Nature can be spoken of, but is not unchanging.
Names can be named, but is not constant.
The Name of the Void is Heaven and Earth.
Its origin is existence.
The name of all things is the Mother.
Now, ever free of deep-seated desire, then we may truly see the mind.
The mind's mystery ever possesses desires, thus the One perceives the world's many manifestations.
This contrasts the One's origins, yet the two differ in name.
Unity is incomprehensible.
Mystery is also the deepest secret.
All existence lies in one's home.
Who wants a crack at Verse 2?
New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
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Trevor Salyzyn
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New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
A mindful man needs few words.
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Diebert van Rhijn
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- Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2005 4:43 pm
Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Those first two lines I prefer the simpler and more inclusive, following some of the original Chinese ambiguity and Daoist duality:
The notions of beauty and ugliness cause each other
All good things done will create evil with them
The same way existence and non-existence cause each other
Or difficult and easy, long and short, heights and lows
Like the musical intervals between opposing tones
Contrapuntal as the past and future
This is how a wise man gets his way without effort
And how he teaches not by instructions
As everything springs up by itself, no one has to interfere
Causality takes care, no one is needed to produce
The work is done, yet goes on forever
Since nobody has done a thing
- changing nature versus constant nature / changing word versus eternal word
The notions of beauty and ugliness cause each other
All good things done will create evil with them
The same way existence and non-existence cause each other
Or difficult and easy, long and short, heights and lows
Like the musical intervals between opposing tones
Contrapuntal as the past and future
This is how a wise man gets his way without effort
And how he teaches not by instructions
As everything springs up by itself, no one has to interfere
Causality takes care, no one is needed to produce
The work is done, yet goes on forever
Since nobody has done a thing
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Cory Duchesne
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 3
- The jealousy, envy and shame of other people can be used against you, as it can provoke sabotage of all kinds. A man is often his own worst enemy, as he should know better than to put on too bright of a display, creating rivals, passive aggression and sabotage, all the while wishing there was none! Take responsibility for the unnecessary envy you cause in others and prevent it's occurrence. Exalting gifted people also distracts from the much nobler goal of being your own audience and not becoming addicted to the crowd.
- Hoarding wealth and putting on a display of riches invites both thievery and blatant disrespect (another form of thievery). People will suspect you just want attention and will act to dis-empower you.
- If you wish to lead men, or if you wish to be among men peacefully, do not draw attention to a current ambition or a past glory, you will only stir resentment. Instead focus on the self interests of people in the moment.
- Empty your heart of your expectations. Realize how selfish people really are, and in interactions, do not appeal to their mercy. It feels good to talk about yourself, a non-reflective mind tends to blab selfishly. So learn not to do it.
- Stuff your mind with knowledge. The mind is like a belly and will slowly digest what you stuff into it. The best knowledge empties the heart.
- Ambitions are often deluded. Life has it's own course, one must work with it. Visualizing the future tends to be merely a mirage. Work with the given energies and appeal to the self interest of those around you.
- Life has a structure, an order. Learn the principles. Those are your true bones.
- always having to explain yourself and your plans will merely give other people a foothold into your mind. If they find your thumbscrew, they will likely abuse it, hurting themselves and also hurting you. Many people will employ their cunning and cleverness upon whatever you reveal, so conceal what you know.
- Results depend vitally on what is not done. It is what you restrain yourself from doing that allows other people around you to function naturally and fully, in their self interest as well as in yours.
- The jealousy, envy and shame of other people can be used against you, as it can provoke sabotage of all kinds. A man is often his own worst enemy, as he should know better than to put on too bright of a display, creating rivals, passive aggression and sabotage, all the while wishing there was none! Take responsibility for the unnecessary envy you cause in others and prevent it's occurrence. Exalting gifted people also distracts from the much nobler goal of being your own audience and not becoming addicted to the crowd.
- Hoarding wealth and putting on a display of riches invites both thievery and blatant disrespect (another form of thievery). People will suspect you just want attention and will act to dis-empower you.
- If you wish to lead men, or if you wish to be among men peacefully, do not draw attention to a current ambition or a past glory, you will only stir resentment. Instead focus on the self interests of people in the moment.
