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Of old, those who attained the One: |
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Heaven attains the One and is clear; |
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Earth attains the One and is tranquil; |
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Spirit attains the One and is numinous; |
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The valley attains the One and is full; |
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All things attain the One and live; |
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Rulers attain the One and make all under heaven stable. |
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If one strives for it, |
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Heaven cannot remain clear, |
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and will fear splitting; |
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Earth cannot remain tranquil, |
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and will fear bursting; |
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Spirit cannot remain numinous, |
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and will fear ceasing. |
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The valley cannot remain full, |
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and will fear drying up; |
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All things cannot remain living, |
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and will fear perishing; |
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Rulers cannot remain noble and high, and will fear stumbling. |
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Therefore nobility takes lowliness as its root, |
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and height takes the low as its foundation. |
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Thus rulers call themselves orphan, widow, and unworthy. |
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Is this not taking lowliness as the root? |
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Is it not so? |
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Thus, bringing about frequent praise brings no praise. |
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Do not desire to be polished like jade, |
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but rough like stone. |