22

"Bent, thus (tse) preserved whole, Unjustly accused, thus exonerated (chih), Hollow, thus filled (ying), Battered (pi), thus renewed, Scanty, thus receiving (te), Much, thus perplexed. Therefore the sage embraces the One (pao i). He becomes the model (shih) of the world. Not self-seeing, hence he is enlightened (ming). Not self-justifying, hence he is outstanding. Not showing off (fa) his deeds, hence he is meritorious. Not boasting (ching) of himself, hence he leads (chang). Because he is not contentious (pu cheng), Hence no one under heaven can contend with him. What the ancients say: "Bent, thus preserved whole," Are these empty words? Be preserved whole and return (kuei)."