- Empty your heart of your expectations. Realize how selfish people really are, and in interactions, do not appeal to their mercy. It feels good to talk about yourself, a non-reflective mind tends to blab selfishly. So learn not to do it.
- Stuff your mind with knowledge. The mind is like a belly and will slowly digest what you stuff into it. The best knowledge empties the heart.
- Ambitions are often deluded. Life has it's own course, one must work with it. Visualizing the future tends to be merely a mirage. Work with the given energies and appeal to the self interest of those around you.
- Life has a structure, an order. Learn the principles. Those are your true bones.
- always having to explain yourself and your plans will merely give other people a foothold into your mind. If they find your thumbscrew, they will likely abuse it, hurting themselves and also hurting you. Many people will employ their cunning and cleverness upon whatever you reveal, so conceal what you know.
- Results depend vitally on what is not done. It is what you restrain yourself from doing that allows other people around you to function naturally and fully, in their self interest as well as in yours.
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Diebert van Rhijn
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Re: New Translation of Chapter 4 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 4
Nature is empty but inexhaustible.
It's the origin of all multiplicity
It grinds itself down
Unties its own knots
Burns up its own fires
It settles within its own dust
So hard to see this stillness
Not knowing where it's coming from
It must be the creator of gods!
Nature is empty but inexhaustible.
It's the origin of all multiplicity
It grinds itself down
Unties its own knots
Burns up its own fires
It settles within its own dust
So hard to see this stillness
Not knowing where it's coming from
It must be the creator of gods!
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Trevor Salyzyn
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Great work so far! I can't assist because I've other things to do, but keep it up.
A mindful man needs few words.
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Cory Duchesne
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 5
Possibilities are ruthless. What is wonderful for one man to create, alienates and annihilates his contemporary. (On Heaven)
Habits are ruthless. What is great comfort for one man is suffocating to another man. (On Earth)
The people are destroyed unflinchingly both by forces of habit (earth) and novelty (heaven).
The Sage's symbols and his Truth are constant, enduring both peace and war.
Although what informs his senses change, his truth and symbol apply in all situations.
Power (virtue) must always renew itself through conscious yielding to the unknown.
More words means more room for misinterpretation. Most people will get lost in the maze of words, so conceal the maze.
Relate yourself to the absolute rather than mere transient forms.
Possibilities are ruthless. What is wonderful for one man to create, alienates and annihilates his contemporary. (On Heaven)
Habits are ruthless. What is great comfort for one man is suffocating to another man. (On Earth)
The people are destroyed unflinchingly both by forces of habit (earth) and novelty (heaven).
The Sage's symbols and his Truth are constant, enduring both peace and war.
Although what informs his senses change, his truth and symbol apply in all situations.
Power (virtue) must always renew itself through conscious yielding to the unknown.
More words means more room for misinterpretation. Most people will get lost in the maze of words, so conceal the maze.
Relate yourself to the absolute rather than mere transient forms.
Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 6
The well is without end
and called the female mystery
The female mystery is the spring
and called the root of heaven and earth
Action acts to increase it
and action decrease it
The well is without end
and called the female mystery
The female mystery is the spring
and called the root of heaven and earth
Action acts to increase it
and action decrease it
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SeekerOfWisdom
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- Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:23 pm
Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
7.
That which encompasses everything is infinite and endless.
Why is it endless?
It has no beginning,
thus it has no end.
Why is it infinite?
It has no preferences or wants,
thus it is there for all to use.
The master is a servant
that is why she is a leader.
She is detached from her experiences,
that is why she flows as one with them.
Because she has forgotten the idea of a "Self",
she is perfectly full and content with what is.
We should form a group, the only prerequisite being enlightenment.
That which encompasses everything is infinite and endless.
Why is it endless?
It has no beginning,
thus it has no end.
Why is it infinite?
It has no preferences or wants,
thus it is there for all to use.
The master is a servant
that is why she is a leader.
She is detached from her experiences,
that is why she flows as one with them.
Because she has forgotten the idea of a "Self",
she is perfectly full and content with what is.
We should form a group, the only prerequisite being enlightenment.
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Cory Duchesne
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 8
The highest good is non-interference/acceptance. This good allows it's counterpart (the lesser good, fire).
Not interfering and accepting what is, the various elements of the world (the carpenters, fishermen, messengers, scientists, technologists) find their own way, with only themselves to blame.
