The Way bears sensation,

Sensation bears memory,

Sensation and memory bear abstraction,

And abstraction bears all the world;

Each thing in the world bears feeling and doing,

And, imbued with mind, harmony with the Way.

As others have taught, so do I teach,

"Who loses harmony opposes nature";

This is the root of my teaching.

Water overcomes the stone;

Without substance it requires no opening;

This is the benefit of taking no action.

Yet benefit without action,

And experience without abstraction,

Are practiced by very few.

Health or reputation: which is held dearer?

Health or possessions: which has more worth?

Profit or loss: which is more troublesome?

Great love incurs great expense,

And great riches incur great fear,

But contentment comes at no cost;

Who knows when to stop

Does not continue into danger,

And so may long endure.

Great perfection seems incomplete,

But does not decay;

Great abundance seems empty,

But does not fail.

Great truth seems contradictory;

Great cleverness seems stupid;

Great eloquence seems awkward.

As spring overcomes the cold,

And autumn overcomes the heat,

So calm and quiet overcome the world.