John Worldpeace(Translator)
Extract from Worldpeace's website
I am not a scholar. I did not translate even one pictograph. What I did was to look for the consensus among the various translations. Therefore, the result is more an interpretation than a translation.
In addition, I tried to relate all the ideas to an underlying theme of peace and harmony. "How does a particular passage relate to the manifestation of peace and harmony?", is the question I asked about every idea. I tried to relate every word to a peace and harmony theme because I believe that this was the original intent of the Tao.
Further, I tried, where appropriate, to replace some of the abstract concepts with something more concrete. I believe this allows more of a consensus of what is being communicated and makes it easier to determine whether or not what is being communicated fosters peace and harmony.
In essence, I have simply done what many others have done over the last 2,500 years. I have tried to relate the Tao in contemporary language with the hope that the level of peace and harmony in the world will increase.
My objective has been peace and harmony and not a literal translation. The following is simply my personal perspective of peace and harmony as seen through the Tao te Ching.
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Tao Te Ching
1.1 The infinity that can be conceived is not the everlasting Infinity. The infinity that can be described is not the perpetual Infinity.
1.2 The inconceivable indescribable is the essence of the all encompassing Infinite. Conceiving and describing applies only to the manifestations of Infinity.
1.3 Free from distinctions, experience the oneness of Infinity. Focus on distinctions and see only the manifestations of Infinity.
1.4 Yet distinction and non-distinction are one within Infinity.
1.5 Potential within potential is the essence of Infinity.
2.1 Only when one distinguishes beauty does one create the unattractive.
2.2 Only when one distinguishes good does one create evil.
2.3 Also by distinction, Tangible and intangible create each other, Difficult and easy define each other, Long and short measure each other,
2.4 High and low determine each other, Sound and silence echo each other, Beginning and end follow each other.
2.5 Therefore, the sage goes about living in the oneness of all things, teaching without speaking,
2.6 accepting and dismissing all things with indifference, creating without attachment, working without credit. Acts and deeds are completed and forgotten.
2.7 Because the sage is at one with Infinity, she is immortal.
3.1 Exalting people creates the desire in others to be exalted and therefore creates tension.
3.2 Overvaluing goods creates the desire for ownership and therefore creates the temptation to steal.
3.3 When people do not distinguish things as valuable, they remain focused on the oneness of all things and do not become confused in the material world.
3.4 Therefore, harmonious leaders empty the people's minds but nourish their bodies. They undermine desires and improve endurance.
3.5 They keep the people focused on their oneness with Infinity and free them from attachments to materialthings. They redirect the energies of those who would manipulate others.
3.6 If you remember your oneness with Infinity, and flow with life by refusing to distinguish good and bad, you will flow in the peace and harmony that is the essence of Infinity.
4.1 Infinity is an empty vessel enveloping all manifestations, yet it can never be filled.
4.2 It is the potential of all things tangible and intangible.
4.3 It blunts the sharp and hones the blunt, unravels knots and binds all things, dulls the glare and shines the mundane, manifests the dust and clears the air.
4.4 It is the essence of all things. No one can comprehend its origin.
4.5 It is older than the concept of God.
5.1 Heaven and earth are indifferent. All creatures are considered straw dogs; not distinguished, not judged.
5.2 The sage is indifferent. All people are one; not distinguished, not judged.
5.3 Infinity is like a bellows, empty yet encompassing the potential of all things.
5.4 Words are straw in the wind. The more one talks, the less one says. Keep focused on Infinity. Remain centered in the oneness of all things. In time all potentials manifest.
6.1 The manifestations of Infinity never cease manifesting. Infinity is the primal creator, the oneness of male and female.
6.2 Infinity is the gate though which heaven and earth manifested.
6.3 It is invisible to the senses, yet totally permeates all things. It is inexhaustible and eternally available for any purpose.
7.1 Heaven and earth will pass away but Infinity endures forever.
7.2 It had no beginning and so It can never end. It is the inexhaustible essence of all things.
7.3 Because the sage remains behind in her oneness with all things, she anticipates all manifestations.
7.4 Being at one with Infinity, she is indifferent.
7.5 Because she does not distinguish herself from other beings, she is completely fulfille
8.1 Water is like Infinity, it gives itself to all things without distinction or judgment and settles into the lowest places without deliberation.
8.2 In dwelling, live in harmony with the land. In meditation, remember your oneness with the Infinite. In dealing with others, do not judge. In communicating, relate the truth.
8.2 In governing, be fair. In daily life, be in harmony with all things and at peace with all people. In action, be mindful that there is a time and a season for all things.
8.3 Avoid judging and its legacy contention and flow in the peace and harmony of the oneness of humanity.
9.1 Fill anything to the brim and the contents will spill out.
9.2 Hone a sharpened blade and it will become blunt.
9.3 Accumulate great wealth, but be aware that you cannot keep it.
9.4
9.5 When a task is complete, move on. Change is the harmony of Infinity.
10.1 Manifesting body, mind and spirit, can you stay centered in the oneness of Infinity?
10.2 Fully manifesting and remaining flexible, can you experience all manifestations as a newborn baby?
10.3 Can you maintain the Infinite vision of oneness by ignoring distinctions.
10.4 Remaining centered in oneness and leading others, can you avoid manifesting arrogance?
10.5 Entering and exiting the gates of manifestations, can you harmonize with Infinity?
10.6 Realizing your oneness with Infinity, can you flow in harmony with It by indifferently allowing things to come and go?
10.7 Can you create and sustain things, and yet remain unattached to them? Can you work in harmony with all things, without desiring acknowledgment for your deeds? Exemplifying oneness, flowing in peace and harmony, not distinguishing, not judging, is the nature of Infinity.
