15
The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.
The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.
Because it is unfathomable,
All we can do is describe their appearance.
Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream.
Alert, like men aware of danger.
Courteous, like visiting guests.
Yielding like ice about to melt.
Simple, like uncarved blocks of wood.
Hollow, like caves.
Opaque, like muddy pools.
Who can wait quietly while the mud settles?
Who can remain still until the moment of action?
Observers of the Tao do not seek fulfillment.
Not seeking fulfillment, they are not swayed by desire for change.
What does it mean to be subtle?
What does it mean to be responsive?
What should one be watchful and alert for?
Courteous, yielding, simple and unsophisticated, hollow, quietly waiting, still until the right moment.
They do not seek fulfillment.
They are not swayed by the desire for change.
Why do we desire change in our lives? Why do the wise men not desire change?
16
Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind become still.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
The way of nature is unchanging.
Knowing constancy is insight.
Not knowing constancy leads to disaster.
Knowing constancy, the mind is open.
With an open mind, you will be openhearted.
Being openhearted, you will act royally.
Being royal, you will attain the divine.
Being divine, you will be at one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
And though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.
What would you let go of if you emptied your mind?
What do the ten thousand things symbolize in life and your life specifically?
What is the self watching? Is the self affected by the ten thousand things rising and falling?
The way of nature is stillness; the self can return to the way of nature.
The way of nature is unchanging and constant.
When we know the constancy of nature, we have insight.
An open mind and open heart allow us to attain the divine and be one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
17
The very highest is barely known.
Then comes that which people know and love.
Then that which is feared,
Then that which is despised.
Who does not trust enough will not be trusted.
When actions are performed
Without unnecessary speech,
People say, "We did it!"
The things that can be known are constrained by the limits of the human mind. Even the best things that can be known are often unknown because it is easier to understand rule-based philosophies. Only he leader who trusts in the Tao will have the trust of her followers. When people learn to simply do what is right and good, the Tao is manifesting through them.
18
When the great Tao is forgotten,
Kindness and morality arise.
When wisdom and intelligence are born,
The great pretense begins.
When there is no peace within the family,
Filial piety and devotion arise.
When the country is confused and in chaos,
Loyal ministers appear.
When the Tao is manifesting in our lives, there is no need to try to be kind or good, because our actions will naturally be aligned with the Tao. When we label things, especially our behaviors and ways of living, something is always lost, and people begin to grasp at the word rather than living at one with the Tao. When we lose touch with the Tao, we seek substitutes for the Tao, and while these substitutes may seem easier to understand and follow, they always fall short.
19
Give up sainthood, renounce wisdom,
And it will be a hundred times better for everyone.
Give up kindness, renounce morality,
And men will rediscover filial piety and love.
Give up ingenuity, renounce profit,
And bandits and thieves will disappear.
These three are outward forms alone; they are not sufficient in themselves.
It is more important
To see the simplicity,
To realize one's true nature,
To cast off selfishness
And temper desire.
Whenever we define something as good, we invite the bad into existence.
Whenever we allow our desires to guide our lives, we open the door to loss and suffering.
Embrace simplicity and contentment., and the world is yours
Listen to your true nature, the Tao coming through you.
Always beware of selfishness and desire.
20
Give up learning, and put an end to your troubles.
Is there a difference between yes and no?
Is there a difference between good and evil?
Must I fear what others fear? What nonsense!
Other people are contented, enjoying the sacrificial feast of the ox.
In spring some go to the park, and climb the terrace,
But I alone am drifting, not knowing where I am.
Like a newborn babe before it learns to smile,
I am alone, without a place to go.
Others have more than they need, but I alone have nothing.
I am a fool. Oh, yes! I am confused.
Others are clear and bright,
But I alone am dim and weak.
Others are sharp and clever,
But I alone am dull and stupid.
Oh, I drift like the waves of the sea,
Without direction, like the restless wind.
Everyone else is busy,
But I alone am aimless and depressed.
I am different.
I am nourished by the great mother.
Traditional learning is more about grasping at words than coming to know the Tao.
All things contain both yes and no, both good and evil,
So why do you desire one thing over another?
Learning teaches us the ways of men.
If we listen to our true nature, we will be different from others, not the same.
There is no clear path in the Way.
There is no escape from change in the Way.
Less is more in the Way.
Others know, I know nothing.
Others are clever, I am dull.
Everyone is busy and animated; I am aimless and calm.
I am different because I am nourished by the Tao.
21
The greatest Virtue is to follow Tao and Tao alone.
The Tao is elusive and intangible.
Oh, it is intangible and elusive, and yet within is image.
Oh, it is elusive and intangible, and yet within is form.
Oh, it is dim and dark, and yet within is essence.
This essence is very real, and therein lies faith.
From the very beginning until now its name has never been forgotten.
Thus I perceive the creation.
How do I know the ways of creation?
Because of this.
All peace lies in following the Tao, but the Tao is so hard to understand. Still, within it we find image, form and essence. This essence is the most real thing in the universe. We can have faith in this essence, which has existed from the beginning of time and will never end. And by knowing the essence, I understand all there is to understand about the earth and life itself.
22
Yield and overcome;
Bend and be straight;
Empty and be full;
Wear out and be new;
Have little and gain;
Have much and be confused.
Therefore the wise embrace the one
And set an example to all.
Not putting on a display,
They shine forth.
Not justifying themselves,
They are distinguished.
Not boasting,
They receive recognition.
Not bragging,
They never falter.
They do not quarrel,
So no one quarrels with them.
Therefore the ancients say, "Yield and overcome."
Is that an empty saying?
Be really whole,
And all things will come to you.