Verse 30: Judicious Force
One who uses the Dao
in service to the Leader
does not want force to be
used on the World.
Verse 29: (Y)in-action
About to grasp Creation
you act.
I see you didn’t get it.
Verse 28: Return to Simplicity
Know one’s creativity,
preserve one’s receptivity,
become Creation’s channel.
Serving as Creation’s channel,
Enduring Integrity is non-separation,
a return to unity.
Verse 27: Skillful Use
Perfected action leaves no trace.
Perfected speech lacks error and blame.
Perfected planning rolls no dice.
Verse 26: Noble Virtue
Prudence is the root of ease,
Stillness rules over anxiety.
Verse 25: Phenomenal Cycle
Earth shapes Identities
Heaven shapes Earth.
Dao shapes heaven.
Weaving the Way shapes the Dao.
Verse 24: Bitter Kindness
Gloating is not authority.
Self-promotion is not approval.
Showing off is not shining.
Pride is not success.
Arrogance is not memorable.
Verse 23: Nothing is Everywhere
Shh! Just do it.
Morning winds fade.
The rainy day ends.
What makes it like this?
Nature.
Nothing Nature does lasts long,
How can what people do be any different?
Verse 22: Beneficial Modesty
Just until
confusion is purified,
the bent is straightened,
the holes are filled,
the worn-out is renewed,
a little is satisfying,
too much is regretted,
The Wise single-mindedly shepherd their world.
Verse 21: Empty Heart-Mind
True virtue’s appearance
is only from the Dao.
The Dao’s form is vague and indistinct.