What is it that sets a sage apart from others? Many will say that it is something referred to as wu wei. This is a question asked over the centuries that always comes back to the teachings and impact of Confucius and Lao Tzu. Perhaps the easiest, and best way to describe my own thoughts describing Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching is the varying chapters in my book, “Thoughts on becoming a sage, the guidebook top living a virtuous life”.
It is said of the sage that they act effortlessly and spontaneously as one with Dao and in doing so they act with de, or virtue without deliberation or volitional challenge. Several traits of the sage are exemplified in the Tao Te Ching, for myself wu wei is best relayed in Verses 2 and 63 as follows:
Verse 2 – Transforming Realities
The sage transforms his feelings and returns to his true nature 
thus becoming one with the universe once again.
The Ritual Qingcheng Mtn
What displays beauty cannot be beautiful. What is hard must become soft.
He focuses on ending distinction, getting rid of name and form and making of himself a home for virtue.
第2节 改变真实
圣人改变主意，返璞归真，再度成为凡夫俗子。
美可以不是美，刚硬的也会变成柔软。
圣人在消除差别，摆脱名和形，为自己营造大德的家园。
Verse 63 – Becoming a Sanctuary to all you meet
The sage acknowledges and understands that there is nothing that is not in keeping with the Tao.
The Offering TianHou Palace Temple Qingdao
Especially true is that the Tao resides in each of us. Thus, in showing the way the sage is good at saving and directing those around him, while abandoning no one. Since the sage in essence is simply the embodiment of the Tao, abandoning or leaving behind another person could or would never enter his mind.
The sage’s surroundings are illustrative of how he sees his place in the ten thousand things. As though he is seen creating a sanctuary that reflects his innermost sense of who he is yet to become. Kind and reflective, still yet expansive, he competes with no one and no one competes with him. His strengths and weaknesses have become razor sharp as he uses them to cut through what is perceived to be truth and falsehood. While he remains on the edge pushing others to places, they would not otherwise go, he leaves no foothold for those who would follow except by accepting and following the Tao.
When he himself becomes the sanctuary for others to take refuge and follow, finding the comfort only found in the expression of the Tao, he is reminded that he who searches will find it and those who don’t only escape to wait until another day.
做众人的庇护处
圣人承认并且明白，世间万物无不与道保持一致，特别是道与我们每一个人同在。因此，圣人讲
The Sanctuary within Oneself TianHou Palace Temple Qingdao
道，善于拯救和指导他身边的人，而不会抛弃任何一个人。因为圣人是道的化身，他从来就没有想过抛弃或丢下一个人。
圣人所处的环境反映了他如何看待他在万物中的地位。圣人营造了一个反映他未知的内心世界的庇护处。他友善，多思和豪爽，与世无争，也无人与他竞争。他的优缺点已变成一把锋利的刀，可以用来识别真假。他急于把人们推向他们从来没有去过的地方。除了接受和跟随道之外，众人别无选择。
当圣人成为别人躲避和追随的庇护处时，人们在这里找到只有从道中才能找到的安慰。寻道的人将会得道，不寻道的人只好逃出去等候另一天的到来。
It is said they act as new-born infants, who move naturally without planning and reliance on the structure given to them by culture and society. This is best described in Verse 15:
Verse 15 – Staying on Course
Taking stock, you stop to reflect why you are here in this place 
and time just now.
Portion of Vase in Doorway
You have succeeded in getting the attention of many as your reflection has cast a long shadow. You have shown an uncanny ability to uncover the indiscernible and penetrated contradictions previously covered by darkness.
As you become concerned your ego is bringing you to the forefront, while your nature tells you it is better to stay behind.
You are reminded to remain empty and still. That you are not here to make a show of yourself and that you are to leave no tracks. To be so conscience of the correct action that needs to be taken that you simply flow with events. That the essence of the Tao consists of nothing more than taking care, as you know that inner truth cannot be perceived, only the outward 
form of your actions.
Throwing Pots / The Tao Sichuan Museum in Chengdu
That it is by intuitive understanding that the darkness becomes clear and by means of movement the still becomes alive.
That it will be by letting each thought remain detached and each action well considered that your ultimate success is determined with your virtue the only measure taken home.
第15节 循道而行
漫游中，你停下来沉思冥想，为什么此时此刻你会在这里。你
的成功已经举世瞩目，因为你在空
Mencius School in Zhoucheng
中的影像已经给大地投下了一个长长的影子。你已经证明你自己具有解决重大疑难的非凡能力。
你担心自我会把你推向前沿，但你的悟性告诉你不要抛头露面。
圣人提醒你，要保持虚空和宁静。你来这里并不是炫耀自己，不要留下任何痕迹。为了小心行事，你必须随波逐流。道的本质仅仅是对你略施关心而已，因为你知道内心的真实是不可感知的，只有外表行为才能够通过直觉感受。直觉可以化黑暗为光明，运动能够使僵硬变灵活。
让每一个思想都能够自由发挥，每一个行动都得以深思熟虑。你用带回家的大德来衡量你的最后成功。
The Tao Te Ching tells us that the sage empties himself, becoming void of the discriminations used in conventional language and culture. Sages concentrate their internal energies (qi). They clean their vision as described in Verse 10:
Verse 10 – Exposing Ever-present but Forgotten Traits of Virtue
Remember what you have always known. That it is our virtue 
that lights the universe.
Yin and Yang Dragons Huangshen
That it is your memory of who you once were and are yet to become that resides in your mind and intellect. As you open your mind to see and know what comes forth, you are simply reminded of what you have forgotten.
That your energies are here to be replenished as you are transformed into the sage whose mind remains still. As you become still once again, you reflect and mirror heaven and earth and the ten thousand things.
You scoff as you know the best way to govern is without governing and using the efforts of others. If you don’t obstruct what the Tao begets at their source and suppress their true nature, things mature by themselves.
Virtue remaining ever-present, its owner unknown until you appear along the way.
第１０节 展示大德
牢记你已知的东西，这是我们普照宇宙的大德，这是留在你脑
海有关你的过去和未来的记忆。当
Traits of Virtue Dujian Waterworks
你打开思维，看看什么将要来临时，你就会回想起你所忘却的东西。
当你变成头脑冷静的圣人时，到这里来补充能量。当你变得平静如水时，你就成为了天地万物的化身。
面对世俗，你冷然嘲笑。你知道无为而治和善于用人是最好的治国之道。如果你不妨碍道的传播，不抑止他们的天性，万物自己会成熟起来。
大德永存。直到你出现之前，不会有人知道谁是有大德的人。
The sage manifests naturalness and plainness, becoming like uncarved wood (pu) Verse 19.
Verse 19 – Truly Reflecting the Tao
As I look around to see reflections of the Tao, I am drawn to rediscover what is simple and pure and discard what is 
considered alien to my original nature.
Reflecting the Tao Qingyang Temple in Chengdu
That if wisdom and reason are only used for self-interest then they should be abandoned. Instead collective wisdom and reason should be used to take all to previously unknown heights.
That if kindness and justice are only shells to pursue selfish motives, then putting an end to arrogant kindness and treacherous justice will enable people to unite on their own.
That if our behavior with others is governed by cleverness and profits our innermost nature would be fulfilled more assuredly if we remain focused on that which remains undyed and uncarved as if driftwood washed up from the sea. Understanding the Tao leads us to understand what is real and unreal, what is artificial and inappropriate and remaining wholly within ourselves.
