76
"While living, people are supple and soft, But once dead, they become hard and rigid cadavers. While living, the things of this world and its grasses and trees are pliant and fragile, But once dead, they become withered and dry. Thus it is said: Things that are hard and rigid are the companions of death; Things that are supple and soft are the companions of life. For this reason, If a weapon is rigid it will not prevail; If a tree is rigid it will snap. Thus, the rigid and great dwell below, While the supple and soft abide above."
Author
Lao TzuAll Translations
English
"While living, people are supple and soft, But once dead, they become hard and rigid cadavers. While living, the things of this world and its grasses and trees are pliant and fragile, But once dead, they become withered and dry. Thus it is said: Things that are hard and rigid are the companions of death; Things that are supple and soft are the companions of life. For this reason, If a weapon is rigid it will not prevail; If a tree is rigid it will snap. Thus, the rigid and great dwell below, While the supple and soft abide above."