The highest good is like water' (上善若水), using the property of water flowing to low places as a metaphor for humility and receptiveness.
o Interpretation: This is a metaphor stating that an ideal 'great state' following the Tao does not seek to stand artificially high or dominate other nations. Instead, it should place itself in the lowest position, like the sea where all rivers flow. It emphasizes the importance of a humble and open attitude.
2. 天下之交 (tiān xià zhī jiāo)
o Literal Meaning: The meeting point of the world.
o Commentary: '天下之交' (tiān xià zhī jiāo) means 'the place where the world (天下) meets/intersects (交).' Just as all rivers meet and merge downstream, this signifies a central point where all beings or powers gather and interact.
o Interpretation: This means that when a great state lowers itself to be like the lower reaches of a river, it becomes a center where all the smaller states of the world naturally gather and interact. It suggests that inclusivity, not coercion, leads to natural convergence.
3. 天下之牝 (tiān xià zhī pìn)
o Literal Meaning: The feminine of the world.
o Commentary: '天下之牝' (tiān xià zhī pìn) means 'the feminine (牝) of the world (天下).' '牝' (pìn) symbolizes the female, the female reproductive organ, or Yin qualities (softness, receptivity, lowliness, quietude) (see Chapter 6, '玄牝' - xuán pìn). The feminine principle represents the receptive and generative power that gives birth to and nurtures all things.
o Interpretation: The act of a great state lowering itself is akin to the feminine, Yin principle ('牝') that gives birth to and nurtures all things. It suggests that true power lies in the Yin qualities (lowliness, passivity, concealment, receptivity), which are contrasted with the masculine Yang qualities (strength, activity, assertion).
4. 牝常以靜勝牡 (pìn cháng yǐ jìng shèng mǔ)
o Literal Meaning: The feminine always overcomes the male through stillness.
o Commentary: In '牝常以靜勝牡' (pìn cháng yǐ jìng shèng mǔ), '牝' (pìn) is the female and '牡' (mǔ) is the male, symbolizing Yin and Yang. '常' (cháng) means always. '以靜' (yǐ jìng) means 'by means of (以) stillness (靜).' '勝' (shèng) means to overcome.
o Interpretation: The feminine Yin principle (female) does not contend through artificial activity or clamor (male, Yang). Instead, it ultimately overcomes the male through its inherent qualities of stillness and receptivity. This is in the same vein as Chapter 8, 'The soft and weak overcome the hard and strong' (柔弱勝剛強), emphasizing that true victory lies in the power of soft, quiet weakness.
5. 以靜為下 (yǐ jìng wéi xià)
o Literal Meaning: Through stillness, it takes the lower position.
o Commentary: '以靜' (yǐ jìng) means 'by means of stillness.' '為下' (wéi xià) means 'to become low' or 'to be in a lower position.'
o Interpretation: This states that a state of quietude and calm (靜) is the fundamental way to lower oneself and remain humbly below. While artificial desires and busyness create an urge to rise higher, stillness naturally leads to a lower position.
6. 故大國以下小國 則取小國 (gù dà guó yǐ xià xiǎo guó, zé qǔ xiǎo guó)
o Literal Meaning: Therefore, if a great state places itself below a small state, it wins over the small state.
o Commentary: '故' (gù) is 'therefore,' applying the previous arguments. '大國以下小國' (dà guó yǐ xià xiǎo guó) means 'a great state (大國) treats a small state (小國) by lowering itself (以下).' '則取小國' (zé qǔ xiǎo guó) means 'then (則) it wins over (取) the small state.' The character '取' (qǔ) can mean to get, obtain, conquer, or absorb. In a Taoist context, it implies a natural winning over rather than a forceful conquest.
o Interpretation: Following the principle of 'lowliness and stillness,' if a great state lowers itself and treats small states with humility, the small states will naturally gather and follow it. Thus, the great state wins their allegiance without resorting to forceful conquest.
7. 小國以下大國 則取大國 (xiǎo guó yǐ xià dà guó, zé qǔ dà guó)
o Literal Meaning: If a small state places itself below a great state, it wins over the great state.
o Commentary: The structure is parallel to the previous line. '小國以下大國' (xiǎo guó yǐ xià dà guó) means 'a small state treats a great state by lowering itself.' '則取大國' (zé qǔ dà guó) means 'then it wins over the great state.'
o Interpretation: Rather than confronting or resisting the might of a great state, if a small state humbly and flexibly lowers itself, it can gain recognition and acceptance from the great state, thus achieving its goals. This presents humility and flexibility as a strategy for the weak in dealing with the strong.
8. 故或下以取 或下而取 (gù huò xià yǐ qǔ, huò xià ér qǔ)
o Literal Meaning: So, some win by lowering, and some are won by lowering.
o Commentary: '故' (gù) summarizes the results of the previous two lines. '或下以取' (huò xià yǐ qǔ) and '或下而取' (huò xià ér qǔ) repeat the same idea with subtle variation. '或' (huò) indicates alternatives or repetition. '下以取' (xià yǐ qǔ): 'by means of (以) being low (下), one wins (取).' '下而取' (xià ér qǔ): 'by being (而) low (下), one wins (取).' The first emphasizes the method, the second emphasizes the state.
o Interpretation: This re-emphasizes that in any case, the fundamental method for achieving one's goals and getting what one desires is not coercion or competition, but rather 'lowering oneself.' Being low can be the means to achieve an end, or the state of being low can itself enable the achievement.
