Where the Way is often sought, The truest Way cannot be caught. Names we give, but they won't last long, Yet naming is how things belong. From nothingness, the world did start, Naming gives each thing its part. Desireless, we see wonder's core, Otherwise, we always seek more. Two paths, different names they bear, Both mysterious, beyond compare.

When all see beauty and call it so, Ugliness begins its show. When all know good and label it Right, Wrong then steps into the light. Opposites give each other birth, Easy-hard, short-long, heaven-earth. Sounds harmonize, and sequences flow, Thus, the wise let go of the show. They act without a fuss or claim, Achieve, but never seek the fame.

Value not just the wise and bright, So people won't compete with might. Don't prize rare treasures or heavy gold, Or theft will in the hearts take hold. Hide desires, clear the mind's view, So the heart remains pure and true. The wise leader, with this creed, Fulfills needs, not just greed. Strengthens bones and weakens pride, Lets wisdom quietly reside. By acting without a forceful hand, All is right within the land.

The Way is vast, yet never fills, Deep as a gorge, atop the hills. It's the root, from which all springs, Softens the sharp, untangles strings. Blends the light, with dust it binds, Deep and clear, in all it winds. Seems eternal, never ends, Whose child it is, none comprehends. Perhaps before the great sky's span, It was there, before time began.

The sky and earth, they do not care, For all below, it is just air. Wise folks too, may seem unkind, But for the greater good, they're aligned. Between sky and earth, it's like a bellows' song, Empty yet strong, moving all along. Talk too much, and words will end, Better to stay centered, my friend.

The spirit of the valley never fades, A mystical mother, in the shades. The gate of the mystic mother, so keen, Is called the root of all unseen. Continuous, it seems to be, Use it well, and never weary. It's there without a fuss or fight, Enduring with a gentle might.

Heaven stretches, earth endures, A dance of time that reassures. Why do they last, so old and great? They do not live for their own sake. Thus the sage, in wisdom's seat, Puts herself last, a feat so neat. Forgets herself, but finds she's found, In this way, her presence profound. Is it not because she's selfless, true, That her own self comes shining through? By setting herself aside, so clever, She finds her place, and lives on forever.

The highest good's like a flowing stream, Water benefits all, in every dream. Never fighting, just goes with the flow, Stays where others might not go. It's close to the Way, in its gentle glide, Lives in good places, with pride set aside. Heart as deep as the ocean's own bend, Kindness in actions, a true-hearted friend. Speaks with trust, acts with grace, Always right, knows its place. Adept in action, timely in deed, It's the lack of strife, that lets it succeed.

Holding too much, filled up to the brim, Better to stop, before reaching the rim. Sharpen too much, and it won't stay keen, It can't be kept up, if you know what I mean. Rooms full of treasure, gold and jade, No one can guard them, they'll surely fade. Wealth and pride lead to a fall, It's the Way of the world, the same for all. Accomplishments done, step back, that's the key, The Way of heaven, naturally. For in stepping back when the work is through, Space is made for the new to brew.

Nurturing the spirit, embracing the one, Can you keep it together, until it's all done? Focus your energy, soft and profound, Can you be like a baby, with innocence unbound? Cleanse your inner vision, keep it pure and clear, Can you avoid all flaws, and hold what's dear? Loving the people, guiding the state, Can you do so without knowing their fate? Open and close the gates of heaven's might, Can you be passive, letting things take flight? Seeing all directions, in clarity and glow, Can you act without knowing, just letting it flow? Nourish and care, let things grow wild and free, Have without possessing, let everything just be. Lead without controlling, let nature have its due, This is the mystic virtue, always true.

Thirty spokes share one hub's embrace, It's the empty space that gives the wheel grace. Clay is shaped to form a vessel's frame, It's the space within that gives it a name. Doors and windows cut in walls standing tall, It's the void they create that's useful to all. Thus what is there gives us the means to thrive, But the nothingness within gives everything life.

Five colors can blind a person's sight, Five sounds make the hearing not quite right. Five flavors can overwhelm the taste, Hunting and chasing, a crazy waste. Rare treasures lead to harmful deeds, For they plant in hearts those greedy seeds. Thus the sage keeps to the core, Leaves the superficial, seeks something more.

