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"A large state is down stream (hsia liu). Where the rivers under heaven (t'ien hsia) converge, Is the female (p'in) under heaven. The female always wins the male (mou) by stillness (ching), By stillness it is low-lying (hsia). Therefore, by being low-lying (hsia) to a small state, A large state acquires (ch'ü) a small state. By lowering (hsia) itself to a large state, A small state acquires a large state. The one acquires by being low-lying (hsia), The other acquires by lowering (hsia). A large state without overstepping its boundary (pu kuo), Wishes to keep others under its wings. A small state without overstepping its boundary (pu kuo), Wishes to offer service to others. Now both are granted their proper wishes, It is fitting that a large state takes the low (hsia) place."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"A large state is down stream (hsia liu). Where the rivers under heaven (t'ien hsia) converge, Is the female (p'in) under heaven. The female always wins the male (mou) by stillness (ching), By stillness it is low-lying (hsia). Therefore, by being low-lying (hsia) to a small state, A large state acquires (ch'ü) a small state. By lowering (hsia) itself to a large state, A small state acquires a large state. The one acquires by being low-lying (hsia), The other acquires by lowering (hsia). A large state without overstepping its boundary (pu kuo), Wishes to keep others under its wings. A small state without overstepping its boundary (pu kuo), Wishes to offer service to others. Now both are granted their proper wishes, It is fitting that a large state takes the low (hsia) place."

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