Heshang Gong Chapter 34 – 任成 (Letting Things Fulfill)
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Heshang Gong Chapter 34 – 任成 (Letting Things Fulfill)
老子河上公章句 · 第34章 · Heshang Gong's Commentary on Laozi
Section 1 — 第1节
Original Chinese
The great Dao is vast and unfathomable, appearing now like floating, now like sinking, existing yet not existing, visible yet invisible, indescribable in words. It can be approached from either side; the Dao may be on the left or on the right, and is suitable everywhere. All things depend on it to come into being; Shi means "to rely upon" — all things await the Dao to be born. And it does not refuse; the Dao does not decline or resist. When success is achieved, it does not claim the name of possession; possessing the Dao does not mean claiming credit for its achievements. It nurtures all things without seeking to be their master; although the Dao nurtures all things, it does not act like a ruler who demands tribute or control. Ever without desire, it may be called small; the Dao conceals virtue and hides its name, quietly doing nothing, seeming as if insignificant. All things return to it without it being their master; all things return to the Dao and receive its breath, the Dao is not like a human ruler who imposes restrictions. It may be called great; all things come and go freely, allowing names to exist on their own, thus it can be called great. Therefore, the sage never claims greatness; the sage follows the Dao by concealing virtue and hiding his name, not seeking to appear overly great. Thus he is able to achieve true greatness. The sage leads by example, without words transforming others; all affairs are cultivated and managed well, thus he is able to achieve his greatness.
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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