If fame or shame comes knocking at your door, React with surprise, as if never before. Why do we treat these guests with such a start? Fame puts us high, its loss tears us apart. And why is great trouble like our own flesh? For troubles come when we mesh and we mesh. Without a self, what trouble can truly be? So if you hold your self too dear, you'll never be free. If you value your body as if the world it could hold, You might be trusted with riches untold. If you love with a heart that's as wide as the sea, Perhaps the world itself, in your hands could be.

See it, yet it hides, call it the elusive sight, Hear it, yet it's silent, the quiet takes flight. Grasp it, but it's gone, like a wisp in the breeze, These three are mysterious, blending with ease. Neither bright above, nor dark down below, It's continuous, unnamable, in its gentle flow. Returning to the realm of the unseen and unknown, This form without form, image all on its own. Approach, and its start remains out of view, Follow, and its end, slips away too. Embrace ancient ways, in today's bustling spree, To understand beginnings, is the Dao's decree.

Sages of old with their wisdom so deep, Subtle and mystical, their secrets they keep. So profound and complex, they elude our perception, Their demeanor, a force, commanding respect without question. Cautious as one who crosses streams in winter's chill, Reserved as if surrounded by attention that might kill. Solemn as a guest, with every gesture measured right, Dissolving like the ice that meets the morning light. Simple as uncarved blocks of wood, they'd appear, Spacious as valleys, hollow and clear. Muddled as murky waters, yet calm inside, Few can remain still and let the murk subside? Those who keep to this Way do not seek to be full, For only by being empty can they be ever pull, Renewal without end, an eternal spring, Their vessels void, so the universe within can sing.

Embrace the void, hold fast to quietude, As all things rise, we watch their multitude. Each being in the world, in tumult it thrives, But each to its root, eventually arrives. This return to peace, a destiny fulfilled, To accept this fate is to be constant, skilled. In constancy lies insight, and with insight, light, Ignorance of this constancy breeds acts of blight. To know and keep to constancy is to be tolerant, Tolerance leads to impartiality, a virtue most gallant, Impartiality to sovereignty, sovereignty to the skies, From skies to the Dao, and in Dao, eternity lies. For he who embodies Dao, despite the worldly tides, Remains untouched by death, in the cosmic flow resides.

In the realm of the utmost, few know it's there, A presence so subtle, like a whisper-thin hair. Next in line, they'll praise it with cheer, Hold it dear, and keep it quite near. But then there are those who will fear its might, And those who mock it, not seeing its light. When trust is scarce, doubt will surely breed, Words are precious, take heed, take heed. When all's done and the goals are all met, The folks will all say, "It just happened!" and yet, It was the quiet work of the Dao, unseen, Guiding and flowing, ever serene.

When the Great Way falls out of sight, Comes self-righteousness, holding its light. Where wisdom's dawn brings on the day, Great pretense, too, begins to play. But with kin not in accord or subtle peace, Piety and filial love increase. And in a state where confusion reigns, Loyal friends work through the strains.

Let go of the sage, abandon the wise, The people will thrive, to no one's surprise. Let go of kindness, let justice be gone, Folks return to love, and tend to the dawn. Let go of craft, and profit forsake, No thieves will there be, no mischief to make. These teachings, though, are not enough, A simpler path is rarely less rough. See simplicity, embrace what's plain, With lesser desires, much more to gain.

In a land where learning's tossed aside, Worry's gone, with the tide. Good from bad, how do we tell? The difference, oh, it might as well. What folks fear, we must too, Endless it seems, this vast ado! While the crowd's all cheer and glee, Like a feast, or springtime spree. I alone seem lost, and oh so small, Like a babe that's yet to crawl. Drifting, like I've no place to be, While others have, but not me. I feel like I'm the odd one out, In a world that's clear, I'm filled with doubt. While they're sharp, I'm in a haze, In their rhythm, I'm lost in a daze. Calm as the sea, endless and deep, While the world's wisdom, they seem to keep. They have their ways, and I, my own, Cherishing the Mother, to me, it's shown.

