天下有始,
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The beginning of the universe, |
以为天下母。
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Is the mother of all things. |
既得其母,
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Recognize the mother, |
以知其子,
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And know her children. |
复守其母,
|
Return to the mother, |
没身不殆。
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And you will be free of danger. |
塞其兑,
|
Close your senses, |
闭其门,
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Shut the doors, |
终身不勤。
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And you will never be exhausted. |
开其兑,
|
Open your senses, |
济其事,
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Be overwhelmed with tasks, |
终身不救。
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And you will never be saved. |
见小曰明,
|
Insight is seeing the insignificant. |
守柔曰强。
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Strength is knowing how to yield. |
用其光,
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Use your inner light, |
复归其明,
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Return to the source of light, |
无遗身殃;
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And avoid all harm; |
是为习常。
|
This is the practice of constancy. |