第19节 真实地反映道
当我四面环顾，寻找道的身影时，我再次发现什么最简朴和纯
洁，并且摒除不属于我本性的外来 物。
Looking Skyward Dujian Waterworks
如果智慧只用在自私上，这些智慧就必须抛弃。而且，集体智慧应该用在把众人引向从前无人知晓的高度。
如果友善和公正只是自私的幌子，终结傲慢的友善和虚伪的公正将使人民团结起来。
如果我们与他人的行为是明智的，我们就可以从中获益。当在海上漂泊的木头被海浪冲上岸时，如果我们能够着眼于未被油漆和雕刻的那部分，我们最内在的天性就能够被发掘出来。对道的理解使我们得以明辨是非真假，自成一体。
The sage lives naturally and free from desires rooted in the discriminations that human society makes (Verse 37).
Verse 37 – Upholding the Tao
Practicing the art of nameless simplicity, I go forth with no 
desires and nothing on my agenda.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Xian
With the Tao as my anchor I am guided by the virtue of heaven.
The Tao itself doing nothing yet finding that there is nothing it does not do. Yet while following the Tao, I do everything that I should do. Through effortlessness and following the natural course of events, change begins to occur. By upholding the Tao, others begin to emulate your actions and begin to see through their own desire and they too can begin to become still. In stillness, simplicity becomes nameless and seeing beyond oneself becomes self-apparent.
Stilled by nameless simplicity their desires become non-existent. Once gone the world begins to fix itself.
支持道
修炼那无名的朴实，我没有欲求，没有日程。
The Anchor of Success Big Wild Goose Pagoda Xian
以道为锚，以天德引路。
道无为，但无所不为。然而，作为道的从者，我做我应该做的所有事情。不用花费气力，跟随事物的自然发展，变化就随之而来。大家都支持道，他人自然就要仿效你，开始淡泊名利，与你一样，也变得宁静。宁静中，简朴变得无名，超越自己就显而易见了。
充满了无名朴实的宁静，他们的欲求随之荡然无存。一旦欲求消失，世界就开始自我修复
The sage settles himself, and knows how to be content (Verse 46).
Verse 46 – Prevailing Contentment
How can we live within what the Tao teaches us, if we are 
never content with what the world brings to our doorstep and why should it matter? If we are busy cultivating things instead of ourselves, how can we find our true place in the ten thousand things? What can the seeds of contentment bring unless controlling our desires comes to the forefront and contentment decides to stay? If we do not remain still, how will we know when the way comes to find us?
Cultivating the Tao through meditation, thought, appearance, action and deed is the key to the sage’s security. By not seeking things outside himself, he becomes an extension of the Tao. He is internally guided by the knowledge that no 
crime is worse than yielding to our desire, no wrong is greater than discontent and no curse greater than getting what you want when you are unprepared for the consequences.
Before showing the way, the sage must truly know contentment and remain confident with what the Tao teaches and exude that confidence by showing the contentment of being content. When he can do this, others can see the folly of what external desires bring and can begin to find contentment for themselves.
Finding that the Tao has come full circle and begun to prevail in the world, the sage can be on his way.
第46节 知足
如果我们不满足大自然的恩赐，我们如何能够按道的教导那样生活呢？为什么这个问题如此重要？如果我们注重物质生活而不注重自身修养，我们又如何在万物之中找到自己的真正地位呢？除非我们能够节制欲求，心满意足，知足的种子又能够给我们带来什么呢？如果我们不恪守宁
The three landscapes are from the Chongqing Museum. If I become published in the future, appropriate credits will be given. If only for my enjoyment just acknowledging where all photographs originate is enough.
静，我们又如何知道大道何时前来寻觅我们呢？
通过沉思，冥想，参与和行动来修炼道是圣人取得安宁的关键所在。恒守内在，不受外界干扰，圣人成为道的延续。对欲求的让步就是最大的犯罪；不知足就是最大的过错；不顾后果的索取就是最大的祸因。他以这些真知灼见作为心灵的指导。
在向众人展示道的真谛之前，圣人必须明白知足的含义，坚信道的教诲和树立知足的信念。当能够做到这一点时，众人就可以看见欲求的愚蠢，并且开始为自己寻找满足。
圣人发现道已经在宇宙漫游了一周，开始闻名于世，他就可以上路了。
The Tao Te Ching makes use of some very famous analogies to drive home its point. Sages know the value of emptiness an illustrated by how emptiness is used in a bowl, door, window, valley or canyon, as seen in Verse 11:
Verse 11 – Opening Doors while Staying Behind
Remaining empty to become full. Knowing your place is to put all the cards on the table so that the proper path becomes obvious for all to see. Becoming simply the vessel from which 
all that represents virtue is known, endured and followed as the way by all.
The Calling Buddhist Temple in Chongqing
Reminded as our breath ebbs and flows we become full by remaining empty as our mind and thoughts remain the catalyst for change and enlightenment. Our usefulness only determined by the emptiness that fills us. Employing nothing to gain advantage that would allow ego to stand in the way.
As you seek only virtue and leave only vestiges of yourself behind. Your role is to open doors for others as you nurture and prepare them to walk through.
Giving birth to virtue and letting it grow. Nourishing what comes forth without claiming to own them. Remaining as the hub of a wheel… constant, reliable and still, yet ever-present and nonexistent.
第１１节 敞开大门 置身在后
恪守虚空，才能充实。要知道你的职责是把所有的牌放在桌子
上，让众人一览无遗。你要成为示范大德的榜样，坚忍不拔，为众人所追随。
Bianzhong Bells – Zeng Zi Temple in Jiaxiang, Shandong
当我们的气息减弱和流淌时，我们因为保持空虚而变得充实，我们的大脑和思想是变化和启迪的催化剂。我们的价值由使我们充实的空虚来决定。不要被自私自利挡了你的路。
因为你追求的是大德，留下的只是轨迹。你的任务是为别人打开大门，然后帮助他们通过。
培育大德，让其成长。培育所有来者，但不要声称拥有他们。甘做轮子的轴心…..恒久，可信，平和，但不露声色。
The sage preserves the female (yin), meaning they know how to be receptive to Dao and its power (de) and are not unbalanced favoring assertion and action (yang) as illustrated in Verse 28:
Verse 28 – Maintaining Ancient Virtue
Showing the way can be likened to being the world’s maid. A job on the surface seeming too menial too even consider that 
success may follow.
Virtue Nanjing Museum
Once you’ve recognized your task, the way becomes even more difficult. But it is only by experiencing the tediousness can you begin to advance and rule the day.
Advance as if you have the heart of a child without fear, without knowledge that the task is too big. Thereby always keeping your ancient virtue intact. Simply recognizing that which lies without you while holding onto the oneness within you. Acknowledging what is at its beginning always becomes 
something else at its end.
The Heart of a Child Shaaanxi Museum Xian
That once was hard must become soft. That if we are constantly referring to what appears to be black or white, we are in reality seeing them as dark or light and if we see things as pure verses defiled, we are acknowledging it as either noble or humble.
Recognizing the above, the task of the sage becomes easy. By adhering to what is soft, humble and dark the essence of the Tao is always close at hand.
Advance as if you were an uncarved piece of wood waiting to be molded into what is needed with no pre-conceived outcome of what may occur. Always guided by what comes forth without limits, with the Tao always in charge.
While acting as a master tailor, sewing without seams, the job of the maid suddenly comes forth with ease and grace. The job becoming second nature as you have mastered it fully with your virtue leading the way.