In the heart of virtue, the Dao does dwell, A mysterious path, as tales do tell. It's hazy and fleeting, hard to see, But within its mist, forms come to be. Now here, now gone, shapes appear, Vanishing swiftly, then drawing near. Deep and dark, a mystery it keeps, Within its core, a spirit leaps. True and genuine, its essence so real, Trust and belief, in it we feel. From ancient times to this very day, Its name remains, come what may. How do I know of this grand old tale? By observing the Dao, without fail!

When bent, you're whole, when twisted, you're straight, When dipped, you're full, renewed when out-of-date. In less, you find, too much leads you astray, So the wise one embraces 'One' as the way. Not focused on self, so they shine so bright, Not claiming they're right, they're a brilliant light. Not boasting of deeds, their achievements are grand, Humble in stance, they forever stand. They don't fight or quarrel, no conflicts they see, For the world can't contend, in their peaceful spree. The old saying goes, "When curved, you're complete," It's not just mere words, it's a truth so neat! Indeed, they are whole, and to this, they retreat.

Nature whispers softly, without a claim, Stormy winds and sudden rains can't always remain. Who does all this, my dear? It's Earth and Sky that we revere. Yet even they can't always last, Their mighty times will be surpassed. So those who with the Dao choose to engage, Are one with the Dao, and its eternal page. Those who in virtue share their heart's intent, Are one with virtue, in joyful ascent. But if they're lost and go astray, Loss too finds its frightful way. In Dao or virtue if you stay, Joy comes to those who don't betray. But doubt makes trust decay away...

Those who stand on tiptoes don't stand firm; Those who stride cannot maintain their term. Those who show off will not shine in sight; Self-righteous souls aren't seen in the light. Conceit cuts your journey, you won't get very far, In the Way of the Dao, such acts are bizarre. Like leftover food or lumps in one's path, The wise avoid these, to steer clear of wrath.

A formless mix before stars and earth's design, Silent and vast, stands alone, divine. It circles endless, without wear or tear, Could be the mother of the world so fair. Its name unknown, we call it the Way; Forced to name further, 'Great' we say. Great means passing, going far and wide, Great means returning, to this we abide. Great is the Dao and the sky's vast blue, Great is the Earth, and kings are too. But in the realm, of the greats we view, Only one king stands among the few. Men follow earth, as earth tracks the skies, Heaven follows the Way, as the Way simply lies. In its own nature, so clear and so plain, In effortless being, its eternal domain.

Heaviness roots the lightness found, Stillness reigns where haste is bound. Thus, the sage travels all day long, Yet never departs from his wagon strong. Though sights and sounds may allure them near, They're calm and detached, showing no fear. How can one lead, with the world so vast, But make themselves light, forgetting the past? For in lightness, the root is lost, In haste, the mastery's cost. A truth profound, on this depend: Lose your base, and meet your end.

Good deeds leave no tracks, good words bear no cracks, No counters need count when one's good with the facts. A good lock needs no bolt, yet it can't be outdone, A good knot needs no rope, yet it can't be undone. Thus the sage saves all people, never to forsake, Holds all things with care, for compassion's own sake. This is the essence of enlightening ways, Where the good lead the lost, through the world's maze. The good are the teachers for those who have slipped, The errant provide for the good a script. Disregard the mentor, or dismiss the student's part, Even the wise will stumble, missing the art.

In a world so vast and wide, Know the strong, yet stand by the bride. By the stream, where all things glide, Return to the babe, with arms open wide. Acknowledge the light but keep the dark close beside, Be the standard by which all things are tried. With virtue steadfast, take it in stride, You'll return to the boundless, where all is untried. Embrace the fame, but also the shame, Be the valley, in life's great game. With enough virtue to stake your claim, Back to simplicity, you'll always aim. From the simple, tools are cast, Wise folks use them, making moments last. They lead without cutting, without taking a side, For the greatest of leaders in non-action abide.

To grasp the world and control its way, Often such efforts lead men astray. The world's a sacred vessel, not to command, For those who force it, it slips from the hand. Some things lead, while others will follow, Some breathe out, others swallow. Some are strong, and some are weak, Some will peak, while others bleak. Thus, the sage avoids excess in his stride, He lets go of luxury, and sets aside pride.

When leading with Dao, put the weapons away, For force will just bring resistance into play. Where troops camp, thorns will grow day by day, And after great battles, bad years will hold sway. The wise lead by following, content in their way, Not daring to take by force or display. With outcomes achieved, they don't boast or betray, Nor take pride in conquest, nor force their sway. What grows strong and tall will soon decay, This is not the Dao; it leads you astray. What's not of the Dao will fade away, For against nature's course, there's a price to pay.

