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善建者不拔，
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What is firmly established cannot be uprooted, |
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善抱者不脱，
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What is firmly embraced cannot slip away, |
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子孙以祭祀不辍。
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Their legacy will be honored through generations. |
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修之于身，
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Cultivate the Dao within yourself, |
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其德乃真；
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And your virtue will be genuine; |
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修之于家，
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Cultivate it within your family, |
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其德乃馀；
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And your family will thrive; |
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修之于乡，
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Cultivate it within your community, |
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其德乃长；
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And your community will grow strong; |
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修之于国，
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Cultivate it within your nation, |
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其德乃丰；
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And your nation will prosper; |
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修之于天下，
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Cultivate it within the universe, |
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其德乃普。
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And the universe will flourish. |
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故以身观身，
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Thus, observe the body as the body, |
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以家观家，
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Observe the family as the family, |
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以乡观乡，
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Observe the community as the community, |
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以国观国，
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Observe the nation as the nation, |
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以天下观天下。
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Observe the universe as the universe. |
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吾何以知天下然哉？
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How do I understand the universe? |
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以此。
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By this. |