16
"Extend your utmost emptiness as far as you can And do your best to preserve your equilibrium (jing). In the process of all things emerging together (wanwu) We can witness their reversion. Things proliferate, And each again returns to its root. Returning to the root is called equilibrium. Now as for equilibrium—this is called returning to the propensity of things, And returning to the propensity of things is common sense. Using common sense is acuity, While failing to use it is to lose control. And to try to do anything while out of control is to court disaster. Using common sense is to be accommodating, Being accommodating is tolerance, Being tolerant is kingliness, Being kingly is tian-likt, Being tian-like is to be way-making, And the way-made is enduring. To the end of one’s days one will be free of danger."
Author
Lao TzuAll Translations
"Extend your utmost emptiness as far as you can And do your best to preserve your equilibrium (jing). In the process of all things emerging together (wanwu) We can witness their reversion. Things proliferate, And each again returns to its root. Returning to the root is called equilibrium. Now as for equilibrium—this is called returning to the propensity of things, And returning to the propensity of things is common sense. Using common sense is acuity, While failing to use it is to lose control. And to try to do anything while out of control is to court disaster. Using common sense is to be accommodating, Being accommodating is tolerance, Being tolerant is kingliness, Being kingly is tian-likt, Being tian-like is to be way-making, And the way-made is enduring. To the end of one’s days one will be free of danger."