The finest of weapons are tools of ill fate, Loathed by creation, by the wise they debate. In peace, the noble value the just, In war, it's the fierce that earn trust. Weapons are cursed, not the sage's desire, Used only in need, with reluctance, not ire. To win without pride is the noble's decree, Not to find joy in death's wild spree, For good, turn to kindness; for ill, turn to might, The generals stand so, as if in twilight's last light. The multitude killed, mourned with sorrow and tear, In victory, the somber rites shall appear.

The Dao, it seems, has no name to tout, Yet it's tiny and mighty, there's no doubt. Kings and lords, if they hold it near, All the creatures to them will cheer. Heaven and Earth, in a grand embrace, Shower sweet dew on the human race. No command needed, things balance, it's true, Nature knows just what to do. Once you name it, the game begins, But with naming, trouble spins. To know when to stop, that's the key, For in balance and calm, all troubles flee. Think of the Dao, spread far and wide, Like rivers and valleys, to the sea they glide.

To know others is intelligence, self-knowledge is true insight. To best others might show power, but self-mastery is might. Contentment is wealth untold. A will that's strong defies the cold. Those who do not lose their place endure. And who in death cease not, their lives are sure.

The Great Way's broad, beyond just left or right, All life depends on it, from day to night. It works its magic, silent, without claim, Feeds life abundant, yet not seeking fame. The smallest name it might accept, it's true, Yet to the greatest title, it's due. It does not ever boast or claim its might, That's why its greatness reaches such a height.

Grasp the great image, the world will go forth, Harmoniously heading, South, West, East, North. With joy as their bait, the travelers rest, For where the Tao speaks, simplicity's best. Its flavor, though mild, will quench any thirst, To look or to listen, it won't seem the first. But use it, oh use it, and you will find soon, Its well never empties, by night or by noon.

To shrink it, you must first stretch it out; To weaken it, you must first make it stout. To end it, you must first raise it high; And to take it, you must first comply. This is the subtle clarity, Soft overcomes the hard, tis reality. Like fish that in deep waters thrive, State's secrets from the crowd you must hide. Keep your tools of power from public view, For in mystery lies the rule, ever true.

The Way does nothing, yet leaves nothing undone. If leaders could hold it, their problems would be none. All things transform, and if desires arise, Quell them with simplicity, that has no guise. Simplicity unnamed, desire will be stilled. Without want, there's peace, and all is fulfilled. The world would settle, in stillness, we'd find A calm that would govern, all of mankind.

When virtue's high, it's not about the deed, For truest virtue's got no need to plead. The highest good is done without a fuss, While lesser good can't help but make a muss. When kindness acts with no thought of reward, While lesser hearts would seek to strike a chord. Justice done just for the praise it might bring, And ritual without heart is an empty thing. Thus, when the Way is lost, virtue takes flight, And when virtue's gone, kindness hides from sight, Justice fails, and rituals lose their meaning, Leading to the chaos that they're breeding. Ritual's the thinning veil of loyalty, The herald of confusion's royalty. The wise man dwells in depth, not in sheen, Foregoing frills, true substance he gleans.

In days of old, when One was the key: The sky had One, and clear it'd be; The earth had One, and still it'd stay; The spirits One, to light the way; Valleys had One, and they were full; All living things, One made them whole; Kings and lords, with One rule true, kept their realms in line and view. Yet without that One, oh, what's to do? The sky might crack, no longer blue; The earth might quake, its calmness gone; The spirits fade, as night from dawn; Valleys dry, their fullness sapped; All life might end, its vigor zapped; Kings might fall, from their high throne, left to wander and bemoan. So, in their might, the great do see: the lowly are the base of thee. High's foundation is the low, this truth all wise leaders know. They call themselves alone, sparse, and humble, a stance not so high but ready to tumble. They wish not for luster, like gemstones shone, Not shining like jade, but simple, like stone.

To reverse is the movement of the Way, And to yield is how the Dao will play. In the world, all things from presence arise, But presence itself comes from the empty skies.