保持古朴的美德
为众人引路如同做世界公仆。这工作低微繁琐，但未必能够做好。一旦明白你的职责，道路就越加显得崎岖曲折。但是，只有经历了沉闷乏味之后，你才能够取得进步，把握住每一天。
前进吧，就装做有一颗无所畏惧的童心，不晓得任务之艰巨，永远保持古朴的美德。保持内在合一的同时，认识与你无关的事物。事物总是不断变化，坚硬终成柔软。我们经常议论黑
白，实际上我们看到的是深浅。如果我们把事物分成纯洁与肮脏，就等于承认高贵和低微。
Virtue leading the Way Wuhan Museum
一旦承认以上事实，圣人的职责就变得容易。只要能够坚守柔弱，谦逊和无光，那么你就掌握了道的精华。
前进吧，你是一块未被雕刻的木头等待塑造，预先没有计划，自然也不知道结局如何。在道的负责下，接受万物的指导。
充当主裁缝，制作无缝天衣，公仆的工作一下子变得轻松优雅。在大德的指导下，工作就会变得轻驾就熟，得心应手。
The sage shoulders yin and embraces yang, blends internal energies we call qi, and thereby attains harmony called he; Verse 42 of Tao Te Ching:
Verse 42 – Emulating the Tao as you give birth to all around you
The Tao gives birth to one. One gives birth to two. Two gives birth to three and three give birth to ten thousand things. When I as one embrace the Tao and open my heart and mind 
to the universe I become complete as my focus remains on the horizon.
Huangshan Mountain in Anhui
When I show another person the way, we walk in unison guided by what we have been taught. When we two brighten the path of the third all things become possible and in unison, we give birth to a thousand things. As we too become the world’s teachers.
With yin at our backs and yang in our embrace we look for harmony. What the world hates we love. Just by what some gain in losing others will lose by gaining keeping the world forever in balance. Remaining fully enmeshed in the Tao, the sage simply follows his mentor, Lao Tzu, the ultimate teacher of the way. As such, we are reminded to reduce our desires, remain humble and practice the virtue of harmony.
Letting these three be our guide we quietly give birth to all around us.
仿效道，赋予生命
道生一，一生二，二生三，三生万物。当我拥抱着道，向宇宙
打开我的心灵时，我把注意力集中
Simple Harmony Sichuan Museum
在地平线上，终于成为一个完整的人。
当我给一人引路，我们以道为准则，和谐地前行。当我们两人为第三人照亮道路，万物随之而行。在和谐中，我们催生万物，从而成为世界级大师。
负阴抱阳，我们寻找和谐，爱人间之所恨。有得必有失，有失必有得，这样才能保持自然界的平衡。沉浸在道中，圣人跟随大师老子，道的祖师。我们必须告诫自己，减少欲求，恪守谦恭，修炼和谐大德。
我们以此三点作指导，静静地哺育芸芸众生。
Those following the Dao do not strive, tamper, or seek to control their own lives (Verse 64).
Verse 64 – Finding everything too Easy
The sage knows that doing what comes naturally is not work. 
Therefore, he works without really working.
It’s not working Qingdao TianHou Palace Temple
He acts without really acting, thereby not exhausting himself and tastes without really tasting the true meaning of the Tao through meditation. He goes forth knowing that rather we are great or small, many or few it is important to repay any slight or wrong with virtue.
What the world considers hard the sage considers easy. Just as what the world considers easy the sage considers hard. How can that be so?
If one can plan for the hard when it is easy and work on the great when it is small, the hardest task in the world becomes easy. The greatest goal in the world begins, or becomes small.
Because the sage never acts, he achieves great things. He responds to others knowing instinctively that he who quickly agrees is seldom trusted and those who make it all look easy finds the way hard. Therefore, the sage travels in virtue 
making everything appear hard, while he himself finds nothing hard.
In achieving great Things TianHou Palace Temple
万事皆易
圣人知道，捡大自然的便宜不是工作。因此，他做事并非真的做事，他行动不是真的行动，这样
他不至于精疲力尽。他通过斡旋，品尝到没有真正品尝到道的真义。他明白不管我们是伟大还是渺小，多抑或是少，重要的是要补偿对大德所犯下的大小过失。
世人认为难的事情，圣人却认为容易。世人认为容易的事情，圣人却认为难。为什么会如此？如果一个人把易事当难事，小事当大事，这样世界上就无难事，伟大出于平凡。
圣人从来就不装作他干了什么伟大的事情。他心里明白，那些不假思索就附和他的人，很少是可以信赖的。那些把事情看得太简单的人，会明白道之艰难。因此，圣人载德而行，世上万事看来艰难之事，圣人却认为容易。
Sages do not endeavor to help life along, or use their heart-mand (xin) to solve or figure out life’s apparent knots and entanglements. (Verse 55)
Verse 55 – Gaining a firm grip on lasting abundance
What does it mean to have lasting abundance when we leave our virtue behind?
How can we be full of breath, yet not know how to make our breath endure? If our essence remains within us, why does our virility stand in the way? When you become simply an extension of the Tao, you go as if mindless through your endeavors.
Without a mind, you have no thoughts or desires. You proceed fearless unaware of what may harm you or that you could possibly harm another.
Once you become aware that you are a part of something bigger than yourself and have a firm grip on the direction you must take, only then can you begin to focus your mind and cultivate the Tao. When your mind does not stray and a certain 
serenity surrounds you, then your breath can become balanced.
Endurance Chongqing Museum
The sage focuses on his breath because when it becomes balanced his essence is stable, his spirit serene and his true nature is restored.
Controlling his breath, he endures and finds his true nature. Understanding his true nature, he is able to impart wisdom to others. He becomes unconcerned and extending his life as his spirit is uncluttered and has already rediscovered its place in what has been what may occur now and where he will spend eternity. The sage has no fear of death because he knows his essence, or spirit, remains eternal.
把握恒久的丰裕
如果失去了大德，拥有恒久的丰裕又如何？如果不懂得忍耐，
我们又如何做到恒久？如果我们的本质仍在，为什么自尊自大挡住我们的道？
With no thoughts or desires Images of the Han Confucius Mansion Qufu
当你成为道的传人，努力前行，好像无知无觉一样。没有了头脑，你就没有了思想或欲望，你就可以勇往直前，无所畏惧。不知道什么可以伤害你，也不知道你可能伤害别人。
一旦知道自己的重要性，你就要紧紧地把握方向，只有这样，你才能够专心修道。当你心无旁骛，宁静弥漫四周时，你才能够心平气静，达到平衡。
圣人凝神聚气，这因为气息达到平衡时，他的内心平稳，精神宁静，真性就可以得到恢复。
控制情绪，坚忍，圣人就可以发现自己的真性，只有领悟他的真性，圣人才能够把智慧传授给别人。圣人对世事毫无牵挂，神志清晰，生命延长，并且重新发现他的过去，现在和未来在宇宙的永恒地位。圣人不惧死亡，因为他的精神永存。
The Tao Te Ching cautions those who would do something with the world will fail, and they will actually ruin themselves and the world (Verse 29).
Verse 29 – Showing the way while remaining behind
It is in stillness that the sage comes forth to govern the world. He has learned that it cannot be controlled consciously and 
that we must learn to trust what comes naturally.
Resting in the clouds with Dragons Wuhan Museum
That human strength and/or knowledge cannot lead us and that it is our spirit must govern us.
That nothing can be governed by force, that it is in stillness that spiritual things respond and that which is considered spiritual does not act on its own, but is guided by the Tao. When force comes into play, what is real leaves the field.
Remain transitory with your surroundings only as temporary lodging. Having no stake in the outcome you are able to 
determine what is not yours, lose your way, or forget why you are here.
The Power of Ritual Wuhan Museum
Staying at the highest point of mediation letting all things come forth to find their place, the sage is at his best when he does not oppose things. Simply by letting the spirit of oneness penetrate the nature of others, he responds to them without force and follows them without effort.
