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Superior Virtue is the Dao itself — undivided, complete, and beyond notions of “virtue” or “gain.” It embodies true integrity without striving. It acts without acting, flows without intention, merging seamlessly with the rhythm of ziran. No analysis taints its purity, no agenda mars its perfection. “Superior Virtue does not claim virtue, thus it…
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The Dao in its regular course does nothing (for the sake of doing it), and so there is nothing which it does not do.If princes and kings were able to maintain it, all things would of themselves be transformed by them.If this transformation became to me an object of desire, I would express the…
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To him who holds in his hands the Great Image (of the invisible Dao), the whole world repairs. Men resort to him, and receive no hurt, but (find) rest, peace, and the feeling of ease.Music and dainties will make the passing guest stop (for a time). But though the Dao as it comes from…
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The Dao, vast beyond measure, pervades all dimensions. Transcending spatial binaries of left/right or containment, it sustains the cyclical dance of existence while remaining inseparable from all beings.
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He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.He who does not fail in the requirements of his…
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The Dao exists under heaven like valleys that silently receive rivers. It is eternal, unnamed, and simple. Hidden and imperceptible, no one can dominate it.