11.1 Thirty spokes converge on the wheel's hub. But the center hole which receives the axle makes it useful.
11.2 Clay is shaped into a pot. But the inner space which receives whatever one puts into it makes it useful.
11.3 Wood is cut and joined to build a house. But the windows and doors which allow things to enter and leave make it useful.
11.4 The potential utility resides in the tangible. But true usefulness is a manifestation of the intangible.
12.1 The oneness of the five colors blind the eyes. The oneness of the five tones deafens the ears. The oneness of the five flavors dull the tongue.
12.2 Racing ahead of change and pursuing the illusion of reality promotes confusion.
12.3 Therefore, the sage is in harmony with what she is and does not distinguish what she sees. She chooses oneness and distinguishes nothing.
13.1 Accept disgrace indifferently. Acknowledge misfortune as one of the human conditions.
13.2 What does it mean to "accept disgrace indifferently"? Honor and disgrace are one in the Infinite. Only by making distinctions does one manifest disgrace. Refusing to make distinctions merges honor and disgrace into the oneness of circumstances which creates harmony.
13.3 What is meant by "acknowledging misfortune as one of the human conditions"? The body is a manifestation of Infinity and the body is subject to being affected by the other manifestations of Infinity. Misfortune is one of those other manifestations. However, as with disgrace, refusing to distinguish misfortune and fortune creates indifference which keeps one focused on the oneness of Infinity and creates peace in the self.
13.4 Stay centered in your oneness with Infinity and you can be entrusted with leadership. See the world as yourself and you will care for all things.
14.1 Look and see the manifestations of the Infinite but not its essence. Listen and hear the manifestations of the Infinite but not its essence. Reach out and touch the manifestations of the Infinite but not its essence.
14.2 These three are one in their inability to relate the essence of Infinity.
14.3 Above it is not light. Below it is not dark. It is neither light nor dark. Infinity is the potential manifestation of all things and the essence into which all manifestations disintegrate. Yet it is inconceivable and indescribable; intangible but the essence of all manifestations.
14.4 You cannot confront what has no head and you cannot follow what has no tail.
14.5 Remember your oneness, flow in the peace and harmony of Infinity, live in the now, changing and flowing with change. There was no beginning. This is the mystery of Infinity.
15.1 Those who live in oneness manifest the Infinite in simple ways. Their awareness is the awareness of Infinity.
15.2 Their knowing cannot be described but only experienced. All that can be described is their acts and their appearance and the perception of them. They are; alert when crossing unfamiliar space, cautious in hostile lands, humble as a guest,
15.3 indifferently transforming as melting ice, possessing the infinite potential of an unremarkable piece of uncarved wood, mysterious as an unexplored valley, perplexing as muddy water
15.4 Can you see the calm in turbulent waters; the clarity in murky water? Can you allow the tides of Infinite change to move you from stillness to motion and action to inaction; experiencing but not contemplating the change?
15.5 Those who live in oneness do not seek fullness because at every moment they are aware of their infinite fullness and the infinite pregnancy of all things. They are aware of their infinite potential within which the limitations of fullness resides.
16.1 Contemplate Infinity and become peaceful as the mind becomes lost.
16.2 The self perceives the never ending manifestations of the potential of Infinity as well as the disintegration of all those manifestations. Within Infinity all things manifest and disintegrate. Disintegration is a returning to the Infinite potential.
16.3 Disintegration is the destiny of all manifestations. Manifesting is the nature of Infinity. Change is the Infinite constant.
16.4 Acknowledging change is the key to understanding the harmony of never ending change. Acknowledging change within the Infinite potential of which every creature is a manifestation, unique, yet bound to all things in disintegration, gives one a perspective regarding life. Possessing perspective, one becomes impartial, openhearted, tolerant, compassionate and indifferent to judging others. These are foundations of harmony.
16.5 The manifestation of the body disintegrates but Infinity can never disintegrate into itself. There is nothing to fear.
17.1 The best leaders are in harmony with their followers. The next best are those who are respected. Then comes those who are feared. The worst are those who are despised.
17.2 If one perceives others as untrustworthy, then that will be the experience that one acknowledges. The selective acknowledgment of untrustworthiness verifies one's perception of the untrustworthiness of others.
17.3 When the leaders are in harmony with their followers, few laws are necessary and all tasks are accomplished with ease. The followers, not perceiving the administration of leadership, marvel at the manifestationsof harmony and experience a sense of self worth.
18.1 When the oneness of Infinity is forgotten, judgment appears and people are distinguished as good and righteous.
18.2 When the illusion of knowledge and understanding appear, the physical reality has been confused with Infinity.
18.3 When there is no peace and harmony within the family, a facade of devotion and obedience is perceived.
18.4 When a nation manifests great change, patriots step forward to attempt to resurrect the past.
19.1 Quit distinguishing the wise and their wisdom, the saints and their holiness, and the people will be a hundred times better off.
19.2 Quit distinguishing morality, righteousness and benevolence and humanity will stay centered in its oneness.
19.3 Abandon the pursuit of commercial profit and the number of thieves and robbers will be greatly reduced.
19.4 These are just three impediments to peace and harmony and abandoning them is not enough.
19.5 Peace and harmony reside in the simplicity of an uncarved piece of wood. Quit distinguishing the self and reside in oneness. Curb your desires and aspirations and experience the peace and harmony of simplicity.
20.1 Give up the pursuit of knowledge and live in peace and harmony. Without knowledge there is no difference between good and evil.
20.2 Is it necessary to learn to fear what others perceive should be feared? Nonsense!
20.3 Other people are excited, joyous and festive as if enjoying a holiday. I alone am indifferent, without emotion or expression; like a baby before it has learned to smile.
