Lao Tzu: English Translations IV

LAO TZU ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS IV The Roots of Turbulence by Lao Tzu, translation by Michael R. Burch Heaviness lies at the root of lightness; stillness begets turbulence. Thus the nobleman heads his caravan keeping a constant eye on his possession-laden wagons. At night he sleeps secure behind high-walled towers, undaunted and untroubled. But how can the ruler of ten thousand chariots discard the people so lightly from his thoughts? The branch too high above the root is lost; the aloof ruler is lost through turbulence. Rills to the Sea by Lao Tzu, translation by Michael R. Burch The Tao/Way is nameless. The uncarved block is small, but who dares claim it? The world’s relation to the Way is like rills’ to the Rivers and Seas. True Greatness is Selfless by Lao Tzu, translation by Michael R. Burch Like the broadest River the Way cannot be rerouted or deterred. And while myriad creatures depend on it for life, it imposes no authority but works tirelessly without acclamation... When the Way Holds Sway by Lao Tzu, translation by Michael R. Burch When the Way holds sway, farm horses plough fertile fields; but when it fails to prevail, war-horses breed on closed borders. There’s no greater crime than to pander to needless desires, no sickness worse than not knowing what’s enough, no greater disaster than covetousness. But whoever knows what’s enough will be content with his fate. The Tao/Way by Lao Tzu, translation by Michael R. Burch The Way creates and nurtures all creatures, rears and nourishes them, sustains and matures them, feeds and shelters them, grants them life without possession, benefits them but asks no thanks, guides but imposes no authority. Such is the mysterious virtue. The Greatest of These Is Compassion by Lao Tzu, translation by Michael R. Burch The world calls my Way vast, says it resembles nothing else. Precisely! And its vastness is why my Way resembles nothing else. For if it resembled anything else, wouldn’t it then be small? I have three treasures that I cling to, and cherish. First, compassion. Second, moderation. Third, not rashly advancing myself. Being compassionate, I can show courage. Being moderate, I can be generous. Not rashly taking the lead, I can command. Courage without compassion, Generosity without moderation, Leading from in front rather than from behind, are certain to end in catastrophe. With compassion you will win at war and be invincible in peace, for Heaven will protect you when you act with compassion.