He eliminates what confuses them, hens their minds become clear and each person finds their place in the scheme of things to come. By remaining calm and still letting the spirit guide your way you focus on simplicity, remaining content and eliminate extremes. It is with kindness and humility you succeed and it is with all three every situation bows to your command.
为众人引路，但不抛头露面
宁静中，圣人前来统治这个大千世界。他知道，这个世界不能够用感知来治理，只能够顺其自然。人类的力量和智慧不足以
指导我们，我们必须依靠精神的力量。
Virtue by Design Wuhan Museum
天下没有什么事情可以用武力来解决，宁静时才会有心灵响应。没有道，精神就不能单独行动。穷兵黩武之时，就是真实离去之日。
你来去匆匆，食宿无定。因为不与众人分享结果，你知道什么不属于你的，为何迷路，或忘记为何你在这里。
守着斡旋的最高点，让万物纷纷前来寻找自己的地位。圣人对事情不横加干涉时，就显得格外伟大。让合一的精神深入人心。圣人回应万物，不用武力。圣人跟踪万物，不费吹灰之力。
圣人替众人排除疑难，他们的头脑变得清晰起来，每个人都找到自己在万物丛中的地位。
保持平静和安宁，让感觉引路，你的仁慈是胜利之本。只要做到简朴，满足和不偏激, 你就能够无往而不胜。
The sage does not engage in disputes or arguments, or try to prove their point. (Verses 22 and 81)
Verse 22 – On Becoming Whole
When all has passed through you – everything becoming the 
same with no opposites pulling at your attention, then you are free to follow the way of virtue.
When you can think and act as if innately following the Tao, you can become whole.
Knowing virtue and honesty are one, you make a list of those things not in keeping with the path you have chosen to follow and begin removing them, as they have become stumbling blocks to completing your endeavors as the sage. Once encountered and accounted for, they disappear and cannot be traced back to their maker.
Continually redefining the role of the traditional sage. Mirroring the Tao, you become adept at sharing your vision instead of simply trusting the word of others. Instead of relying on the strength of others, you take all to otherwise unattainable heights through reluctantly displaying your own strength.
Your enthusiasm and vision carrying the day. Living in paradox, as in reality you prefer to remain hidden from view. You stand apart, not competing hens no one finding a foothold to compete with you.
Remaining steadfast you become whole.
第22节 论合一
当经历了一切之后，世间万物变得如此和谐协调，再也没有什么令你分心的了。你因此可以自由地踏上通向大德之路。当你
能够象天生就信仰和追随道那样去想去做，你就合一了。
Excel by capturing your Voice through virtuous writing / Linyi
要明白大德和诚实是一致的。你把可能有违道德之事一一列出，当这些事情变为你成为圣人道路上的绊脚石时，就把它们搬走。一旦遇上，分辨清楚，它们就会永远消失，无影无踪。
继续完善作为一个普通圣人的职责，你代表道与大众分享你的憧憬，而不仅仅是相信别人。不要依赖别人的力量，你不情愿地显示你的力量，但必须把众人带向不可达到的高度。
的生活充满了热忱和希望。生活在一个矛盾百出，似是而非的世界里，你不愿意抛头露面。
你依然支离破碎，因此没有人可以找到与你竞争的立足之地。继续努力，终成合一。
Verse 22 Addendum – Becoming a Beacon of Light for All to See
Could it be that your ultimate role is to report back to the 
dragons the role of the sage in the here and now?
The Dragon Wall – Nanjing City Center
To take the thoughts of Lao, Lieh and Chuang and all the others to places they have not been before and to perhaps try them on for size in a different environment.
That it is not you becoming whole, as much as transitioning this ancient way into current thought and action. As your task remains internally to mirror the Tao, perhaps your role in the here and now is to rediscover for the ages how externally one can remain pure and whole in such a material world. Keeping to eternity’s promise, but making limited appearances just the same.
Challenging the order of the day, you have become the ultimate agent of change and virtue.
Coming forth to claim your place in the universe, you accept the mantle placed upon you with an ever-present humble demeanor. As you prepare to move on to accept your greater destiny.
第22节 (补遗) 作众人的指路明灯
此时此刻，你可以回到群龙那里充当圣人的角色了吗？把老
子，列子，庄子和其他古代圣贤的思
Entrance to Confucius Temple, Fuzimiao, in southern Nanjing on banks of the Qinhuai River.
想提升到一个新的高度，并且在不同的环境尺度下运用。
把古代的方式方法变成现代思想和行动不能与成为合一相提并论。因为心中有道，也许此时此刻你的职是重新发现在物欲横流的世界上如何长久地保持纯洁和合一。恪守永恒的诺言，但减少露面。
发起向传统势力的挑战，因为你已经成为变革和大德的全权代表。
前来拥有你在宇宙应有的地位，接受永远代表谦恭的斗篷。继续漫游，接受更大的挑战。
Verse 81 – Remaining in High Style
Remaining satisfied with just what you have as you are content to live as the extension of the Tao which has become 
the reflection of who and where you are.
Living within the Tao Confucius Temple Qingdao
Living within the Tao, the sage soon becomes aware that he is nothing more than an extension of what occurs in nature. Enabling all to come forward to find their true place, not as the substitute for their action, but as one who empowers others to see beyond themselves as the sage stays in the background doing nothing.
Envisioning a place where there are tools that remain unused, where people have no need to move far afield, are easy with death and where it takes them, with places to go but no reason to travel, and defenses in place but no reason to defend them. Satisfied with the fruits of their labor and content with where they find themselves as they go restfully to sleep each night. Content with their homes and happy with their customs as they know the taste of the Tao and remain adorned with virtue. Even though others may live close by they have no reason to visit as all they need they already have.
第81节 保持高风格
满足现状，满足于做道的传人，道已经成为了你的影像。
Contentment
活在道中，圣人很快就知道，他只不过是自然的延续。圣人使众人能够前来寻找他们真正的地位，众人不是行动的替身，而是能够赋予他人力量以超越自我的人。圣人身居幕后，不动声色。
想象一下，有那么一个世外桃园，在那里有未使用过的器具，人民不用长途跋涉，对死亡泰然处之。那里的人有地方可去，但没有必要去旅行。他们有防御设施，但没有防御的必要。他们安居乐业，夜夜高枕无忧。他们满意自己的风俗习惯。他们熟知道，尊崇高德。尽管他们有近邻，因为他们能够自给自足，所以互不往来。
The sage is pliable and supple, not rigid and resistive. (Verse 76 and 78)
Verse 76 – In death the Tao acknowledges the Sage
Before there was considered to be a force in the universe that 
would be known as God there was the Tao.
Entrance to Confucius Temple in Qufu
Before there existed the myriad of shamans, saints, priests and holy men considered to be here to lead the way, there was the Tao.
As the ten thousand things came forth from antiquity to manifest and begin the cycle of being born, dying and being born again continually as the natural extension of the way, the sage ultimately came forth as one protected by dragons. The 
dragons, but those who have been chosen to impart simple virtue as those who follow the correct path or way of heaven.
Stele of Confucius Confucius Temple
The sage coming forward to find that the reason there is suffering or hunger for life is that others impose too many restrictions on how we should live, therefore people remain unfulfilled. That the reason people are hard to get along with is that those who would lead the way have forgotten the path in which all should follow. However, when death follows as the natural course of events after everything has passed through him and acknowledges his ultimate place in the universe, the loving life becomes secondary as eternal life comes forth to greet the great sage.
Loving God and what She and the Tao teach, he simply lets his enthusiasm come naturally as the centuries have shown him the proper way.