20.4 Others have things they feel they need. I alone own nothing. I am like a fool unfettered by knowledge.
20.5 Other people are intelligent. I alone am ignorant. Others are shrewd and cunning. I alone am untouched and moronic. I aimlessly drift on the great tides of the endless seas at the mercy of the indifferent winds.
20.6 Others have direction, goals and purposes. I alone flow within the harmony of Infinity. I am different from others. I reside in the peace and harmony of the Infinite oneness of all things.
21.1 To attain peace and harmony, stay focused on the oneness of Infinit
21.2 Infinity is the intangible potential of all things; intangible yet manifesting all images, intangible yet manifesting all substance. Within the Infinite void resides the Infinite potential of all things. All tangible things are a manifestation of the Infinite essenc
21.3 From the present, forever into the past, forever into the future, Infinity is the homogenous essence. The potential of all things forever manifest and forever disintegrate within the Infinit
21.4 How can I know the manifestations of Infinity? Because I am at one with Infinit
22.1 If you accept all things by refusing to distinguish good and bad, you overcome the confusion of the physical reality and live in harmony with the Infinite manifestations. If you bend as you are impacted by manifestations, your path of peace and harmony will remain straight and true. If you empty your mind of knowledge, you will fill with the experience of oneness with the Infinite. All manifestations constantly disintegrate and remanifest. As your body wears out, your spirit is reborn. Possess little in goods and thoughts and maintain your vision of oneness with Infinity. Possess much and become lost in the confusion that the physical reality is the true realit
22.2 Therefore, remain focused on the oneness of Infinity and become a beacon for all beings.
22.3 Do not distinguish the self and manifest the oneness of Infinity for all to see. Do not assert the self and others will follow. Do not bolster the self and other will give their respect. Do not allow the self to brag and others will bestow their praise.
22.4 Do not allow the self to be quarrelsome and experience peace with all being
22.5 Is not it true that if you accept all things by refusing to distinguish good and bad, you overcome the confusion of the physical reality and live in harmony with the Infinite manifestations? Flow with the peace and harmony of the oneness of Infinity and experience immortality.
23.1 To seldom speak is the essence of simplicity. The winds do not last all morning. The rain does not last all day. The earth that manifests the winds and the rain is itself a manifestation of change. All things change, nothing is eternal but chang
23.2 All the manifestations of humanity are fleeting as is the entire physical universe.
23.3 Keep your focus on the oneness of Infinity, manifesting the potential of all things and disintegrating all the manifestations. Flow in the peace and harmony of eternal change. Focus on goodness and virtue and you lose sight of the oneness of all people. Focus on failure and your life becomes failure. Focus on peace and harmony, the essence of Infinity, and experience peace and harmony.
23.4 Embrace change and live in peace. Embrace the experience of the moment, refuse to distinguish good and bad, happy and sad, difficult and easy. What you distinguish comes to you for a time. When it comes embrace it and when it leaves let it go. This is living within the oneness of the Infinite. This is the key to peace and harmony
23.5
24.1 Stand on your toes and you will not maintain your balance. Run and you will have to rest. Keep a harmonious pace and you can circumnavigate the earth
24.2 Draw attention to yourself and others may consider you a fool. Become self-righteous and others will avoid you.
24.3 Boasting impresses no one. Brag and you may be put to the te
24.4 Within the oneness of Infinity, all these are delusions of the physical world. They do not bring peace and harmony. Be at one with Infinity and keep these in perspective. They are transient excesses in a transient universe
25.1 Before the physical universe existed, the potential of all things permeated time and space. It was silent and empty, loud and pregnant. Solitary in its oneness, crowded in its potential, static and dynamic, hot and cold, light and dark. The potential of all things, for lack of another name, I call it Infinity. It permeates all things and non-things. It manifests realities and disintegrates those realities. All things are birthed from it and all things return to it
25.2 Infinity is marvelous
25.3
25.4 The physical universe is marvelous. The earth is marvelous. Human beings are marvelous. These are the four realities
25.5 Human beings are a manifestation of the earth; the earth, a manifestation of the physical universe; the physical universe, a manifestation of Infinity; Infinity, the potential of all things
26.1 Infinity is the source of all physical manifestations. The Infinite stillness is the creator of the churning universe
26.2 The sage travels all day over the land and sea but does not lose sight of Infinity. Though the manifestations of the earth are wondrous and beautiful, she remains indifferent because she remains centered in the Infinite oneness
26.3 The leader of multitudes cannot afford to lose her perspective. Indulging in the physical manifestations results in a loss of focus on the Infinite.
26.4 To be caught up in distinguishing things, narrows the leader's perspective to that of her followe
27.1 A proficient traveler leaves no evidence of his journey. A proficient speaker is impeccable in hispresentation. A proficient accountant needs no tally sheet.
27.2 A functional door has no lock but can only opened by the owner. A perfect binding has no knots yet only the binder can loosen it
27.3 The sage is the light of all human beings and rejects no one. She efficiently uses all things and discards nothing. This is called manifesting Infinity
27.4 What is a sage but a guide to peace and harmony? What is a materialistic traveler but the sage's focus
27.5 For the student not to value the teacher or the teacher not to love the student or for the followers not to acknowledge the leader or the leader not to care for the followers, is the cause of great confusion. This is a key to peace and harmony, teachers and leaders remind others of who they are and their oneness with Infinity
28.1 Integrate the male and the female and travel the peaceful path of oneness. Be at one with Infinity. Being at one with Infinity, do not become confused in distinctions of male and female. Experience the onenessas an undistinguishing child
28.2 See the white and the black as one. Be a guiding light to the world. As a guiding light to the world, standing firm in the truth of oneness, mirror Infinity for all to see. Remember that honor and humility are one. Be a vessel of Infinity
28.3 As a vessel of Infinity, be a resource to all beings. Become as a piece of uncarved wood; available for any purpose
28.4 When a piece of wood is carved, it becomes useful. When the sage flows in oneness, he becomes useful as king. Therefore, the sage is careful in using what he needs but avoiding kingship
29.1 Do you think you can control the world? I do not believe it can be done
29.2 The world is a manifestation of change and cannot be controlled. If you try to control it, you will end up deceiving yourself. If you treat it like an object, it will overwhelm you
29.3 The world is a manifestation of change; sometimes ahead, sometimes behind, sometimes dynamic, sometimes static, sometimes vigorous, sometimes feeble, sometimes manifesting, sometimes disintegrating.