Non-interference is generally difficult for men. They are polluted with prejudice, passion, manipulative intentions, and rash action.
Be close to the thing that will annihilate you. The movements of the earth such as the water, ice, wind and fire wear away at even the strongest materials. Be mindful of impermanence and the inevitable demise of all forms.
Being mindful of impermanence, you will be mindful of humanity's struggle and you will stay in touch with the deepest recesses of the heart (you will know great tragedy and comedy, dealing with people from that perspective).
From this awareness, being gentle and kind becomes both pragmatic, appealing to conscience and hence natural.
From this awareness, one will be true in speech.
As a ruler, one is aware of the haphazard in life, and from that awareness comes great justice.
Not taking things lightly (aware of how difficult life is) one is competent.
Knowing the destructive and callous movements of the earth and heaven, one will be sure to watch the timing. If one must act to achieve results, it's only natural to not allow those results to be perverted by unforeseen causes (the haphazard).
By not using force to control other people, there will be no one to blame. Each man responsible for his purpose.
The highest good is non-interference/acceptance. This good allows it's counterpart (the lesser good, fire).
Not interfering and accepting what is, the various elements of the world (the carpenters, fishermen, messengers, scientists, technologists) find their own way, with only themselves to blame.
Non-interference is generally difficult for men. They are polluted with prejudice, passion, manipulative intentions, and rash action.
Be close to the thing that will annihilate you. The movements of the earth such as the water, ice, wind and fire wear away at even the strongest materials. Be mindful of impermanence and the inevitable demise of all forms.
Being mindful of impermanence, you will be mindful of humanity's struggle and you will stay in touch with the deepest recesses of the heart (you will know great tragedy and comedy, dealing with people from that perspective).
From this awareness, being gentle and kind becomes both pragmatic, appealing to conscience and hence natural.
From this awareness, one will be true in speech.
As a ruler, one is aware of the haphazard in life, and from that awareness comes great justice.
Not taking things lightly (aware of how difficult life is) one is competent.
Knowing the destructive and callous movements of the earth and heaven, one will be sure to watch the timing. If one must act to achieve results, it's only natural to not allow those results to be perverted by unforeseen causes (the haphazard).
By not using force to control other people, there will be no one to blame. Each man responsible for his purpose.
-
Cory Duchesne
- Posts: 2320
- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:35 am
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 9
To what end do you draw attention? Is it to glorify yourself?
The people are oppressed by an attention whore. Magnetism is power, and such power wounds.
Use this blade enough and the people will see your life as a means to an end.
Stealing contentment from others, consciously or unconsciously, do you glorify yourself?
Rather than be a singularity, be a bridge over a chasm, or work your way down a slope towards what softens.
The great work is freeing the mind. Retire into that which cannot be destroyed, and hence, be invisible.
Heaven is dealing with the public with nobility, but rooting one's peace in privacy (fighting one's wars in privacy).
To what end do you draw attention? Is it to glorify yourself?
The people are oppressed by an attention whore. Magnetism is power, and such power wounds.
Use this blade enough and the people will see your life as a means to an end.
Stealing contentment from others, consciously or unconsciously, do you glorify yourself?
Rather than be a singularity, be a bridge over a chasm, or work your way down a slope towards what softens.
The great work is freeing the mind. Retire into that which cannot be destroyed, and hence, be invisible.
Heaven is dealing with the public with nobility, but rooting one's peace in privacy (fighting one's wars in privacy).
-
Cory Duchesne
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 10
Separation occurs when desire climbs ahead of the greater will.
This "greater will" could be a host of events that appear to
interrupt or interfere with desire.
Can you avoid dividing your ideal from what is actually happening?
Can you embrace and meet events as they happen with an open heart and open mind?
This requires great flexibility, which comes from great sacrifice.
Our vision is filled with impurities when we have an ideal of how the external world should be.
Sacrificing our desires and meeting events wholly, our vision is cleansed.
To lose a hope, to have a dream crushed, is to bleed. Bleeding leaves stains for all to see.
Can you be without stain?
Rather than use cleverness, can you see the big picture and realize the simplicity that allows complexity?
Can you dissolve both simplicity and complexity, inviting and denying both depending on the values?