第76节 死后道向圣人致谢
从前，宇宙中有一种称为上帝的力量，有道。从前，出现过无
数个被认为能够带领众人的术士，
The Ten Thousand Things Confucius Temple
圣人和传教士，有道。
作为道的延续的万物从远古而来，开始出生，死亡和再出生的不断循环。圣人最终在神龙保护下出现。作为遵循正确途经或天道的神龙被挑选来传授大德。
圣人发现，苦难和饥饿的原因是有些人对我们如何生活设置了太多的限制。因此，人民的聪明才智没有得到充分的发挥。人民不团结的原因是引路的人忘记了众人应走的路。然而，在万物穿过圣人，承认他在宇宙的最高地位后，死亡作为自然规律随之而来，情欲生活成为次要，因为永恒的生命前来欢迎伟大的圣人。
热爱神，热爱神的和道的教导，圣人的热情油然而来，几百年来圣人已经找到了正确道路。
Verse 78 – Following the way of Heaven
The sage endeavors to follow the way of heaven while only 
revealing everything for its true and natural place.
The Balancing Act Confucius Temple Qingdao
Pulling down the high while lifting the low he stays on an even keel finding the natural balance of all around him.
Continually moving forward unsure or unconcerned if what he does is ultimately good or bad as long as the natural order of things are followed and are allowed to take their places. Moving without presumption or staking claim to what may be perceived as personal achievement. Choosing to remain in the background and not displaying his skills, nothing can deter or get in his way. His burden to keep his virtue to himself and not revealed to those who continually come running to his doorstep.
Modeling his actions after the way of heaven, the sage takes from the long and gives to the short so that the ten thousand things naturally find their places. For all things under heaven to find their place, it is best for heaven to sit back and do nothing allowing the nature of all things to come forward unimpeded fulfilling its ultimate endeavor and finding its true identity and destiny.
第78节 遵循天道
圣人努力去遵循天道，并为天道的真实和自然揭示一切。圣人
削峰填壑，悄悄地寻找他身边万物
之自然平衡。
The Rites Confucius Temple Qingdao
圣人继续前行。只要万物的自然秩序安排井然和遵循，圣人并不在意他的作为最终是好是坏。只管前行，不要猜测和怀有私心。圣人选择置身隐处，不露锋芒，没有什么能够阻止他的前进或堵塞他的道路。
他的负担是恪守大德，不把大德展示给那些不断地来到他的门阶的人。
圣人依天道行动，取长补短，以帮助万物自然地找到他们的地位。为了使万物找到他们的地位，圣人最好是坐下来，停止行动，让万物的自然力畅通无阻地前来完成他们的最高奋斗目标，找到他们的真实身份和归宿。
The sage is like water, finding their own place, overcoming both the hard and strong by suppleness (Verses 8 and 36).
Verse 8 – Taking Shape while Remaining Shapeless
Travel as if you were water taking on every shape that comes your way as you give life to everything and everyone you 
touch and meet. Conveying the eternal spring that comes forth from you each day as if you were just passing by.
The Han – Stone Carving from Confucius Temple
Being content to remain at the bottom of all things – free from blame. Avoiding competition while maligning no one.
Choosing humility and that which no one else chooses to do.
Travel like water as if approaching the unattainable Tao. Remaining clear and deep. Yet constantly emptying to give life to others. Reflecting but remaining pure as you cleanse all that you touch. Having no purpose of you own, assisting truth and helping others to find their natural way as if you were all encompassing, but not really here.
第8节 无形之中要有形
你象流水般到处漫游，遇河成河，入溪化溪，给遇到的万物和
众人以生命。
The Nine Dragon Wall Beihai Park – Beijing
仿佛你刚刚路过，每天传递永恒的春天。甘做万物之底，就不会遭人指责。不要诽谤别人，避免竞争。
保持仁爱，为他人之不为。
象流水那样漫游，走向那似乎不可接近的道，清如镜，深如渊。保持持久的虚空，赋予众人以生命，出泥而不染。不要别有用心，维护真理，帮助别人寻找自然之路，你似乎就在附近，但实际上不在这里。
Verse 36 – Hoping Weakness Prevails
What you would shorten you should lengthen instead. What 
you would weaken you should spend your time strengthening.
Mount Nishan Birthplace of Confucius
What you would topple, you should raise and what you would take you should spend your time giving.
Most importantly do not abandon your weaknesses as it will be through your weaknesses that your strengths will prevail and endure.
The sage hides his light so it can be kept safe and secure. While cultivating the Tao he speaks softly and with care. Just as a fish cannot survive out of water, the sage’s greatest asset is not meant to be seen but should remain in humble and non-intimidating surroundings. Keeping still as in a deep pool he remains unknown to the world.
祈求柔弱
你欲截短，实应加长。你欲减弱，实应增强。你欲下去，实应
上来；你欲攫取，实应给予。
Finding humble Surroundings Gates of Qufu
最重要的是，不要抛弃柔弱，唯有柔弱，才有力量。
圣人为了安全和无虑起见，收藏了他的光辉。当进行道的修炼时，圣人说话柔和谨慎。正如鱼离不开水，圣人的最大财富不是用来给人看的，但是应该留在谦恭平和的环境之中。保持宁静，就象藏在一个深池，圣人不为世人所知。
A sage acts with not expectation of reward. (Verses 2 and 51)
Verse 2 – Transforming Realities
The sage transforms his feelings and returns to his true nature 
thus becoming one with the universe once again.
The Ritual Qingcheng Mtn
What displays beauty cannot be beautiful. What is hard must become soft.
He focuses on ending distinction, getting rid of name and form and making of himself a home for virtue.
第2节 改变真实
圣人改变主意，返璞归真，再度成为凡夫俗子。
美可以不是美，刚硬的也会变成柔软。
圣人在消除差别，摆脱名和形，为自己营造大德的家园。
Verse 51 – Honoring the Way
Honoring the way means staying true to the way. Staying true to the way means remaining humble with your virtue guiding 
every thought, action and deed. You have taken form in this place as the essence of the way of virtue.
The Way Wuhan Temple
While challenges and stubbing your toe may occur, they are simply to remind you of your own personas that you are here to complete. Your affinity to nature and the natural order of things are simply ways to express and sort through those things you are here to do. Created as an image or extension of the way virtue guides and instructs while being shaped by events as the Tao completes them.
Thus, all things come forward to honor the way. Remaining transparent, your role cultivates and trains, steadies and adjusts, nurtures and protects without possessing or presuming. Without the need to control events everything reaches its fullest potential.
.以道为荣
以道为荣意味著对道忠诚。对道忠诚意味著保持谦恭，用大德
指导你的思想和行动。你已经在此
Coming Forward Wuhan Temple
成形，成为道德之精髓。
严峻的挑战和小麻烦的出现只是提醒你来这里的目的是为了完善自己。你与自然的密切关系和事物的自然秩序是表达和理清你来这里做事的方式。作为道的影像或延续，大德宣讲道和指导万物，并得到磨炼，道完善万物。
因此，万物以道为荣。保持清明，没有丝毫的占有或僭越。你的职责是修炼，培训，稳定，调整，抚育和保护。没有必要控制万物生长，万物的潜力能够得到充分的发挥。
A Sage puts himself last but comes in first. (Verse 7)
Verse 7 – Keeping to Heaven’s Promise
Keeping to Heaven’s promise through finding the immortality found on earth. Giving consent without expecting reward. 
Remaining humble – the only thing the sage seeking is virtue.
World of the Dragons Wall painting in Chengdu
Forever creating an environment emulating and promoting the journey you must take to selflessness. As you have been given an opportunity to remain immortal simply by living for today. Truly living through grace.