29.4 Therefore, refuse to distinguish excesses and extremes. See only oneness. Flow with Infinity and exist in peace and harmony
30.1 Whenever you have an opportunity to advise a leader regarding Infinity, advise her not to use force to try to gain control of the world. Why? Because force attracts resistance and the greater the force the greater the resistance
30.2 Briars grow where armies have been and hard times are the legacy of a great war
30.3 Conclude hostilities as soon as possible and do not continue to use excessive force after victory.
30.4 Fulfill your purpose but never glory in inhumane acts. Fulfill your purpose but never boast of bloodletting. Fulfill your purpose but never take pride in killing. Fulfill your purpose but avoid violence
30.5 Fulfill your purpose by flowing within the oneness of Infinity. The use of force dissipates life. Force is not the way of peace and harmony. That which goes against peace and harmony is short lived
31.1 Weapons of war are instruments of death. All people fear them. Therefore, all men of peace avoid them. The sage prefers Infinity. The man of war prefers the earth.
31.2 In time of celebration the left is the dominant position; In times of grief the right. During wartime the general always stands on the left and the king on the right.
31.4 Weapons are instruments of death and the tools of a warrior. The sage avoids them at all cost; and sometimes prefers death rather than touching them. Peace and harmony are the sage's reality. She considers victory to be the bastard child of war.
31.5 If you revel in victory, then you sanction war and the killing of human beings. If you accept killing, you have forgotten your oneness with all beings.
31.6 If even one person is killed in war, it is cause for great grief and mourning. Victory is simply the maker of widows and orphans.
32.4 When the whole is distinguished into parts, and parts into more parts and more parts into even more parts a myriad names are required. There are already too many distinctions and names. The naming of things focuses on the manifestations of Infinity and too much distinguishing can result in one becoming confused in the manifestations and oblivious to the oneness of all things.
32.1 Infinity can never be defined in words. Smaller than an atom, greater than forever, it can never be comprehended.
32.2 If kings would stay centered in the Infinite,they would not try to control the uncontrollable;
32.3 Heaven and earth would be seen as a manifestation of the oneness of Infinity, as harmonious as dew accumulating on the ground. The people would recognize Infinity manifesting in their king and all things would be in harmony
32.5 Refuse to distinguish the components of the whole. See the oneness of Infinity, and see the earth as a manifestation disintegrating back into Infinity.
33.1 Knowing others is impossible. Knowing one's self requires only a remembering of one's unity with all things.
33.2 Conquering others requires force. Conquering one's self requires letting go.
33.3
33.4 He who understands his oneness with Infinity resides in peace. Living one day at a time is the essence of harmony. One who lives in harmony endures. Passing through death's door is immortality.
34.1 Infinity permeates everything in every direction; to the left as well as to the right.
34.2 It is the potential of all things, and the manifestation of all things. Its total essence resides in all things. It has no purpose. It is complete in its indifference. It manifests and disintegrates all things forever. It sustains all things, yet it is the god of no thing.
34.3 It has no purpose. It is Infinitely insignificant.
34.4 All manifestations after a time disintegrate back into It, yet It is the god of no thing. It permeates everything and so there is nothing outside its realm.
34.5 It cannot appear great because it is at one with everything
35.1 All beings are drawn to those who stay centered in their oneness with Infinity because they flow in peace and harmony.
35.2 The manifestations of music and delicious foodcatch the attention of those passing by.
35.3 But the essence of Infinity goes unnoticed. It makes no sound and has no flavor and yet It is the inexhaustible source of the manifestations of all sounds and all flavors.
36.1 All manifestations that expand will eventually shrink. All manifestations that strengthen will eventually weaken. All manifestations that are lifted up will eventually be cast down. Nothing can be received unless it is given.
36.2 This is called distinguishing the oneness of Infinity. Soft and weak forever disintegrate the hard and strong. Hard and strong forever disintegrate the soft and weak. This is called the nature of Infinity.
36.3 Fish are at one with water; undistinguished by Infinity. A nation and its weapons cannot be distinguished.
37.1 Infinity is the essence of all things. Without intention, It manifests all things.
37.2 If leaders and kings remain focused on the oneness of Infinity, nations will flow in peace and harmony. If leaders and kings are compelled to act, they should focus on Infinity and refuse to manifest desire.
37.3 If there is no desire for action, the world would flow in the peace and harmony of the oneness of Infinity.
38.1 A good person is not focused on her goodness because she is centered in oneness. A confused person is focused on goodness and consequently has difficulty obtaining it.
38.2 A person centered in oneness flows with life and appears to do nothing; yet because she is in harmony with the oneness of Infinity she leaves nothing undone. A confused person is focused on achievements and consequently never truly achieves anything.
38.3 A caring person is caring all the time and therefore leaves nothing unnurtured. When the righteous person does something, he leaves things in turmoil. When a person of great discipline does something and others do not follow, he attempts to force them to conform to his perception of reality.