In wisdom's path, the great ones tread, The middling doubt, the small ones dread. Laughter rings where wisdom leads, No jest? The path of insight recedes. Ancient words, a riddle's thread: Clear as mud, the Way ahead. Gain by loss, step back to lead, Simplicity's challenge, the wise concede. High virtue low, a valley's creed, Purest stain, the colors bleed. Wide virtue's narrow, needs exceed, Solid truth, the heart to plead. Boundless square, no edge to heed, Great work's slow, its time we seed. Silent sound, the quiet's breed, Formless shape, the Way's deed. Hidden Way, without a name, Gives and shapes, without claim.

In the land of Dao, one gave birth to two, Two then made three, and from three, all things grew. All things have shadows and embrace the light, Balanced by the breath, making all just right. People often dread being left alone, Yet kings and lords sit high on their throne. Some things may lessen but then they grow strong, While others gain but then something goes wrong. What people teach, I will also convey, But those who force their Way will lose their day. For those who won't bend, won't meet a good end, I'll use them as lessons, on that depend!

The world's softest thing dashes against the hard, Through spaces so tiny, it seems unscarred. From nothingness comes the benefit clear, The silent teaching, a doing that's sheer. Actions without acting, a paradox, A wordless doctrine that breaks all locks. Rarely reached by the many, known to few, This path of non-doing that's ever true.

Which is dearer, name or self? Which holds more, wealth or health? Gain or loss, which brings more pain? Thus, we ponder again and again. Thus, love deeply, count the cost. Hoarding riches, much is lost. Contentment shields from shame's hard blow, And knowing limits wards off woe. Long-lasting then, can our lives be, When we embrace, sufficiency.

Great success seems at times incomplete, Yet its function never depletes. Overflowing like a void so wide, Its usefulness never pushed aside. The straightest line might curve to sight, The greatest skill appears unright, And eloquence, in simplicity caught, Stammers like a child's first thought. Restlessness may conquer the cold, Stillness prevails against heat untold. In quiet clarity, the world finds correction, For serenity is nature's own perfection.

When the world knows the Way, calm is the scene, Horses retire to farm, fields turn green. In a world without Way, war horses breed, On the borders they stand, spurred by greed. Disaster looms large when contentment is scant, The greatest of faults is the endless want. Thus he who knows 'enough' will always have plenty, For in sufficiency lies heart's true serenity.

Without stepping out, the world you can see, No need to peer out, to know the Way free. The further you wander, the less you will know, Stay put and observe, let wisdom just grow. Thus, the sage without roaming can understand, Without looking can grasp the lay of the land. With no effort, they achieve, letting go to succeed, In the art of doing nothing, they find all they need.

In learning, we add to each and every day, But seeking the Way, we must strip away. Less and still less, until action is none, And doing by not doing is how it's done. The master by quiet, the world does he win, When busyness beckons, he does not begin. For in the realm of less is the power to sway, And with no ado, the world will obey.

The sage's heart is not his own, It beats for the people, their needs alone. The good are met with goodness clear, The bad as well, for virtue's dear. Trust he gives to one and all, Doubters too, won't see him stall. In the world, a sage's role Is to blend the hearts, to make them whole. With eyes and ears the masses come, To sage's wisdom, they succumb. He treats them all like children dear, Their laughter and their joy to hear.

Into life we come, to death we go. Of those who live, a third will know The touch of death, for as they thrive, Another third won't stay alive. And in the mix, a third will tread Towards death, though full of life instead. Why does this happen? What's the cause? It's life's excess that breaks its laws. Yet, those who live can deftly hold, Walk unharmed where tigers stroll, In battles, they escape unscathed, By horns untouched, by claws ungraved. No weapon finds its mark, its home, But why is this? It's simply known: They harbor not the place of death, Within, they carry life's own breath.

The Dao gives birth, virtue will keep, Forming all things, its power so deep. All of creation, both near and wide, Honors the Dao, with virtue beside. Respect for the Dao, virtue held high, Given by nature, no need to try. The Dao brings to life, virtue will raise, Nurtures and protects, all of its days. Leading without claim, acting with ease, Growing without rule, like a soft breeze. Having without hold, working so free, This is the magic of nature's mystery.