Becoming adept at remaining in the background while setting the table for all who will come to eat their fill. Constantly reminded of your never-ending destiny as endeavors continue the process of your letting go.
As you remain content with who and where you find yourself. Living, dying and subject to change each moment. As you travel with no sense of age or time.
Reminded again and again that you can only move ahead by staying behind with a cheerful countenance with virtue to be shared by all. The utmost paradox living brings forth to greet you each day.
第7节 遵守诺言
寻找人间的永恒，恪守对苍天之诺言。给予承诺，不求回报。
保持谦逊－圣人所期望的是大德。
Dujiangyan Waterworks
努力锤炼，以达到无私的境界。上苍给你一个机会，使你只是活在今生今世，仍然可以达到永恒。要真正做到活得优雅。
要善于作幕后工作。比如摆好桌子让客人就餐。经常提醒自己的永无终结的使命，永不放弃努力。
你对自己和目前的处境感到满意，生死无常。漫游中，你不会觉得时光流逝。
你要反复提醒自己，保持乐观，与众人共享大德。你只能够置身殿后，才能向前。你每天面对的是悖缪的生活。
A sage never makes a display of himself, brag, or boast. (Verses 22, 24, 72)
Verse 22 – On becoming Whole
When all has passed through you – everything becoming the same with no opposites pulling at your attention, then you are 
free to follow the way of virtue.
The Final Tribute Linyi Wang Xizhi (王羲之, 303–361)
When you can think and act as if innately following the Tao, you can become whole.
Knowing virtue and honesty are one, you make a list of those things not in keeping with the path you have chosen to follow and begin removing them, as they have become stumbling blocks to completing your endeavors as the sage. Once encountered and accounted for, they disappear and cannot be traced back to their maker.
Continually redefining the role of the traditional sage. Mirroring the Tao, you become adept at sharing your vision instead of simply trusting the word of others. Instead of relying on the strength of others, you take all to otherwise unattainable heights through reluctantly displaying your own strength.
Your enthusiasm and vision carrying the day. Living in paradox, as in reality you prefer to remain hidden from view. You stand apart, not competing hens no one finding a foothold to compete with you.
Remaining steadfast you become whole.
第22节 论合一
当经历了一切之后，世间万物变得如此和谐协调，再也没有什么令你分心的了。你因此可以自由地踏上通向大德之路。当你能够象天生就信仰和追随道那样去想去做，你就合一了。
要明白大德和诚实是一致的。你把可能有违道德之事一一列出，当这些事情变为你成为圣人道路上的绊脚石时，就把它们搬走。一旦遇上，分辨清楚，它们就会永远消失，无影无踪。
继续完善作为一个普通圣人的职责，你代表道与大众分享你的
憧憬，而不仅仅是相信别人。不要依赖别人的力量，你不情愿地显示你的力量，但必须把众人带向不可达到的高度。
Excel by capturing your Voice through virtuous writing / Linyi
的生活充满了热忱和希望。生活在一个矛盾百出，似是而非的世界里，你不愿意抛头露面。
你依然支离破碎，因此没有人可以找到与你竞争的立足之地。继续努力，终成合一。
Verse 22 Addendum – Becoming a Beacon of Light for All to See
Could it be that your ultimate role is to report back to the 
dragons the role of the sage in the here and now?
The Dragon Wall – Nanjing City Center
To take the thoughts of Lao, Lieh and Chuang and all the others to places they have not been before and to perhaps try them on for size in a different environment.
That it is not you becoming whole, as much as transitioning this ancient way into current thought and action. As your task remains internally to mirror the Tao, perhaps your role in the here and now is to rediscover for the ages how externally one can remain pure and whole in such a material world. Keeping to eternity’s promise, but making limited appearances just the same.
Challenging the order of the day, you have become the ultimate agent of change and virtue.
Coming forth to claim your place in the universe, you accept the mantle placed upon you with an ever-present humble demeanor. As you prepare to move on to accept your greater destiny.
第22节 (补遗) 作众人的指路明灯
此时此刻，你可以回到群龙那里充当圣人的角色了吗？把老
子，列子，庄子和其他古代圣贤的思
Entrance to Confucius Temple, Fuzimiao, in southern Nanjing on banks of the Qinhuai River.
想提升到一个新的高度，并且在不同的环境尺度下运用。
把古代的方式方法变成现代思想和行动不能与成为合一相提并论。因为心中有道，也许此时此刻你的职是重新发现在物欲横流的世界上如何长久地保持纯洁和合一。恪守永恒的诺言，但减少露面。
发起向传统势力的挑战，因为你已经成为变革和大德的全权代表。
前来拥有你在宇宙应有的地位，接受永远代表谦恭的斗篷。继续漫游，接受更大的挑战。
Verse 24 – Staying within my own Gait
Learning to shun those things not in keeping with the proper way. Oh, the challenges and paradox life comes forth to greet me each day. As if life’s indulgences and excesses are extremely happy to continually get in my way and obscure my true path and identity.
Staying within the confines of who I am yet to become. Not standing on tiptoes to see over others or walking faster than my own natural gait. To act as if life’s reflections are 
translucent and bringing attention to your actions is alien from what motivates you.
Door ornament on Zhang Mansion Lane beside the Qinhuai River in Nanjing
“He who watches himself does not appear, he who displays himself does not flourish, he who flatters himself achieves nothing and he who parades himself does not lead”.
As you recall that the mind of the sage remains free of desire and selfless, you are reminded that those who cultivate the Tao yet think about themselves are like people who over eat or over work.
Food is to satisfy hunger; work should suit the task. Ultimately the way of heaven does not depend on offerings or prayers. It is simply who follows the Tao will live long. Remember it is as Lao Tzu says and those who lose their way do not.
第2４节 与女神同在
学会回避那些违背道的事。呵，每天的生活充满挑战和矛盾。
生活的耽溺和奢华不断挡我的路，
Entry guarding Zhang Mansion Lane beside the Qinhuai River
堵塞我的真道和蒙蔽我的真实自身。
坚守在我既定的目标范围内，不可踮着脚来看人，不可走在我的自然女神前面。你的言行仿如生命的影像那样清澈透明，招人注目的行为举止与道的精神是格格不入的。
老子说， “不自见，故明；不自是，故彰；不自伐，故有功；不自矜，故长” 。
正如你所知道的，圣人没有欲望和私利。要牢记，修道的人如果光想着自己的话，就如同吃的太饱或劳累过度的人。
食物是用来充饥的，工作为了完成任务。天道最终不依赖它的子孙和祈祷者。信道的人会长寿，迷失了道的人则不然。
Verse 72 – Understanding one’s own affliction
What can it possibly mean to say we understand something 
when there can be no understanding as our attachments and afflictions keep coming forward for all to see?
One of my students Ann at Mencius Temple in Zhoucheng
As we spend all our time thinking we don’t understand, when what we need has been before us trying to get our attention that brings us to understanding.
How can we understand when understanding depends on things independent of each other coming together for their own sake? What can there be to understanding when the answers seem to lie beyond us?
Can we understand our true place in the universe once we know we are only here to come to know our spirit’s true affliction? Treating our affliction, or hardship, as a result our of 
lack of ability to see ourselves as who we ultimately are to become?
Tributes to Mencius in Zhoucheng
If we cannot see beyond our transitory ego and self, how can we come to know why we are here?
Or if as we say someone can awaken midstream to understand his or her place in the universe, as if suddenly seeing the light, can that understanding be understood?