38.4 When the oneness of humanity is forgotten a distinction is made between good and evil. Focusing on goodness leads one down the path of self-righteousness which separates a person from others. Self-righteousness leads to justice and since justice is as arbitrary as goodness and righteousness, it degenerates into a facade of justice or ritual.
38.5 Ritual is the backbone of religion and religion is the harbinger of judgment and judgment is the backbone of conflict
38.6 Therefore, a centered person dwells upon the oneness of Infinity and not on distinguishing which leads to confusion; on the plant and not on the flower. A centered person embraces oneness and rejects distinctions.
39.1 All things are at one with Infinity. When humanity is centered in this oneness: the sky remains clear and beautiful, the earth remains pure and sustains life, the spirit of humanity is in harmony,
39.2 the valley is the source of abundance, all creatures reproduce, regenerate and replenish the earth, leaders and kings are in harmony and nations are at peace.
39.3 When humanity focuses on the manifestations of Infinity, distinguishes and judges all things and thereby forgets the oneness of Infinity: the sky becomes cloudy with pollution, the earth becomes a cesspool unable to easily neutralize the many poisons, the spirit of humanity becomes confused and accepts conflict as the nature of humanity,
39.4 the valley no longer produces abundanceand what it does produce is tainted. Leaders and kings take their nations to war in order to control the untainted lands, creatures no longer reproduce, species die out and parts of the earth, unattended by the myriad creatures, no longer regenerate or replenish themselves, the people of all nations live in conflict, fear, hunger and depression.
39.5 Therefore, never forget that oneness is the essence of harmony; the simple is the way of peace. Leaders and kings consider themselves, alone, ridiculed and misunderstood when they forget their oneness with Infinity. In confusion, they inevitably lead their nations to war.
39.6 In order to maintain peace and harmony in the land, they must flow in the peace and harmony of the oneness of all things.
39.7 Too much success is a sign that one has begun to focus on manifestations and not on Infinity, the essence of all manifestations.
39.8 Do not distinguish precious jade. Remain centered in the peace and harmony of the oneness of all things.
40.1 Manifesting and disintegrating is the activity of Infinity. Yielding to manifestations, yielding todisintegration is the nature of peace and harmony.
40.2 Things are manifested from the tangible. The tangible is manifested from the intangible.
41.1 When a person seeking peace and harmony discovers the oneness of Infinity, she embraces it completely. When the average person remembers the oneness of Infinity, he has a hard time maintaining it.
41.2 When a confused person is confronted with the oneness of Infinity, he laughs loudly. If he did not laugh, his confusion would not be so obvious
41.3 The oneness of Infinity is beyond distinctions and is always present. That is why things seem confusing to those who acknowledge distinctions.
41.4 The light merges into darkness. Forward looks similar to backward. The easy path manifests difficulty. Virtue seems hollow. Purity becomes an illusion. The static is dynamic. Strength degenerates into weakness. Truth has no foundation. The great square has no corners. A circle is a series of points. Great music seems like the wind. Images have no shape
41.5 The oneness of Infinity permeates all things and merges them together. Infinity manifests all things to completion and disintegrates all manifestations forever.
42.1 Infinity is oneness. Infinity is the potential of all things. All things are one with Infinity. Distinguishing creates the two
42.2 All things can be distinguished as yin and yang. The harmony of oneness is achieved by not distinguishing.
42.3 Human beings hate being alone, ridiculed, and misunderstood. Yet this is how leaders and kings perceive themselves when they forget their oneness with Infinity
42.4 One achieves peace by ignoring distinctions and becomes confused by endless judgments and distinctions.
42.5 Others teach; "A violent man will reap a violent death." I teach; "All men will die." This is the simplicity of Infinity.
43.1 The softest manifestation in the Infinite overcomes the hardest manifestation in the Infinite. The intangible permeates the tangible. Non-action incorporates action
43.2 Teaching by living, working without laboring is comprehended by only a few.
44.1 Your name or your self: which is more important? Your self or your possessions: which are more valuable? Gain or loss: which is more destructive to peace and harmony
44.2 He who values his name separates from the oneness of humanity and experiences suffering. Accumulating always creates confusion. A man in harmony does not distinguish gain or loss.
44.3 A man who refuses to judge or make distinctions will never become lost or confused. He will experience peace and harmony within the oneness of Infinity
45.1 Great accomplishments seem incomplete yet their legacy is long lived. Great abundance seems insignificant but it is inexhaustible. A beam of light is just a wave.
45.2 Great skill seems easy. Great eloquence seems boring.
45.3 Motion generates heat. Stillness manifests the cold. Peace and harmony are the nature of Infinity
46.1 When the world remembers its oneness, horses plow the fields. When the world focuses on the manifestations of Infinity, distinctions, judgment and war replace peace and harmony.
46.2 There is no greater confusion than desire; no greater burden than discontent. Nothing is as unfortunate as seeing one's self as separate from others. Peace and harmony come from the realization that what one has is enough.
46.3 Because you are at one with Infinity
47.1 you can experience the world without leaving your home. Without looking out the window you can see the manifestations of Infinity. The further you carry your distinctions and your judgments, the more confused and lost you become.
47.2 Thus the sage experiences all things without traveling; without looking she sees Infinity. She works without laboring
48.1 In the pursuit of knowledge, at every moment something is distinguished.In the pursuit of peace and harmony, at every moment something is merged. Less and less is desired until one is flowing in peace and harmony. When one is flowing in peace and harmony all things are accomplished.
48.2 The world flows in peace and harmony when all things are allowed to manifest and to disintegrate
48.3 Peace and harmony are sacrificed by manipulation.
49.1 The sage has no mind of her own. She is at one with all of humanity
49.2 Give to those who are considered good. Give to those who are considered bad. This is true oneness
49.3 Trust those who are trustworthy. Trust those who are not trustworthy. This is also true oneness
49.4 The sage is peaceful and harmonious; but to the world she seems indifferent. The world pays attention to her and listens to her even though she resembles a child.
