The preferences of Heaven are beyond human understanding. Even sages struggle to discern them, let alone ordinary people! The Dao operates through inscrutable natural laws, transcending human logic. Sages approach such mysteries with humility rather than forced interpretation.
He whose boldness appears in his daring (to do wrong, in defiance of the laws) is put to death; he whose boldness appears in his not daring (to do so) lives on. Of these two cases the one appears to be advantageous, and the other to be injurious. But
When Heaven’s anger smites a man,
Who the cause shall truly scan?On this account the sage feels a difficulty (as to what to do in the former case).
It is the way of Heaven not to strive, and yet it skilfully overcomes; not to speak, and yet it is skilful in (obtaining a reply); does not call, and yet men come to it of themselves. Its demonstrations are quiet, and yet its plans are skilful and effective. The meshes of the net of Heaven are large; far apart, but letting nothing escape.
The Tao’s power lies in its spontaneity and non-interference, contrasting with human tendencies to overcontrol.
The Tao of Heaven does not contend yet excels in victory; does not speak yet excels in response; does not summon yet things come naturally; is tranquil yet excels in planning.
The Tao’s governance is invisible but omnipresent, ensuring cosmic order without coercion.
The Dao achieves outcomes through intrinsic balance, not human intervention. Reckless audacity invites calamity, while the courage to let go brings blessings.
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