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What may be done

"By husbanding the animal and spiritual souls, and embracing unity, it is possible to prevent their separation. By undivided attention to the passion-nature, and increasing tenderness, it is possible to be a little child. By putting away impurity from the hidden eye of the heart, it is possible to be without spot. By loving the people, and so governing the nation, it is possible to be unknown. In opening and shutting the heavenly doors (the mouth, the nostrils, etc.), it is possible to have no creaking. One may be bright and transparent on all sides, and yet be unknown. To produce and to nourish, to produce and have not, to act and expect not, to enlarge and cut not off, - this is called sublime virtue."

Author

Lao Tzu

All Translations

English

"By husbanding the animal and spiritual souls, and embracing unity, it is possible to prevent their separation. By undivided attention to the passion-nature, and increasing tenderness, it is possible to be a little child. By putting away impurity from the hidden eye of the heart, it is possible to be without spot. By loving the people, and so governing the nation, it is possible to be unknown. In opening and shutting the heavenly doors (the mouth, the nostrils, etc.), it is possible to have no creaking. One may be bright and transparent on all sides, and yet be unknown. To produce and to nourish, to produce and have not, to act and expect not, to enlarge and cut not off, - this is called sublime virtue."

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