UP ⬀ Unison of Purpose

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

"When the laws of the physical, of the mental, of the spiritual, are kept in unison of purpose, a more perfect balance is kept in the body." 



(ECRL 3246-2)

Mélodie céleste

Soul Melody

Mélodie en Sol

Mélodie en sous-sol

《道德經第十五章》

古之善為士者，微妙玄通，深不可識。

夫唯不可識，故強為之容。

豫兮若冬涉川；猶兮若畏四鄰；儼兮其若容；渙兮若冰之將釋；敦兮其若樸曠；兮其若谷；混兮其若濁；孰能濁以靜之徐清？

孰能安以久動之徐生？

保此道者，不欲盈。

夫唯不盈，故能蔽不新成。

Dao De jing Chapter Fifteen ― Alan B.Taplow 15 ANCIENT MASTERS

    The ancient masters and rulers,

    So subtle and mysterious,

    profound and penetrating,

    Too deep to directly comprehend ―

    May be known by their appearance,

    Cautious ― As if crossing a frozen stream.

    Watchful ― As if fearing danger all around.

    Courteous ― As if a visiting guest.

    Yielding ― As if ice about to melt.

    Genuine ― As if a piece of uncarved wood.

    Receptive ― As if an open valley.

    Opaque ― As if in muddy waters.

    Waiting quietly while the mud settles,

    Remaining still until the moment for action,

    They, who embrace this Dao,

    Obtaining just that which is sufficient,

    All needs are satisfied.

    Thus they long endure.

Dao De jing Chapter Fifteen ― James Legge (The exhibition of the qualities of the Dao)

The skilful masters (of the Dao) in old times, with a subtle and exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries and were deep (also) so as to elude men's knowledge. As they were thus beyond men's knowledge, I will make an effort to describe of what sort they appeared to be. Shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in winter; irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them; grave like a guest (in awe of his host); evanescent like ice that is melting away; unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into anything; vacant like a valley, and dull like muddy water. Who can (make) the muddy water (clear)? Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest? Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise. Those who preserve this method of the Dao do not wish to be full (of themselves). It is through their not being full of themselves that they can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete.

Dao De jing Chapter Fifteen ― Arthur Waley 15

Of old those that were the best officers of Court

Had inner natures subtle, abstruse, mysterious, penetrating,

Too deep to be understood.

And because such men could not be understood

I can but tell of them as they appeared to the world:

Circumspect they seemed, like one who in winter crosses a stream,

Watchful, as one who must meet danger on every side.

Ceremonious, as one who pays a visit;

Yet yielding, as ice when it begins to melt.

Blank, as a piece of uncarved wood;

Yet receptive as a hollow in the hills.

Murky, as a troubled stream —–

(Tranquil, as the vast reaches of the sea,

Drifting as the wind with no stop.)

Which of you an assume such murkiness,

To become in the end still and clear?

Which of you can make yourself insert,

To become at the end full of life and stir?

Those who possess this Tao do not try to fill themselves to the brim,

And because they do not try to fill themselves to the brim,

They are like a garment that endures all wear and need never be renewed.