The world began with a hidden birth, The mother of all, the source of our worth. To know the child, embrace the mother's grace, Protect her well, and find a lasting place. Seal the gaps, close the door with care, No need to labor, you'll be free from wear and tear. Open the gates, let your actions flow, No need for rescue, your life will glow. See the small, call it bright and clear, Embrace gentleness, and strength will appear. Use your light, return to your source so true, No harm will touch you, that's what you'll do. This is the Way of the constant sage, In harmony with the Dao, they engage.

Grant me the wisdom, calm and profound, To walk the great Way where true fears are found. The great Way is smooth, yet folks love the twists, Favor shortcuts through valleys, and up the high mists. Courtyards scrubbed clean, yet fields overgrown, Granaries empty, through negligence shown. Adorned in fine robes, sharp swords at their sides, Feasting to excess while true need abides. This isn't the Way, indeed, it's astray! A path not of virtue, but pride on display.

Good builders don't yank, Good holders won't drop, Ancestral rites go on non-stop. Tend to yourself, your virtue is key, Tend to your kin, it'll multiply freely. Tend to your town, it grows mightily, Tend to your state, it prospers widely, Tend to the world, it spreads broadly. Judge yourself and learn what's true, Judge your home to see what's due, Judge your town, their actions cue, Judge your land, their state review, Judge the world, their overview. The world shows the world, forevermore.

With virtue as deep as an infant's grace, Even bees and serpents won't sting in the chase. Ferocious beasts won't seize or bite, And birds in your hand won't take flight. Weak bones, tender sinews, yet a firm hold, The unity of the feminine and masculine, bold. Crying all day without getting hoarse, This is the ultimate, the harmonious force. Understanding harmony is to know the Way, Knowing the Way is to see the light of day. Beneficial growth, a sign of auspicious flow, Where the heart guides the breath, strength does grow. When things are too strong, they age and decay, That's what they call not following the way, But if you understand harmony, you'll see the right, And the path of virtue will shine ever bright.

Those who know don't speak, those who speak don't know, Close the gates and silence the flow. Dull the sharpness, untangle the threads, Blend the light, walk where the dust treads. You can't get close, nor can you estrange, Can't seek gain, can't provoke change. Can't be esteemed, can't be disdained, That's why the Dao is forever maintained.

To govern with virtue, employ the plain and true, To use the art of war, be strategic, not askew. To conquer without conflict, that's the Way to go, How do I know this to be so? I'll tell you so: The world is full of taboos, and the people grow poor, Many tools bring darkness to the nation's core. People are cunning, strange inventions they devise, Laws proliferate and so thieves and rogues arise. So the sage declares, "I do nothing, and the people transform, I seek peace, and righteousness becomes the norm. I interfere not, and the people prosper more, I desire less, and simplicity they explore."

When the government's quiet, the people are pure, When it's prying and tight, their woes are sure. Calamity rests where blessings secure, Fortune's deep where misfortunes endure. Who can tell where one ends or begins? In such chaos, who loses, who wins? Right turns strange, good turns to mischief, Amidst confusion, they float and drift. Thus the sage is sharp but not stabbing, Straight but not rigid, bright but not blinding, Guiding the lost their way back to finding.

To govern people and serve the divine way, Nothing is as vital as being frugal each day. Being frugal means starting early and true, Accumulating virtues in all that you do. With virtues well gathered, there's naught you can't face, No bounds to your power, no limits in place. Not knowing your limits, you'll rule a great land, The mother of nations, forever to stand. This is the Way to endure and to thrive, With deep-rooted strength, long-lasting life.

Rule the lands as wide as the seas, Like cooking small fish with gentle ease. Use Dao to guide the worldly spin, No spirit's spark will dare begin. If spirits lose their ghastly flight, Such cursed ones will do no spite. For neither gods nor saints will harm, When kept at bay by Dao's soothing charm. So with care and grace, the land is led, And in this realm, no fear is spread.

A great land, like a river's flow, Is where all streams of the world go. The world's womb, receptive, still, In stillness, wins as nature's will. A big land stooping low to see, Embraces small with harmony. The small, in turn, looks up to bond, And in their dance, they both respond. Some bow to give, some bow to take, Big lands care, for people's sake. Small lands serve, with aims so true, Both find their wants, and their due. The greatest lands must serve the most, In humble grace, they hold their post.

