Tao Te Ching Chapter 15

Translation by John H. McDonald

The Sages of old were profound

and knew the ways of subtlety and discernment.

Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension.

Because their knowledge was so far superior

I can only give a poor description.

They were careful

as someone crossing a frozen stream in winter.

Alert as if surrounded on all sides by the enemy.

Courteous as a guest.

Fluid as melting ice.

Whole as an uncarved block of wood.

Receptive as a valley.

Turbid as muddied water.

Who can be still

until their mud settles

and the water is cleared by itself?

Can you remain tranquil until right action occurs by itself?

The Master doesn’t seek fulfillment.

For only those who are not full are able to be used

which brings the feeling of completeness.

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Reference: Tao Te Ching