Dao De Jing: The Flow and the Power of Good

I - The Flow of Life

The Flow of the universe is not one you can explain,
And its true name is not one you can speak.

For the universe began without words,
And then we gave names to all things.
In the world of non-being, we embrace its mysteries,
And in the world of being, we interact with it.

These two flow into one another
And are separated only by name.

Together they form a mystery.
Enigma in enigma —
Gateway to all wonders.

II - Interconnected

Because we all see something as beautiful,
Ugliness exists.
Because everyone knows that good is good,
Bad exists.

Being and non-being give birth to one another.
Ease and difficulty complete each other.
Long and short shape each other.
High and low support each other.
Voice and resonance sound off each other.
Past and future follow each other.

That is why the sage practices non-action.
She teaches without words.

III - Humble

Don't praise the worthy, and people won't compete.
Don't value material wealth, and no one will steal.
Don't tempt, and no one will crave.

Therefore, when the Sage leads,
She clears our minds and fills our hearts,
Weakens ambitions and strengthens bones.
When you eliminate greed and excess desire,
There can be no evil.

Go with the flow,
And all will be good.

IV - Origin

The Flow is like a vast ocean.
Use it — it cannot be drained.
How deep it is!
It seems to be the origin of all things.
So profound — there is always more.
Its creator is a mystery.
It has existed long before the gods.

V - Nature

Nature doesn't cry.
It lets all creatures live and die.
The Sage doesn't cry.
She lets people come and people go.

Between the spiritual and the physical world,
The Flow works like a bellows:
Empty, yet ever fertile.
Squeeze it, and more comes out.
The more you use it,
The more it produces.

Don't overanalyze it.
Just breathe in the essence.

VIII - Water

Pure good is like water:
It gives life to all things in nature
And follows its natural course without struggle.
It even flows to the dark or lowly places
That most people fear and look down on.
For that reason, it is like the Flow.

Good flows everywhere:
The earth is good for dwelling.
In meditation, depth is good.
The good of giving is generosity.
The good of speaking is honesty.
Order is good for leading.
Skill is good for work.
Everything in its right time.

The truth is:
If you accept your path in life
And gently flow forward, Then there is no struggle.

IX - Moderation

If you pour too much water,
The cup will spill.
Sharpen the knife too much,
And it will break.
Fill a room with treasures and riches:
No one will be able to guard it.

Gloating over success and wealth
Is a recipe for catastrophe.

Just do what is necessary,
Then let go.
That is the Flow of Life.

XII - The External World

Excess of colour blinds the eye.
Pollution of sounds deafens the ear.
Overindulgence in food hurts the palate.

Craving and chasing make the mind race.
Sensual pursuits lead astray.

That is why the Sage listens to her soul, not her senses.
She lets go of the external world and steps within.

X - The Inner Power of Good

Can you quiet your racing mind
     And become one with yourself?
Can you let go of your tension
     And become supple as a baby?
Can you cleanse your vision
     And dispel your inner clouds?
Can you love and lead the people
     Without manipulating?
In the throes of life,
     Are you able to adapt and let go?

Love and nurture.
Create without possessing.
Act without expecting.
Lead without controlling.

This is the Power of Good
That flows invisible within us.