Those in heaven work with ease, free of worry and bad conscience. Can you open the gates and lead the worthy inside?
For the men who are not worthy of heaven, can you regard them with no resentment? Discovering their torment and nurturing it?
Can you put into practice the ideal of woman that no woman seems to really live up to?
When an action is performed, where did it originate? Can you bear fruits, realizing they are not yours? Realizing that you are not yours?
Men will follow the one who does not impose his will upon others, but shows a good example.
Separation occurs when desire climbs ahead of the greater will.
This "greater will" could be a host of events that appear to
interrupt or interfere with desire.
Can you avoid dividing your ideal from what is actually happening?
Can you embrace and meet events as they happen with an open heart and open mind?
This requires great flexibility, which comes from great sacrifice.
Our vision is filled with impurities when we have an ideal of how the external world should be.
Sacrificing our desires and meeting events wholly, our vision is cleansed.
To lose a hope, to have a dream crushed, is to bleed. Bleeding leaves stains for all to see.
Can you be without stain?
Rather than use cleverness, can you see the big picture and realize the simplicity that allows complexity?
Can you dissolve both simplicity and complexity, inviting and denying both depending on the values?
Those in heaven work with ease, free of worry and bad conscience. Can you open the gates and lead the worthy inside?
For the men who are not worthy of heaven, can you regard them with no resentment? Discovering their torment and nurturing it?
Can you put into practice the ideal of woman that no woman seems to really live up to?
When an action is performed, where did it originate? Can you bear fruits, realizing they are not yours? Realizing that you are not yours?
Men will follow the one who does not impose his will upon others, but shows a good example.
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SeekerOfWisdom
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
"When an action is performed, where did it originate? Can you bear fruits, realizing they are not yours? Realizing that you are not yours."
Good description, that's all it takes. To be aware of this is to be in wakeful and clear recognition of the mystery and miraculous nature of our experiences, enlightenment.
Chapter 12 shotgun*
Good description, that's all it takes. To be aware of this is to be in wakeful and clear recognition of the mystery and miraculous nature of our experiences, enlightenment.
Chapter 12 shotgun*
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Cory Duchesne
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 11
The value of both one and none are often overlooked. Those of a lower nature seek numbers, quantity.
What is better, 30, or merely one? What about the value of nothing?
Having consistent values, we all have to achieve results to some degree. We have to cause change.
It helps to see how nature love and hates a vacuum. What is of substance flows into where there is nothing.
If you want something to come to you, assume formlessness.
The matador has nothing behind his screen but wind.
But with an empty breeze concealed over some colour, he masters the predator.
Value what exists, but also see the value of what does not exist.
The value of both one and none are often overlooked. Those of a lower nature seek numbers, quantity.
What is better, 30, or merely one? What about the value of nothing?
Having consistent values, we all have to achieve results to some degree. We have to cause change.
It helps to see how nature love and hates a vacuum. What is of substance flows into where there is nothing.
If you want something to come to you, assume formlessness.
The matador has nothing behind his screen but wind.
But with an empty breeze concealed over some colour, he masters the predator.
Value what exists, but also see the value of what does not exist.
-
SeekerOfWisdom
- Posts: 2336
- Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:23 pm
Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
12
Distractions of sight cloud true vision.
As all senses interfere with true sense.
Thoughts weaken the natural clarity of the mind.
As desires wither the natural purity of the heart.
The wise man is wakeful to the world
but listens only to his inherit wisdom.
He doesn't try to hold on to anything.
He is as free and open as the sky.
Distractions of sight cloud true vision.
As all senses interfere with true sense.
Thoughts weaken the natural clarity of the mind.
As desires wither the natural purity of the heart.
The wise man is wakeful to the world
but listens only to his inherit wisdom.
He doesn't try to hold on to anything.
He is as free and open as the sky.
-
Cory Duchesne
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- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:35 am
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Thirteen
Unbind the rope that enslaves you. The relation to any particular form (any attachment) is enslavement. Form is fortune. Woman is fortune. Acclaim is fortune. These things have your hands tied behind your back.
What would you be if you lost it all? Are you not terrified at the thought? So lose it all now. Drift for days, for weeks. Wander away from your hopes. Wander down, wander back. Walk into the fantasy of doom. Is it not liberating?