50.1 From birth to death
50.2 Three in ten are manifesting life, Three in ten are disintegrating into death, and three in ten are between, manifesting life and disintegrating into death. Why? Because the vast majority of humanity distinguishes life and death.
50.3 The person who is at one with all things can go anywhere without fear of vicious animals or dangerous persons
50.4 Why? Because she is at one with the wild animals, they perceive her as themselves. Because she is at one with dangerous persons, they fear her.
51.1 The potential of Infinity manifests all things. Manifestations are nourished by oneness, created with matter, affected by events. Therefore, those who maintain peace and harmony acknowledge Infinity and remember their oneness, not because it is demanded, but because it is the essence of all things.
51.2 Infinity manifests all things, rears them, nurtures them, clothes them, feeds them, protects them, and comforts them.
51.3 Infinity manifests all things without possessing them;shows them the way without interfering, assists them without taking credit. This is the nature of Infinity.
52.1 Infinity is the mother of all things.
52.2 Remembering Infinity, one knows the nature of children. Knowing the nature of the children keeps one focused on the oneness of Infinity. Remembering your oneness with Infinity and the immortality of Infinity overcomes the fear of death.
52.3 Contemplate Infinity, accept all things without distinctions and judgments, and life will be peaceful and harmonious.
52.4 Think about reality, distinguish and judge all things, and life degenerates into confusion.
52.5 Seeing differences is called distinguishing. Remaining indifferent manifests peace and harmony
52.6 Understanding the nature of oneness focuses one on Infinity and away from the confusion of misfortune. This is called abiding in the constant.
53.1 If I possess just a bit of insight, I will remember my oneness with Infinity, and I will only be concerned that I may become confused with distinctions and judgment.
53.2 The path of Infinity is easy and peaceful. But the majority of people cannot help becoming confused in the manifestations of the Infinite.
53.3 When rulers and leaders are confused in pomp and circumstance, the fields are overgrown with weeds and the granaries are empty.
53.4 When leaders and rulers wear extravagant clothing and manipulate the law while attending endless banquets and accumulating wealth for the sake of wealth, they are confused and behave like bandits and thieves. This is not the path of peace and harmony.
54.1 The essence of Infinity can be ignored but never uprooted. If it is acknowledged, it cannot be lost and it will manifest peace and harmony from parents to children forever.
54.2 Acknowledge it in yourself and peace and harmony will become real. Acknowledge it in your family and peace and harmony will grow. Acknowledge it in your town and peace and harmony will influence your teachers. Acknowledge it in your nation and peace and harmony will displace war.Acknowledge it in the universe and peace and harmony will be everywhere.
54.3 Therefore, see others as yourself, see other families as your family, see other towns as your town, see other nations as your nation, see the universe as a manifestation of the Infinite.
54.4 How do I know this is the way things are? Because I am at one with Infinity.
55.1 A person who flows in peace and harmony is like a newborn baby. Poisonous insects and reptiles do not sting or bite it. Wild animals do not stalk it. Raptors do not attack it. Its bones are soft and it muscles are weak yet its grip is secure.
55.2 It is not aware of male and female yet its genitals are aroused.
55.3 Its oneness is perfect. It screams all day without becoming hoarse. This is the perfection of harmony.
55.4 Knowing harmony is acknowledging the oneness of Infinity. Knowing the oneness of Infinity is the experience of peace. Manipulating one's life force results in confusion. Controlling the breath interrupts the harmony of the body. Increasing the natural pace of life creates exhaustion and is therefore not the path of harmony.
55.5 Anything that remains out of harmony is short lived.
56.1 Those who know have no need to speak. Those who speak are searching for peace and harmony.
56.2 Do not speak. Ignore your senses. Blunt your sharpness. Unravel your knots. Dim your light. Become one with all things. This is the primal essence.
56.3 Those who flow in the peace and harmony of Infinity make no distinctions. They are therefore indifferent to friend and foe, to good and bad, to honor and infamy. This is the natural state of human beings.
57.1 Govern a nation with fairness. In war do the unexpected. Lead the nation by becoming one with it. Why do I say this? Because:
57.2 The more rules and regulations, the more oppressed the citizens. The more energy used to develop weapons, the more tension in the land.
57.3 The more clever and manipulative the leaders become, the more agitated and unpredictable the population.The more religious morals and restrictions, the more depression and self-hatred manifests.
57.4 Therefore, when the ruler is at one with the population she says: I take no action and the citizens govern themselves. I flow in peace and harmony and the people follow in my footsteps.
57.5 I refuse to manipulate and control and the population becomes predictable. I ignore religion and tolerance replaces judgment.
58.1 When the country is ruled with indifference, the people flow in peace and harmony. When the country is ruled with purpose, the people become tense and circumvent the law.
58.2 When distinctions are made, good fortune is the harbinger of disaster and adversity is the foundation of prosperity.
58.3 The only known is change and the limits of change are unpredictable. Because everything changes, nothing seems real. The reliable becomes questionable and the questionable becomes familiar. The confusion created by distinctions is ever present.
58.4 Therefore the sage is: upright but not judgmental, to the point but not arrogant, straightforward but not offensive, is a light but not blinding.
59.1 In leading people and manifesting Infinity, there is nothing as essential as indifference.
59.2 Refusing to distinguish the self is the crucial requirement of indifference. Indifference is the product of maintaining one's focus on the oneness of all things. If you are at one with Infinity and the potential of all things, then you have no limitations. If one has no limitations, she is qualified to rule the world.
