|
道生之，
|
Dao gives birth to all things, |
|
德畜之，
|
Virtue fosters them, |
|
物形之，
|
Matter forms them, |
|
势成之。
|
Circumstances shape them. |
|
是以万物莫不尊道而贵德。
|
Therefore, all beings respect Dao and honor Virtue. |
|
道之尊，
|
This respect and honor |
|
德之贵，
|
Are not enforced but natural. |
|
夫莫之命而常自然。
|
Thus, Dao gives life, |
|
故道生之，
|
And Virtue nurtures; |
|
德畜之；
|
They grow and are cultivated; |
|
长之育之；
|
They fulfill and mature; |
|
成之熟之；
|
They are cared for and protected. |
|
养之覆之。
|
Creating without owning, |
|
生而不有，
|
Acting without dependence, |
|
为而不恃，
|
Leading without ruling. |
|
长而不宰。
|
This is called the profound Virtue. |