The ancients who were good at being shi — meaning those rulers who attained the Dao. Subtle and profound, with mysterious understanding — Xuan means Heaven; their aspirations and integrity are subtle and profound, refined to the point of being in harmony with Heaven. Their depth is beyond comprehension — the Dao and De are profound and far-reaching, beyond recognition; looking inward is like being blind, listening in reverse is like being deaf, and no one knows where their strengths lie. Since they are incomprehensible, we can only attempt to describe them with words. They are yielding and gentle, like walking across a river in winter — when undertaking matters, they always add great caution; the heart finds it difficult to act decisively, just as one hesitates when crossing a frozen river. They are cautious and reserved, like fearing the four neighboring directions — their advancing and retreating is hesitant as if bound by constraints, like a person who fears being known by their neighbors. They are dignified and composed, as if maintaining decorum — like a guest fearing the host, solemn and without pretense. They are relaxed and open, like ice about to melt — Huan means dispersing; Shi means vanishing; eliminating emotions and desires, day by day becoming empty and void. They are sincere and unadorned, like raw material — Dun means substantial and thick; Pu means the form has not yet been differentiated; internally guarding spirit and energy, externally without ornate appearance. They are vast and open, like a deep valley — Kuang means broad and spacious; Gu means empty and hollow; not possessing virtue, merit, or fame, yet encompassing all things. They are muddled and unclear, like turbid water — Hun means preserving the original nature; Zhuo means not clear or bright; harmonizing with the crowd, not acting independently. Who can bring stillness to turbidity and gradually achieve clarity?

Who can know that the turbidity of water will cease when stillness is brought, and gradually become clear? Who can remain quiet and stable for a long time, gradually achieving longevity? Those who preserve this Dao do not desire to be full or excessive — preserving the Dao of gradual life, one does not desire luxury, ease, or excess. Precisely because they do not seek to be full, they can remain concealed and unchangingly complete — those who act without seeking completeness can guard their concealment and refrain from creating new achievements. Bi means concealing glory and honor; Xin Cheng means valuing merit and fame.