59.3 If she is at one with the world, and consequently indifferent, she will endure.
59.4 This is the manifestation of deep roots and a firm foundation, a oneness with Infinity, immortality and perfect vision.
60.1 Ruling a country is like cooking a small fish. If you forget your oneness with the fish, you become confused in what you are doing.
60.2 See the world as one with Infinity and evil will be impotent.
60.3 Not that evil does not exist, but because it is not distinguishedpeople harmonize with it. If all of humanity is in harmony with the oneness of Infinity, not only will evil not confuse the people, the sage himself will not confuse the people.
60.4 They will not confuse each other and the oneness in each will harmonize both.
61.1 The great nation is like the ocean, at one with Infinity, it receives all waters in peace and harmony. The female integrates the male by residing in peace and harmony
61.2 Therefore, if the great nation does not distinguish the small nation as separate from itself, it will integrate the smaller nation into its oneness. If a small nation does not distinguish itself as different from from the great nation, it will incorporate the peace and harmony of the great nation.
61.3 A great nation conquers by being a reservoir of peace and harmony. A small nation conquers by becoming one with the great nation.
61.4 The great state is a reservoir of peace and harmony for smaller states.Small states seek the peace and harmony of the great state.
61.5 Both get what they want; oneness. It is natural for the great nation to be receptive to the smaller nation.
62.1 Infinity is the potential of all things; the source of all manifestations. It is the treasure of peaceful people and the hiding place of the bad
62.2 Flattery can purchase advancement. Good deeds can obtain admiration. If a man is bad, do not distinguish his badness. See his oneness with humanity.
62.3 Therefore, when the king is crowned and the state officials are sworn in, do not send them gifts of jade dishes or a team of four horses. Instead flow in peace and harmony and remind them of their oneness with humanity.
62.4 Why does everyone flow in peace and harmony when they acknowledge the oneness of Infinity? Because their needs are met and their mistakes are not distinguished. This is the gift of Infinity.
63.1 Practice flowing in peace and harmony.Work without laboring. Savor the tasteless.
63.2 Enlarge the small. Multiply the few. Mitigate bitterness with kindness.
63.3 Accomplish difficult endeavors by a series of easy tasks. Accomplish great deeds by persisting in mundane acts.
63.4 When one flows in peace and harmony and perceives the oneness in all things: difficulties are easily overcome and great accomplishments are seen as a compilation of a lifetime of insignificant days..
63.5 The sage never tries to achieve greatness. She flows in peace and harmony and at the end of her days comprehends her legacy.
63.6 Cursory promises are generally unreliable. Neglecting basics fosters difficulties.
63.7 The sage considers the potential difficulty in all things and circumvents them by flowing in peace and harmony.
64.1 Peace and harmony are easy to perpetuate. Situations are easy to deal with before they manifest. The brittle is easily cracked. The small is easy to broadcast.
64.2 Flow in peace and harmony and problems do not manifest. Focus on the oneness of all things and avoid confusion.
64.3 The greatest tree manifests from an unremarkable shoot. A multilevel building begins with the laying of a single brick. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
64.4 He who attempts to control his life becomes confused. Attempt to grasp a thing and it disappears. The sage flows in peace and harmony and so is not confused. She attaches herself to nothing and consequently her vision remains clear.
64.5 Confused people usually quit just short of success. Therefore, see experiences asthe oneness of life from beginning to end and it will be impossible to fail.
64.6 The sage is indifferent to desire: she does not accumulate possessions, she is unemotional regarding ideas, she focuses people on their oneness, she, by example, illuminates the path to peace and harmony but does not impose her will or foist her views on others.
65.1 From time immemorial the sage has not tried to teach oneness but has embedded peace and harmony in the openness of a simple life.
65.2 Why is it so hard to rule? Because people are at one with their leaders. Leaders who use cleverness are confronted with more cleverness.Cleverness only manifests confusion. Those who flow in the peace and harmony of oneness lead without attempting cleverness and are a blessing to everyone.
65.3 These too are distinctions, cleverness and non-action. Realizing these two are distinctions focuses one on the oneness of Infinity and away from confusion.
65.4 Staying centered in the oneness that permeates Infinity manifests peace and harmony.
66.1 Why are the great oceans the rulers of all rivers? Because they occupy a lower space. Therefore, their humility lifts them up.
66.2 If the sage is to manifest peace she must be humble in her speech. If she is to lead others she must follow them in harmony.
66.3 When the sage leads, the people do not feel enslaved. When she stands above them, they feel at one with her. Because she is in harmony with others, they support her and never consider her a burden.
66.4 She is not confused. Therefore, she does not contend with others and they do not contend with her.
67.1 Everyone says that Infinity is great but beyond comprehension because it is intangible. Since it is intangible, it seems non-existent. However, if it were not intangible it would have disintegrated before the world was born.
67.2 Three things create peace and harmony. The first is a lack of distinctions. The second is simplicity. The third is oneness.
67.3 With a lack of distinction, I can accept all things. With simplicity, I do not become confused with desire. With oneness, I can be at peace and in harmony with all things.
67.4 In the world people always make distinctions between good and bad and become confused in judgment; desire possessions and become confused in wealth; forget their oneness and live in tension and conflict.
67.5 Refuse to make distinctions and refuse to pass judgment and war and defense succumb to peace and harmony.
68.1 A warrior in harmony is not contemptuous of life. A prize fighter in harmony is not angry.
68.2 A winner in harmony understands the oneness of winning and losing. An employer in harmony is at one with his employees.
68.3 This is called non-distinction and indifference. It is known as being at peace and in harmony with others. It is the manifestation of the ultimate peace and harmony of Infinity.
