Tao of the Day S2_135

Today I had great interactions with great folks. I started with Loyce and #66 and then I was looking over my next translation which will be #54. Phantom Electric Ghost joined me for #22, then Mpress and Julie for #19 and #1 respectively.

#1 "Expressing Tao"
Words are particular,
They cannot express Tao.
To have a name is to be limited to (the) manifestation
The nameless is the source of all manifestation.

Self-referential, those who name, name themselves.

To experience the depth of the mystery, stop identifying.
To experience the shallowness of the manifestation, differentiate.
Either way no one can tell,
The difference is in the experience.

#19 "Real Education"
Don’t aspire to be holy or smart,
You will finally find happiness,
Don’t inquire about morality or justice,
You will finally be perfect.
Don’t create things or want to profit,
You will finally be secure.

If all that fails to inspire you
Stay as humble and simple as possible
And at least you won’t be selfish.

#22 "Looking Away from What You Want"
To become complete
Know that you’re partial.
To become straight
Know that you’re crooked.
To become full
Know that you’re empty.
To be new
Know that you’re worn out.
He who wants it all
Must know what all includes.

Thus, the Master stays centered in Tao
And becomes an example for the world.
Because she knows her light is forfeit
People can see it.
Because she has no point to prove
People can trust her words.
Because she has no identity
She becomes a mirror for others.
Because she has nothing to attain
Nothing can be kept from her.

Thus, when it is said
“To become complete know that you’re partial.”
It is wise to heed and surrender to it.
Only by living in collaboration with Tao
Can one find completion.

#54
That which is well built
will never be torn down.
That which is well latched
can not slip away.
Those who do things well
will be honored from generation to generation.

If this idea is cultivated in the individual,
then his virtue will become genuine.
If this idea is cultivated in your family,
then virtue in your family will be great.
If this idea is cultivated in your community,
then virtue will go a long way.
If this idea is cultivated in your country,
then virtue will be in many places.
If this idea is cultivated in the world,
then virtue will be with everyone.

Then observe the person for what the person does,
and observe the family for what it does,
and observe the community for what it does,
and observe the country for what it does,
and observe the world for what it does.
How do I know this saying is true?
I observe these things and see.

#66
Rivers and seas are rulers
of the streams of hundreds of valleys
because of the power of their low position.

If you want to be the ruler of people,
you must speak to them like you are their servant.
If you want to lead other people,
you must put their interest ahead of your own.

The people will not feel burdened,
if a wise person is in a position of power.
The people will not feel like they are being manipulated,
if a wise person is in front as their leader.
The whole world will ask for her guidance,
and will never get tired of her.
Because she does not like to compete,
no one can compete with the things she accomplishes.