Tao Te Ching – Verse 59
For governing a country well
there is nothing better than moderation.
The mark of a moderate man is freedom from his own ideas.
Tolerant like the sky,
all-pervading like sunlight,
firm like a mountain,
supple like a tree in the wind,
he has no destination in view
and makes use of anything
life happens to bring his way.
Nothing is impossible for him.
Because he has let go,
he can care for the people’s welfare
as a mother cares for her child.
(translation by Stephen Mitchell, 1995)
-+-+-+-
In governing people and serving Heaven
There is nothing like conservation
Only with conservation is it called submitting early
Submitting early is called emphasis on accumulating virtues
Accumulating virtues means there is nothing one cannot overcome
When there is nothing that one cannot overcome
One’s limits are unknown
The limitations being unknown, one can possess sovereignty
With this mother principle of power, one can be everlasting
This is called deep roots and firm foundation
The Tao of longevity and lasting vision
(translation by Derek Lin, 2006)
-+-+-+-
The Well of power is within.
Draw from it daily.
Very little else matters.
(translation by Jeremy M. Miller, 2013)
-+-+-+-
from I Ching Online
