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"The world had a beginning And this beginning could be the mother of the world. When you know the mother Go on to know the child. After you have known the child Go back to holding fast to the mother, And to the end of your days you will not meet with danger. Block the openings, Shut the doors, And all your life you will not run dry. Unblock the openings, Add to your troubles, And to the end of your days you will be beyond salvation. To see the small is called discernment; To hold fast to the submissive is called strength. Use the light But give up the discernment. Bring not misfortune upon yourself. This is known as following the constant."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"The world had a beginning And this beginning could be the mother of the world. When you know the mother Go on to know the child. After you have known the child Go back to holding fast to the mother, And to the end of your days you will not meet with danger. Block the openings, Shut the doors, And all your life you will not run dry. Unblock the openings, Add to your troubles, And to the end of your days you will be beyond salvation. To see the small is called discernment; To hold fast to the submissive is called strength. Use the light But give up the discernment. Bring not misfortune upon yourself. This is known as following the constant."

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