Just as trying to understand the Tao through reasoning when there is no door or entrance that defines what remains indefinable. When often tried, the sage is seen as having an affliction. When in reality the sage is not afflicted, he simply remains above understanding so that hardship or difficulty cannot find him.
第72节 理解个人疾苦
如果我们对接二连三的悲伤和痛苦都不理解，又有什么可能说
我们理解什么呢？
The School of Mencius Zhoucheng
当我们需要的东西展示在我们面前，企图吸引我们的注意力，以达到相互理解，我们却整天想着不理解。
当目的各异，互不相关的事物同时出现时，
我们又如何理解呢？当我们无法寻找答案时，我们又能够理解什么呢？
一旦我们知道此行的目的是理解我们精神上的真正痛苦时，我们能够理解我们在宇宙的真正地位吗？对因为没有能力知道我
们最终将变成什么样的人而带来的痛苦进行治疗？如果我们不能抛弃小小的自尊和自私，我们又如何明白我们为何在此呢？
The student at work
或者，如果我们说，有人能够唤醒大众，了解他或她在宇宙的地位，这就如同突然间看见阳光，这样悟性能够被理解吗？
当门槛或进口不可划定时，试图通过推理来领悟道是徒劳的。屡次尝试之后圣人显得很痛苦。但实际上圣人没有痛苦。他只是不可知之，所以苦难或困难不能找到他。
The sage leaves no trace. (Verse 27)
Verse 27 – Paradox Revealed
As things take shape, you seemingly remain shapeless. Out of the way, in a corner out of view. This appears to be the greatest paradox living comes forth to greet me each day.
For in emulating the life of the true sage, good appears to flow directly from my every movement. The more I try to push it away, the easier it is to find me. When I promote my vision, 
or image, of how things should unfold I become further enmeshed in life’s action.
The Paradox Qingyang Mountain
Is this perhaps the underlying reason for your presence here at this moment in time? To come out of the well-worn shell you have insulated yourself into to become the image, or mirror to be held up for all to follow. Becoming a sage precludes the fact that few can follow in the same footsteps. That once you have acceded to the obvious you can truly lead the way. And is that not why you are here?
As you have seen and done it all before, can it matter if attention and attributes you bring forward bring accolades from those around you? Is not the attention you have garnered a prod to assist you to re-define your purpose to insure it is the Tao leading the way? With you simply putting the pieces into place.
If good walking leaves no tracks, then perhaps the way should be shown that lessens ego and individual and strengthens community.
The True Path of the Sage Confucius Temple – Qingdao
If good talking reveals no flaws then perhaps you should let only positive re-enforcement guide your way. If good counting counts no beads, then show how material advantage does not portend the future.
If you have closed the door properly behind you it cannot be re-opened as if there were no need for locks and if what has been put in place is secured by your light then there can be no knots to be undone and everything finds its rightful end by relying on their nature not their form.
In staying focused the true path of the sage becomes revealed and his motives defined. He becomes good at saving the day while leaving no one behind. By showing no favorites 
everyone is allowed to find their natural place.
The Dragon – Yenti Family Museum
By remaining in the background as others come forth to claim their good, they ultimately become as a cloak or outer garment to cover an inner garment thus you continue to remain unseen. As the path becomes clear, the way remains hidden. Your light remains shining, but stays as if above the clouds.
It is in this way you are comfortable in knowing that you are as stated before like water, that you can come forth free from impurity and seemingly without effort. By showing your true likeness, or virtue, others become ready to find their own. Blinded by the light of your reflection in others, you are prepared to gaze off into the distance to places seldom seen or traveled. Forgetting the world, your success only determined if those who have met you have forgotten your name.
悖论的揭示
万物皆有形，你却无形，不在道中，而在一个隐蔽的角落里。这似乎是我每天过着的悖缪生活。在仿效圣人的道路上，我每走一步都带来福利，我越回避，它来的越多。当我向世人表达我对万物的认识时，我更加深深地卷入生活的漩涡之中。
这也许此时此刻你在这里出现的真正原因吧？你走出赖以藏身的旧壳，成为众人追随的偶像。但是，成为圣人的人寥廖无几。你一旦承认这个显而易见的事实，你就可以真正地带领众
人。这不正是你在这里的缘故吗？
The Grape Harvest Yenti Museum
正如你以前所见所做的那样，你在乎你的品格得到众人的赞赏吗？不正是众人的关心和帮助，你得以重新制定目标，确保道的指引吗？有了你，世间万物显得整整有条。如果懂得走路就可以不留痕迹，那么应该教导众人，少点自我，多些关心社会。
如果周密的演说可以不留破绽，你应该严格循道而行。如果你善于算于不算之中，那你应该向众人言明，物质的优越并不预示未来。如果你把门关牢，那就没有上锁的必要。如果你是光辉，能够给财物带来安全，那就没有必要解开扣子。万物各适其所，是因为它们的自然属性，不是它们的形状。
如果做到全神贯注，圣人的真道就展示眼前，他的动机就明朗。他变得善于助人，不遗弃任何人。他一视同仁，每个人的聪明才智都可以得到充分发挥。当众人前来领奖时，你静静地坐在后面。众人最终成为你的遮掩物，你的内外衣，使你不会暴露于大庭广众之下。路已明，道隐去，你的光辉继续照耀在云层之上。
你自由轻松地前来，就象一泓清水，晶莹纯洁。展示你的真爱或大德，别人就能够找到自己的爱和德。众人的光辉反射在你的身上，令你头晕眼花。你遥望那鲜为人知的远方，忘却这个世界，当与你相识的人忘记你的名字时，那就是你成功的时候。
Because the sage embodies the Tao, they have longevity. (Verse 16)
Verse 16 – Previous Encounters
Remaining on course, I return to the place of my youth to 
reflect on previously self-
The Farm in Lamar
imposed limits as to who I am ultimately to become, as if a final cleansing of those things that made me full of myself.
Given an opportunity to further release those things that have held me back from identifying and knowing my final destiny. To free myself of endeavors that keeps me full of ego and self-interest.
Once recognized, I can let go and let the dragons, or angels, lead the way without intrusion. Declaring my freedom and turning aside all those things that betray my true path as I declare “free at last, free at last, thank God and the Tao I’m 
free at last”. Finally letting go of all that has gone before me, I can see the way leads to stillness as the knowing sage.
Carved Dragon Confucius Temple in Qufu
As I let go, my true path is unveiled and my enthusiasm, my greatest attribute that opens the door for all others, becomes totally and completely apparent.
In returning to my roots, I have unconsciously re-discovered the stillness I knew at the beginning. Thereby allowing me to become shapeless once again. Knowing that the path now followed and the endeavors now cultivated can now prevail; I am reminded of my travels with Lieh Tzu.
I feel a great swoosh… As if a great gust of wind has picked me up and carried me closer to my ultimate destiny.
(Written in June 2000 during a trip home to Joplin, Missouri where I grew up. I lived there from the seventh grade through two years of college. 1964-1973).
第16节 往事
漫游中，我回到我的成长之地。回想起从前对自己的希冀，仿
佛对自己过去的所作所为进行一次最后的清理。
The Original I Ching Qingyang Taoist Temple Chengdu
又获得一次机会来摒除障碍，明辨方向，把自己从充满自我之中解脱出来。
一旦认清了方向，就可以出发。让神龙或天使引路而不受干扰。我说，“我终于自由了，我终于自由了，感谢神，感谢道，我终于自由了！”我宣布自由，所有的挡道之物都得以排除，过去的终于成为过去。作为一个聪颖的圣人，我能够看见通向宁静的道路。当我踏上旅途时，我的热情和我扶助众人的高尚品格变得如此显而易见。
回到故里，我不知不觉地重新发现曾经拥有过的宁静，再次变得无形无状。我知道我现在所循的道和所作的努力切实可行。我与列子同游。
我仿佛听见风声飕飕，一阵大风将我卷起，带着我走近我的最终归宿。
（2000年6月作于重访密苏里祖泊林期间。1964年－1973年我在那里度过了小学7年级至大学2年级这段时光）
The sage creates peace. (Verse 32)
Verse 32 – The River of Tao runs through Me
Going through each chapter of the Tao Te Ching is as if a river is running through me. Cleansing my heart, clearing my head and satisfying my soul. As if I have become nameless and my body non-existent as I become one with the Tao. 