Now take a look before you. What is there to appreciate? Everything, of course.
You have the infinite to play with, to appreciate.
Now look at the one in sorrow. What's his problem?
He's not appreciated by others, and so he cannot appreciate the other.
Unbind the rope that enslaves you. The relation to any particular form (any attachment) is enslavement. Form is fortune. Woman is fortune. Acclaim is fortune. These things have your hands tied behind your back.
What would you be if you lost it all? Are you not terrified at the thought? So lose it all now. Drift for days, for weeks. Wander away from your hopes. Wander down, wander back. Walk into the fantasy of doom. Is it not liberating?
Now take a look before you. What is there to appreciate? Everything, of course.
You have the infinite to play with, to appreciate.
Now look at the one in sorrow. What's his problem?
He's not appreciated by others, and so he cannot appreciate the other.
Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
The Way of Virtue Sutra
Chapter 14
Whitout recognition it is nameless
The way is hidden to the people
Whitout hearing it it is rare
To unreavel the hidden is named hope
To not strive to achieve are for few
Whitout effort the name doesn't matter
The Three who do not do, cause or ask
Being so act as one
They are beneath display
They are above conceal
The sage does not name it
What is it?
It is called form without form
No form is like it
It's called indistinct indistinguishableness
Greet it's unrecognizable old
And follow it's hidden new
Carry the old way
And keep here now
The knower of the ancient beginning
Is called the Way disciple
Chapter 14
Whitout recognition it is nameless
The way is hidden to the people
Whitout hearing it it is rare
To unreavel the hidden is named hope
To not strive to achieve are for few
Whitout effort the name doesn't matter
The Three who do not do, cause or ask
Being so act as one
They are beneath display
They are above conceal
The sage does not name it
What is it?
It is called form without form
No form is like it
It's called indistinct indistinguishableness
Greet it's unrecognizable old
And follow it's hidden new
Carry the old way
And keep here now
The knower of the ancient beginning
Is called the Way disciple
Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
Chapter 15
The sage
Does not explain it
It cannot be explained
He does not explain it
That is which makes him endure
As if a plain river in the winter
Would fear the coming of the seasons
It's great as it endures
Unfrozen it acomplishes and it's released
The sage is plain simple
Whitout doing he acomplishes
Going along he is released
Running and still
How is it not clear?
Who is able to stop and run again?
Keep this Way do not greed don't be full
He does not fulfill it
That which make his conceal
Does not make him full
The sage
Does not explain it
It cannot be explained
He does not explain it
That is which makes him endure
As if a plain river in the winter
Would fear the coming of the seasons
It's great as it endures
Unfrozen it acomplishes and it's released
The sage is plain simple
Whitout doing he acomplishes
Going along he is released
Running and still
How is it not clear?
Who is able to stop and run again?
Keep this Way do not greed don't be full
He does not fulfill it
That which make his conceal
Does not make him full
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SeekerOfWisdom
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Re: New Translation of Verse 1 of Tao te Ching
16
Clear your mind of all thoughts and distractions
Be still and with internal peace.
Watch the suffering of beings
But contemplate how to bring about their return
Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source of all things
Returning to the source of our consciousness is serenity.
If you don't realize the source,
you will live in confusion and misunderstanding, wandering the plains of a mirage,
When you realize what your source is
you will naturally become tolerant, as things do not have a real effect on your being
Disinterested but amused, as you realize these ongoings should not concern you
Kindhearted as a grandmother caring for babes
dignified as a great king
Immersed in the wonder of everything
you can easily deal with whatever life brings you
and when death comes, through understanding it, you are ready.
Clear your mind of all thoughts and distractions
Be still and with internal peace.
Watch the suffering of beings
But contemplate how to bring about their return
Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source of all things
Returning to the source of our consciousness is serenity.
If you don't realize the source,
you will live in confusion and misunderstanding, wandering the plains of a mirage,
When you realize what your source is
you will naturally become tolerant, as things do not have a real effect on your being
Disinterested but amused, as you realize these ongoings should not concern you
Kindhearted as a grandmother caring for babes
dignified as a great king
Immersed in the wonder of everything
you can easily deal with whatever life brings you
and when death comes, through understanding it, you are ready.