Introduction

While many passages invite multi-layered contemplation, this verse plunges directly into the specifics of Daoist meditation. At its core, this system is about producing health, well-being, and ultimately immortality. What “immortality” means differs from practitioner to practitioner, but the concept remains central to Daoism.

In true alchemical fashion, the key term 德 (dé) is used with yet another distinct idea. Yes, that is the same 德 (dé) that we have gotten used to seeing translated as Integrity. In this case, as in the others, it refers to functioning in alignment with Dao. The difference in this context is that it refers specifically to restoring any depletions of the Three Treasures:

• Essence (精, jīng)
• Vital Breath, (气/炁, qì)
• Spirit (神, shén)

These are critically important because they are the “ingredients” compounded in internal alchemy to produce the Golden Elixer of Immortality. Even if that’s not your goal, there is some excellent advice for holistic wellbeing. 

Let’s dig in. 

Translation

In Regulating the Person,
  or Attending to Heaven,
Conservation is best.

Conservation means first preparing.
First preparing means Accumulating Dé.

Accumulate Dé and
  everything is possible.
Everything being possible, then
  limitations are unknown.

Not knowing any limits
  enables possession of the nation.
Possessing the Nation’s Mother
  enables perpetuity.

This is the meaning of “deep and stable roots” as
  The Way of Immortality. 

Commentary

In Regulating the Person,
  or Attending to Heaven,
Conservation is best. 

Regulating the Person and Attending to Heaven are not indicating just two activities, but represent all activities. On one end of the spectrum is “Regulating the Person,” which includes things like what we eat, how we exercise, what we pay attention to, our social engagements, and anything else we would consider “normal activity.” On the other end is “Attending to Heaven,” which involves meditation and other transcendental or spiritual practices.

Conservation is an obsolete translation of 啬 (sè), a fascinating character. Its original meaning had to do with harvesting and storing crops and then extended to caring for those crops while they were in storage. This gave it meanings like “to cherish, to save, to not waste, to conserve.” In modern Chinese, it has taken on a somewhat negative connotation and is translated as “miserly, stingy, restrained,” which has a significant impact on modern interpretations of these instructions. 

Being disciplined in keeping our body, mind, and heart safe and whole through the management and preservation of resources (i.e., conservation) goes a long way toward holistic well-being!