The Dao is deep, to all a key, To good, a treasure, a sanctuary. Fine words can trade, respect can add, Yet what of those whose deeds are bad? Why cast them off, when Dao can guide? When kings are crowned, and lords abide, Though jewels shine and horses race, The Dao's path holds higher grace. Why prize this path from ancient lore? It grants the seekers evermore. Finds the lost, and clears the blamed, This across the world it's famed.

Do by not doing, tasks unfold, Taste the tasteless, break the mold. Big or small, less or more, Meet spite with grace, open the door. Solve the hard when it's still easy, Do the big in steps that are breezy. All hard tasks start with a simple part, All great acts come from a tiny start. Thus the sage, by staying small, Achieves the greatest feat of all. Light promises will often fade, And hasty easiness will barricade. The sage knows this, keeps trouble far, And without striving, raises the bar.

Easy to hold when it's still at peace, Easy to plan for before its crease. Fragile it breaks, just like thin ice, Scattered with ease, like tiny mice. Start it all before it grows, Fix it up before chaos shows. The mightiest tree from a sprout it's born, A tower of nine from earth is torn. A journey of miles starts at your feet, Doers will fail, met with defeat. Graspers lose grip on what they sought, Thus the wise do nothing, and lose naught. Folks often fail when the end's in sight, Careful to end as they start, just right. Thus the wise crave not, they just trust, Valuing not what's rare, but just. They learn, unlearn, from others' faults, Helping all without assaults. Never daring only to do, They simply follow nature's cue.

Ancient sages, wise and true, Didn't enlighten folks, but kept things askew. People hard to lead, because they think they know, Too many ideas, in all directions they go. Rule with smarts, and you'll make a mess, Rule with heart, and you'll find success. To know these two, is the golden rule, Grasping this balance, makes one no fool. This deep wisdom, profound and vast, Goes against the flow, but it will last. With this mysterious virtue in hand, In harmony with the world, you'll stand.

The river and sea, leaders of all streams below, Because they lie low, they let all waters flow. So the sage to lead, speaks gently, don't you see? To be in front, they step back, let others be. Thus the sage stands above, and none feel oppressed, Stands in front, yet no harm comes to the rest. The world cheers them on, without a single sigh, For they do not contend, and none can vie. With no strife in their heart, they set the tone, In a world full of push, they stand alone. Because they don't compete, don't boast or brag, Not a soul in the world can pull their flag.

The world thinks my Way is large and strange, It doesn't seem to fit within their range. But being vast, it looks out of place, As nuances are lost in its wide-open space. I hold three treasures close to my core, To guard and to keep forevermore. First is compassion, this I know, Second is frugality, from which bounty flows. Third, dare not to be the world's leading light, Thus, in humility, you gain true might. Compassion brings courage, this is clear, Frugality's expanse lets wealth appear. Not daring to lead, tools are wrought, With these treasures, greatness is taught. But abandon these, and what have you got? You'll perish indeed, in your own plot. For with compassion, in battle, you'll win, And in defense, an unbreakable skin. Heaven saves those who this Way begins, With a compassionate shield, you smile within.

A good soldier fights not with might, A skilled warrior keeps anger out of sight. To conquer foes, you don't join the fight, Leading people well, you stand not in height. This is the virtue of non-contention, The power to lead without pretension. It's the way to match the ancient heaven's intention, The ultimate art, the sage's convention.

In the art of war, it's often said, Better to follow than try to lead ahead. Instead of advancing, take a step back, Such moves show strength where others might lack. To grapple without arms, to throw without foe, To hold without weapons, letting all tensions go. No greater disaster than underestimating the fight, For by taking it light, you may lose the night. Thus, when armies collide, and the struggle is tight, The one who mourns first, will conquer the fight.

My words are simple, easy to see, And to practice them, as easy as can be. But folks everywhere just don't understand, They can't grasp or follow what I've planned. Every word has its source, every deed its king, But ignorance is why they don't get my thing. Those who know me are few, making me rare, Like a hidden gem, with value to spare. So the wise one, in modest attire, Holds a gem close, a secret to admire. Dressed in plain, but inside they gleam, With knowledge profound, they quietly dream.

