Questions of King Milinda Part 02

SR No.: 007682
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1894
Total Pages: 2240
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 38 MB

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THE TEXTS OF TÂOISM.
BK, XII.
world 1 was correctly assigned; if we look in the same light at the distinctions which they instituted, (we see that) the separation of ruler and ministers was right; if we look at the abilities which they called forth in the same light, (we see that the duties of) all the offices were well performed; and if we look generally in the same way at all things, (we see that) their response (to this rule) was complete 2. Therefore that which pervades (the action of) Heaven and Earth is (this one) attribute; that which operates in all things is (this one) course ; that by which their superiors govern the people is the business (of the various departments); and that by which aptitude is given to ability is skill. The skill was manifested in all the (departments of) business; those departments were all administered in righteousness; the righteousness was (the outflow of) the natural virtue; the virtue was manifested according to the Tâo; and the Tâo was according to the pattern of) Heaven.
Hence it is said ?, The ancients who had the nourishment of the world wished for nothing and the world had enough; they did nothing and all things were transformed; their stillness was abysmal, and the people were all composed.' The Record says 4, 'When the one (Tâo) pervades it, all business
1 Meaning, probably, his appellation as Thien Zze, 'the Son of Heaven.'
? That is, they responded to the Tâo,' without any constraint but the example of their rulers.
s Here there would seem to be a quotation which I have not been able to trace to its source.
4 This' Record' is attributed to Lâo-zze; but we know nothing of it. In illustration of the sentiment in the sentence, the critics
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