Living the life as the true sage as the Tao becomes me.
Embracing the Simple Qingyang Temple
I am forever transformed.
The Way becoming simple and clear as the natural extension of your every action. Focusing on what remains small and beyond command by others except for appearance sake. When you expand, however, it is as if you are everywhere. You become both heaven and earth combining as one.
Embracing the simple and working without effort, my true nature remains unburdened as material things and desires run through me and dissolve as if they were never really there. Showing the way, but leaving others to discover the Tao for themselves.
You appear as if dew leaving no trace. Given a name you become distinct. Showing restraint and finding no trouble your true purpose has run its course.
道之河在我身上流过
阅读道德经的每一个章节，仿佛一条大河在我心中流淌，洗涤
我的心，澄清我的头脑，抚慰我的灵魂。与道在一起，我似乎变得无名无姓，身体再也不复存在。道变成了我时，我如同过着真正
Showing the Way Qingyang Temple
圣人的生活。我已经彻底地改变了我自己。
道变得如此简单和清晰，已成为你每一个行动的自然延续。把注意力集中在细节和众人力所不及方面，但不要把心思放在外表上。然而，当你扩展时，你好像无处不在，你成为天和地的合一。
拥抱简朴，劳而不费力。当物欲横流时，我的本性不为所扰，好像它们从来就没有出现过。我替众人引路，但让他们自己去发现道。
你象露水一样不留痕迹。给你一个与众不同的名字，展示你的忍耐力，道路平坦通畅，你的理想已经实现。
Others do not harm the sage. Verses 50 and 55)
Verse 50 – Evolving with ever-renewing purpose
To the sage death is nothing more than an opportunity to return home once again. To assess his standing in the ten thousand things and be reassured that he remains no better 
or worse for the wear, that in the end only his eternal presence, or essence, in keeping with the Tao is insured.
The Reckoning Wuhan Temple
Success or failure only determined by the number of lives he has touched and rather he helped others find their true way. In coming home he transcends all boundaries and exudes the virtue and grace of one who has been everywhere there is to be, seen all there is to see and transcended the Tao to and fro, up and down and is utterly complete.
Cultivating his true nature his body is cast aside. As an innate knowing reminds him that once our body has been cast aside, we are free to travel once again on the wind with dragons, as you are reminded of your eternal role in the universe and secret to your own longevity. Just as in life you guarded your real purpose, you now are ready to be renewed before returning to be born again.
第５０节 不断更新
对圣人而言，死亡不过是一次回家的机会。在评价他在万物中
的地位和确定他在岁月的侵蚀中无
The Renewal Wuhan Temple
损时，他与道的永恒存在和本质最后得到证实。
回家时，圣人的成功和失败由他接触生命的多少而定，而不是由他帮助发现真道的人的多少来定。圣人超越时空，把那些走遍世界，看遍世界的人的大德和仁慈到处传布。圣人已经全面地超越道，成为完人。
当圣人修炼真性时，把自己的身体抛开。正如一个先知告诉他，当身体被抛弃，我们就能够自由地与龙乘风漫游。你须牢记你在宇宙的永恒地位和你的长寿秘密。如同你活着时保护你的真实目的一样，重生之前，你要做好更新自己的准备。
Verse 55 – Gaining a firm grip on lasting abundance
What does it mean to have lasting abundance when we leave 
our virtue behind?
The Extension Chongqing Museum
How can we be full of breath, yet not know how to make our breath endure? If our essence remains within us, why does our virility stand in the way? When you become simply an extension of the Tao, you go as if mindless through your endeavors.
Without a mind, you have no thoughts or desires. You proceed fearless unaware of what may harm you or that you could possibly harm another.
Once you become aware that you are a part of something bigger than yourself and have a firm grip on the direction you must take, only then can you begin to focus your mind and cultivate the Tao. When your mind does not stray and a certain serenity surrounds you, then your breath can become balanced.
Endurance Chongqing Museum
The sage focuses on his breath because when it becomes balanced his essence is stable, his spirit serene and his true nature is restored.
Controlling his breath, he endures and finds his true nature. Understanding his true nature he is able to impart wisdom to others. He becomes unconcerned and extending his life as his spirit is uncluttered and has already rediscovered its place in what has been what may occur now and where he will spend eternity. The sage has no fear of death because he knows his essence, or spirit, remains eternal.
把握恒久的丰裕
如果失去了大德，拥有恒久的丰裕又如何？如果不懂得忍耐，我们又如何做到恒久？如果我们的本质仍在，为什么自尊自大挡住我们的道？
当你成为道的传人，努力前行，好像无知无觉一样。没有了头脑，你就没有了思想或欲望，你就可以勇往直前，无所畏惧。不知道什么可以伤害你，也不知道你可能伤害别人。
一旦知道自己的重要性，你就要紧紧地把握方向，只有这样，你才能够专心修道。当你心无旁骛，宁静弥漫四周时，你才能
够心平气静，达到平衡。
With no thoughts or desires Images of the Han Confucius Mansion Qufu
圣人凝神聚气，这因为气息达到平衡时，他的内心平稳，精神宁静，真性就可以得到恢复。
控制情绪，坚忍，圣人就可以发现自己的真性，只有领悟他的真性，圣人才能够把智慧传授给别人。圣人对世事毫无牵挂，神志清晰，生命延长，并且重新发现他的过去，现在和未来在宇宙的永恒地位。圣人不惧死亡，因为他的精神永存。
Heaven protects the sage and the sage’s spirit becomes invincible (Verse 67).
Verse 67 – Thoughts on remaining a lower presence
The sage’s challenge is to be present, but act as if he is not really here. Possessing the way, he sees himself as an orphan 
widowed and impoverished staying below those around him.
Dragon Vase Shanghai
He is as if the banks of a great river allowing everything to run through and past him, while he guides the way. He is like the receptacle of everything as it meets its end, as if the ocean remaining lower and capturing the water of a hundred rivers. While they pour into him, he barely notices except to be raised up by their presence.
For those who would benefit by the sage he must maintain a position lower than everyone around him.
If thrust to the forefront he must act as if he were behind. If seen as above others he must see that others remain unburdened by him.
While those around him continually push him forward he simply flows with events taking care not to struggle. Because he does not struggle no one can struggle against him. As no one can struggle against him he takes everything to new heights and places they would not otherwise go.
对保持低调的思考
圣人面临的挑战是，既要抛头露面，又要不为人知。圣人有
道，把自己看作低人一等的贫穷孤
Two Dragons Shanghai Musuem
儿。他如同一道河堤，让河水顺堤而下，超越自己。他如同万物之器皿，包容一切。他如同大海，纳百川之水，仍然难观其变化。
圣人的地位必须比众人低，才能让众人得益。
如果圣人挺身而出，他却必须装作落后。如果圣人居于众人之上，他必须看到众人不会因他而背上负担。
当身边的人不断推他向前，圣人只是随波逐流，与世无争。因为他与世无争，世人也不与他竞争。因为无人与他竞争，圣人得以把