15: The Qualities of the Wise


The great masters of ancient times focused on the indiscernible and penetrated the dark

You would never know them

And because you wouldn’t know them I describe them with reluctance

They were careful as if crossing a river in winter

Cautious as if worried about neighbours

Reserved like a guest

Ephemeral like melting ice

Simple like uncarved wood

Open like a valley

And murky like a puddle

But those who can be like a puddle

Become clear when they’re still

And those who can be at rest

Become alive when they’re roused

Those who treasure this Way don’t try to be seen

Not trying to be seen they can hide and stay hidden

« Previous Chapter | » Next Chapter

« Back to Tao Te Ching

Serigan's Blog