To know what is not known is best, Not knowing this, it's sickness, jest. For only when we see our plight, Can we step from dark to light. The sage within is never ill, Because they see beyond the hill. Acknowledging this common ache, They heal, for wisdom's very sake.

When the people no longer fear your might, Then truly great power will come to light. Don't intrude where they live and thrive, Nor despise the ways they stay alive. For only by not despising, will you not be despised, This wisdom of the ages cannot be disguised. Thus, the sage knows themselves but doesn't show off, Loves themselves but doesn't boast or scoff. So they discard that and keep to this, A path of humility that they rarely miss. By valuing less, they're valued more, A paradox that opens every door.

Dare to be bold, and risk the end, Dare not, and life may just extend. These two paths, one harms, one mends, Which one's disliked, on context depends. Thus, the wise are wary, you see, Of the ways of heaven's decree. The way of Dao does effortlessly win, No need for talk, it draws all in. Without a call, it comes around, In simple ways, it's wisdom found. The net of heaven is vast and wide, Though loose, it lets nothing aside.

If folks don't fear the grip of death, How can death be a threat in breath? If people lived in dread of dying, And oddballs rose, defying, vying, I'd catch and in the fray, they'd fall, But who would dare to face that call? For there's always one to wield the kill, The master carver, skilled with will. Yet he who takes the carver's place, Rarely escapes without a trace. For in the act of dealing blows, It's tough to save one's hands from woes.

When folks are hungry, it's often told, It's because their rulers take too much gold. Taxing their food, while the people strive, Leaves bellies empty, hard to thrive. Hard to govern, when rulers always intervene, Their constant actions make the scene unclean. Life's cost is far too high high, In pursuit of living, they're more ready to die. Only those who don't cling to life with zest, Truly understand how to live the best. For in not obsessing over life's gleam, They truly understand the dream.

When we're born, we're soft and weak, In death, we're rigid, strength at peak. All things like grass and trees start tender, In death, they're stiff, no longer slender. Thus, what is hard will fall in strife, What's soft and yielding clings to life. So armies strong may not prevail, And rigid trees in storms will fail. Great strength may fall and meet its doom, The soft ascend, they find their room. For in the nature of our lot, It's gentle strength that ties the knot.

The way of heaven's like drawing a bow, Lower the high, the low you raise, just so. Take from the full, to the lacking give, Balance it thus, how the heavens live. But human ways do invert the rule, Starving the poor to feed the rich as fuel. Who can serve all under the sky? Only those in the Dao comply. Thus the sage acts but doesn't take pride, Success is achieved, but he doesn't reside. He wishes not to show his worth so vast, For his will is to make his virtues last.

Nothing in the world's as soft as the tide, Yet against the hard and strong, it won't subside. There's naught that can its gentle power replace, Soft overcomes hard, flex beats the rigid in grace. The world knows this, yet can't follow through, But the sage proclaims it, and his words ring true: "He who takes the nation's grime becomes its shrine, He who takes its ill luck is called divine." Truthful words often seem inversely spun, For in their paradox, wisdom is won.

When great hatred is appeased in our days, Some resentment, like a shadow, stays. How can we then sow seeds of good cheer? The wise have a way, and it's quite clear. The sage holds not to the blame nor the fight, But to the promise of peace, keeping to what is right. He grasps the covenant gently, without demand, Doesn't fault others, extending a helping hand. Those with virtue manage the mending, While those without, bring only ending. Heaven's way plays no favorites, stays no kin, Yet always aligns with the good within.

In a small town, folks are few, Tools aplenty, but none they use. Life is cherished, no need to roam, Even with ships, they stay at home. Armor and chariots, left on the shelf, For peace is their wealth, not defending oneself. They tie with a rope, in a simple old style, Food is so sweet, and clothes bring a smile. Homes are a comfort, traditions are fun, Neighbor's dog barks, but harm there is none. Through life to death, content, they stay, There is no reason to wander far away.

Truthful words aren't always so neat, Pretty words may just deceive. The truly good don't argue so, Those who argue, goodness they don't know. The wise don't show off all their lore, Boasters often know much less, not more. The sage accumulates no pile, Yet for others, they'll go the extra mile. The more they give, the more they gain, For selflessness is the sage's main aim. Nature's way, is to aid, never harm, The sage's path, is calm without alarm.