Introduction

Before we dive into the next section, a quick reminder that integrity is a translation of dé (德), more often translated as virtue. I tend not to use virtue because of its moralistic/ethical connotations. Dé (德) is better understood as “an active alignment with, and expression of, the Dao in the course of our daily life.” Integrity refers to a state of being whole or undivided. You can read more about this in verse 28. Also, this section fits the mold of “leadership” text by noting progressively larger spheres: person, family, state, nation, and world. However, the argumentation and exposition to support future leaders could only be considered poor. Once again, I will focus on meditative living and Daoist alchemy instead of drifting into socio-political commentary.

Translation

Perfected foundation,
unshakeable.
Perfected embrace,
all-inclusive.
Honored for generations.

In cultivating one’s person,
integrity is in authenticity.
In cultivating one’s family,
integrity is in surplus.
In cultivating one’s state,
integrity is in growth.
In cultivating one’s nation,
integrity is in progress.
In cultivating Nature,
integrity is universal.

Therefore:
As the person, observe the person.
As the family, observe the family.
As one’s state, observe the state.
As the nation, observe the nation.
As Nature, observe nature.

How do I know Nature is like this?
Just like this!

Commentary

Perfected foundation,
unshakeable.
Perfected embrace,
all-inclusive.

An unshakable foundation and an all-inclusive embrace seem pretty simple, but as we contemplate this practically, some interesting nuances present themselves. For example, Does it mean that to perfect the foundation, one must be unshakable? Or that once one has a perfect foundation, one is unshakable, and that’s how the foundation is known to be perfected? To be a perfect embrace, it must be all-inclusive, but is it also through striving for all-inclusivity that one learns to embrace whatever is present?

I think the answer is yes.

An absolute commitment to establishing oneself on the path is critical; eventually, one’s foundations are sure. Yet, isn’t it true that surety of foundation demands a capacity to flex and flow? In my experience, when I’m too solid and rigid, it is easy to be thrown off balance, jarred, and shaken. I have true stability only when I have the appropriate blend of tensions within my body-heart-mind matrix.

Likewise, it’s easy to hug what I love but much more difficult to embrace what I resist. How can I know the fine details in perfect clarity, as is demanded in this practice, if there are things I refuse to let in? How can I say that I am open-armed when there are things that I reject? Isn’t it only by letting it all in first, through an absolute commitment to radical acceptance, that I can clearly determine what needs to be done? This is the teaching of the text to this point, so it makes sense that all-inclusiveness, like unshakeability, is both the means and the end. Our notions of what it means to be unshakeable and inclusive must be thoroughly examined.

Honored for generations.

This line in the original is very Chinese (surprise!). A literal translation would be more like “Son’s and Grandson’s ritual sacrifices will not end or be interrupted.” The text emphasizes that if you complete the Great Work, you’ll be immortal—both in that your legacy (descendants) will prosper and that they will remember you as the source of their prosperity.

I admit that the face value of this line gets me rolling my eyes. However, as I let my initial resistance fade, it struck me that having a purpose that is bigger than oneself is critical to the work. The work is hard at first. The relative structures of our individuality are not eager to let go of their grip. There has to be a powerful reason to go through the training and realize the fruits of Weaving the Way. It may be enough that the texts – and commentaries – are persuasive and inspiring. Yet, very few people choose to change their lives without significant existential pressure. Weaving the Way is something that we are called to do, one way or another, and the well-being of those whose lives we impact is a source of strength when our motivations and discipline aren’t up to the task.