Lao Tzu for Everyone
Students, Scholars
& Seekers
Peter Gilboy, Ph.D.
Line 1 古之仙為道者
微眇玄達深不可志
Line 2 夫唯不可志
故強為之容曰
Line 3 豫呵其若冬涉水
Line 4 猷呵亓若畏四鄰
Line 5 嚴呵其若客
Line 6 浼呵其若淩澤
復歸於无物
Line 7 沌呵其若樸
Line 8 湷呵其若濁
Line 9 莊呵其若谷
Line 10 濁而靜之徐清
Line 11 以重之徐生
Line 12 葆此道者不欲盈
Line 13 夫唯不欲盈
是以能敝而不成
LESSON 15
More about
the Sage
A sage is a person who is in accord with the Way. It could be anyone. The only requirement is insight into one's own way, one's , one's 自zì 然rán. or "self-so-ness," which, by extension, provides insight into the Way itself.
The sage could be the barber down the street, the UPS driver, the middle school teacher, or (shockingly enough) a politician.
Such insight is individual. But insight may affect one's comportment in the world, and that comportment may be visible to a keen observer. That is what the lesson is about.
. . . . . .
Click on each line number
for Chinese-English interlinear
& commentary
Of old, sages
in accord with the Way
were so profound in their
insight, that it cannot be fathomed.
Though they were unknowable,
were I forced to describe how they
appeared to others,
I would say this:
They were cautious!
As if crossing an icy stream.
They were strategic!
As if wary of those on all sides.
They were formal!
As if always they were guests.
They were elusive!
Like melting ice.
They were original,
like an uncarved block of wood.
They were obscure!
Like churned up water.
They were expansive and fruitful!
Like a valley.
When what is churned up becomes still,
it gradually clears.
When what is tranquil is moved,
it gradually gives life.
The person who maintains
his or her self in this way,
does not desire to become filled.
Truly, it is only when a person
does not desire to be filled,
that he or she may be worn and incomplete
. . . . . . .