9. 大國不過欲兼於人 小國不過欲入於人 (dà guó bù guò yù jiān yū rén, xiǎo guó bù guò yù rù yū rén)
o Literal Meaning: A great state wants no more than to unite others, and a small state wants no more than to enter into service of others.
o Commentary: In '大國不過欲兼於人' (dà guó bù guò yù jiān yū rén), '不過欲' (bù guò yù) means 'wants no more than' or 'simply desires.' '兼於人' (jiān yū rén) means 'to unite (兼) others (人),' 'to merge,' or 'to possess.' In '小國不過欲入於人' (xiǎo guó bù guò yù rù yū rén), '入於人' (rù yū rén) means 'to enter into (入) service of others (人),' 'to belong to,' or 'to depend on.'
o Interpretation: A great state inherently desires to absorb and possess other states, while a small state inherently desires to depend on and belong to a stronger state. This line describes the basic nature of international relations, setting the background for the conclusion that follows.
10. 夫兩者各得其所欲 (fū liǎng zhě gè dé qí suǒ yù)
o Literal Meaning: Now, both of these get what they desire.
o Commentary: '夫' (fū) is an introductory particle. '兩者' (liǎng zhě) refers to the great state and the small state. '各得其所欲' (gè dé qí suǒ yù) means 'each (各) gets (得) what (所) it desires (欲).'
o Interpretation: This means that these basic desires—for the great state to unify and the small state to belong—can both be fulfilled if the principle of the Tao (humility and lowliness) is followed. The great state naturally embraces the small ones, and the small states are safely incorporated into the great one, achieving a harmonious outcome.
11. 大者宜為下 (dà zhě yí wéi xià)
o Literal Meaning: The great one should properly be below.
o Commentary: '大者' (dà zhě) refers to the great one, the great state, or the powerful entity. '宜為下' (yí wéi xià) means 'it is fitting (宜) to be (為) below (下).'
o Interpretation: This is the definitive conclusion: for a great state (or a powerful being) to truly fulfill its inherent desire (to unite) and bring benefit to its people while stabilizing the world, it must not rule by artificial force but must lower itself to become like the sea where all things gather. This re-emphasizes the meaning of the first line, 'A great state is the lower reaches of a river,' and concludes the chapter.
🌳 Overall Interpretation
The sixty-first chapter speaks of how a great state can govern and coexist harmoniously with other nations.
An ideal 'great state' that follows the Tao is like the 'lower reaches of a river,' where all streams converge. This place becomes the center where all the nations of the world naturally gather and interact. A great state must also possess the quality of the 'feminine of the world,' which gives birth to and nurtures all things.
This is because the feminine Yin principle (female) ultimately overcomes the male (Yang) not through artificial activity or clamor, but through its unique qualities of 'stillness' and receptivity. Stillness is the fundamental way to lower oneself and humbly remain below.
Therefore, following the principle of 'lowliness and stillness,' if a great state lowers itself and treats small states with humility, it will win their hearts and allegiance naturally, as they will gather and follow it without the need for forceful conquest. Conversely, if a small state, rather than confronting or resisting the power of a great state, humbly and flexibly lowers itself, it will in turn achieve what it desires from the great state.
**Thus, it is re-emphasized that in any situation, the fundamental way to achieve one's goals and get what one desires is not through coercion or competition, but precisely through 'lowering oneself.'**
In truth, a great state inherently has a desire to unite and possess others, while a small state inherently has a desire to depend on and belong to a stronger power. Yet, these basic desires of both sides can be fulfilled if they follow the principle of the Tao (humility and lowliness). The great state naturally embraces and unifies the small states, and the small states are safely incorporated into the great one, achieving a harmonious result.
In conclusion, for a great state (or a powerful being) to truly fulfill its inherent desire (to unite), bring benefit to its people, and stabilize the world, it must not rule by artificial force but must 'properly be below,' like the sea where all things gather.
🌟 The Meaning and Importance of Chapter 61
Chapter 61 presents the following core ideas:
- The Ideal Form of a Great State: It uses metaphors to describe an ideal great state as being like the 'lower reaches of a river' (下流), where all waters gather, and like the 'feminine of the world' (牝), which embraces and nurtures all things.
- The Power of Lowliness and Stillness: It presents the principle that feminine Yin qualities (lowliness, stillness) overcome strength and activity (牝常以靜勝牡), emphasizing that lowering oneself and maintaining stillness are the sources of true power and influence.
- The Method of Gaining: It shows the paradoxical wisdom that whether one is a great or small state, one can achieve what one desires (取, 兼, 入) not through artificial force or competition, but through 'being low' (下).
- Harmonious Fulfillment of Natural Desires: It suggests that even the inherent desires—the great state's desire to unite and the small state's desire to depend—can be fulfilled harmoniously without coercion through the Taoist principle of lowering oneself.
- The Humility of the Leader: It emphasizes that the more powerful a leader is (大者), the more important it is to adopt an attitude of lowering oneself (宜為下), which is a core tenet of Taoist governance.
Chapter 61 is a crucial chapter that applies the political philosophy of Taoism—particularly governance through non-action (無為之治) and the value of weakness/lowliness—to international relations. It profoundly suggests that true, harmonious, and sustainable governance can be achieved not through the logic of artificial force, but through a feminine leadership style that lowers itself, embraces others, and maintains stillness.
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