Tao Te Ching - Section 15

← Table of contents Tao Te Ching illustration

古之善为士者， Gǔ zhī shàn wéi shì zhě,	The ancient Masters were subtle and profound.
微妙玄通， Wēimiào xuán tōng,	Their wisdom was mysterious and unfathomable.
深不可识。 Shēn bùkě shí.	Since it is beyond understanding,
夫唯不可识， Fū wéi bùkě shí,	All we can describe is their demeanor:
故强为之容： Gù qiáng wéi zhī róng:	Cautious, like crossing a winter river;
豫兮若冬涉川； Yù xī ruò dōng shè chuān;	Vigilant, like being aware of surrounding dangers;
犹兮若畏四邻； Yóu xī ruò wèi sì lín;	Courteous, like a respectful guest;
俨兮其若客； Yǎn xī qí ruò kè;	Fluid, like ice melting away;
涣兮若冰之释； Huàn xī ruò bīng zhī shì;	Simple, like uncarved wood;
敦兮其若朴； Dūn xī qí ruò pǔ;	Open, like a valley;
旷兮其若谷； Kuàng xī qí ruò gǔ;	Opaque, like muddy water.
混兮其若浊。 Hùn xī qí ruò zhuó.	Who can wait with patience until the mud settles and the water clears?
孰能晦以理之徐明？ Shú néng huì yǐ lǐ zhī xú míng?	Who can remain still until the right moment for action arises?
孰能浊以静之徐清？ Shú néng zhuó yǐ jìng zhī xú qīng?	Followers of the Dao do not seek fulfillment.
孰能安以动之徐生？ Shú néng ān yǐ dòng zhī xú shēng?	Not seeking and not desiring,
保此道者不欲盈。 Bǎo cǐ dào zhě bù yù yíng.	They remain open and receptive to all things.