69.1 There is a saying among generals, It is better not to begin the battle but to wait for the other side to begin. It is better to retreat a foot rather than advance an inch.
69.2 This is called advancing while appearing to retreat, preparing to fight by concealing your power, winning the battle without engaging the enemy, and brandishing non-existent weapons.
69.3 There is nothing worse than distinguishing others as enemies. By distinguishing others as enemies, I lose sight of my oneness and become confused in conflict and war.
69.4 So when war seems imminent, the victor refuses to embrace killing.
70.1 My words are easy to understand and easy to put into practice, but unfortunately few people understand them or try to live by them.
70.2 My thoughts have always existed,but since people are confused, they do not embrace them. Because people do not understand me, they are confused in conflict and war rather than living in peace and harmony. Those that acknowledge their oneness with Infinity are few. Those that call me crazy are applauded by others that are confused.
70.3 Therefore, the sage is modest in her apparel, but carries the priceless jewel of peace and harmony in her heart.
71.1 Acknowledging oneness manifests peace. Acknowledging distinctions manifests confusion. If one is in harmony with disharmony, then one is at peace.
71.2 The sage is at peace because she is not confused with the distinctions of harmony and disharmony. The sage is at one with Infinity.
72.1 When people are not in awe of the Infinite, they are overwhelmed by confusion.
72.2 Do not violate another's space. Do not interfere with another's livelihood. If you do not violate their space or interfere with their livelihood, they will not separate themselves from you.
72.3 The sage acknowledges herself but does not distinguish herself from others. She lives her reality but does not try to foist it on others. She makes her choices but is indifferent and unattached and therefore lives in peace and harmony.
73.1 A distinguishing man in his righteousness is prepared to kill or be killed in the name of righteousness. A non-distinguishing woman is indifferent and refuses to even consider killing.
73.2 Both types of people occupy the world forever. They are one and undistinguished by Infinity.
73.3 Infinity does not contend but through oneness overcomes all things. It does not speak but is the answer to all questions. It does not summons but all things are attracted to it. It makes no plans and has no goals but all things are manifested by it.
73.4 The net of Infinity is all encompassing. The mesh is large yet nothing slips through.
74.1 When people are at one with Infinity, they have no fear of death and so they are indifferent to threats.
74.2 When people are confused with the distinction of life and death, they fear death. If death is the penalty for breaking the law, the vast majority will be law abiding.
74.3 There are always official executioners and they are at one with killing. If you try to take their place, it is the same as trying to cut wood in place of the master carpenter. If you try to take the master carpenter's place, you will only succeed in cutting your hands.
75.1 When the people of a nation are starving and without the basic necessities, it is because taxes are excessive.
75.2 When the people of a nation are rebellious, it is because the laws are out of harmony with the population.
75.3 When the leaders of a nation are oppressive in their confusion, the people remember their oneness and become indifferent to death. Those who remember the oneness of Infinity are indifferent to life and death and consequently live in peaceand harmony.
76.1 The human body is born soft and supple; after death it is hard and stiff.
76.2 Plants and trees are pliant and limber when they sprout, after death they are inflexible and rigid.
76.3 Therefore, hard and inflexible are characteristics of death. Pliant and flexible are characteristics of life.
76.4 Thus, an army that is inflexible will be conquered and a tree that does not yield to the wind will snap.
76.5 The hard and inflexible will succumb. The pliant and flexible will endure.
77.1 The harmony of Infinity functions like a bow and its string. The upper part bends down, the lower part raises up. If the string is too long, it is made shorter; too short and it is lengthened.
77.2 The nature of Infinity is balance, excess gravitates to what is lacking. The tendency of people is toward confusion because those who have much take from those who have little.
77.3 Those who are at one with Infinity and live in peace and harmony are not confused.They do not accumulate what they do not need and are like a reservoir to those who are impoverished.
77.4 The sage lives in harmony giving without expecting, completing her tasks with indifference, and maintaining a oneness with all things.
78.1 Nothing in the world is more submissive and yielding than water. Yet nothing can equal it in cutting the inflexible and eroding the hard.
78.2 The weak can subdue the strong and the flexible outlasts the rigid. This is common knowledge, yet only a very few can practice it.
78.3 Therefore, the sages say; She who is at one with the disgrace of a nation is worthy to be queen. He who is at one with the misfortunes of nations is worthy to be king of kings. The truth frequently seems paradoxical.
79.1 Conflict almost always leaves some resentment regardless of the nature of a peaceful resolution. How does one achieve peace and harmony?
79.2 The sage fulfills her commitments but does not demand others to fulfill theirs. Those who are confused demand others to fulfill their commitments but are unconcerned with fulfilling their own.
79.3 Infinity is indifferent. It is at one with all people.
79.4 Infinity is indifferent. It is at one with all people.
80.1 A peaceful nation has few people and flows in harmony and oneness. They have weapons of war but they have no inclination to use them. They are indifferent to death and indifferent to living elsewhere.
80.2 They have boats and carriages but seldom use them. They have weapons of war but no one displays them.
80.3 They live a simple life: their food is nourishing, their clothes are adequate, their dwellings are secure. They are at peace and in harmony with all things.
80.4 Even though they live within sight of a neighboring nation and hear the sounds of dogs and children, they grow old and perish without ever desiring to go there.
81.1 Truthful words are seldom passionate. Passionate words are seldom truthful.
81.2 Peaceful men do not quarrel. Those who quarrel are confused.
81.3 He who is at one with all things knows Infinity. He who has knowledge is always confused.
81.4 The sage is never confused by accumulating. The more he does for others, the more he flows in harmony. The more he gives to others, the more he experiences peace.
81.5 Infinity manifests, nourishes and disintegrates forever. The sage flows in the peace and harmony of oneness with all things.