Heshang Gong Chapter 59 – 守道 (Observing the Dao)

Heshang Gong Chapter 59 – 守道 (Observing the Dao)

Paul Peng

Heshang Gong Chapter 59 – 守道 (Observing the Dao)

老子河上公章句 · 第59章 · Heshang Gong's Commentary on Laozi

📖 Taoist Scripture🖋 Heshang Gong (河上公)🔢 Chapter 59 of 81🌐 English & Chinese

Heshang Gong Chapter 59 - Observing the Dao - Chinese ink painting

Section 1 — 第1节

Original Chinese治人,謂人君治理人民。事天,事,用也。當用天道,順四時。莫若囉。囉,愛惜也。治國者當愛民財,不為奢泰。治身者當愛精氣,不為放逸。夫為囉,是謂早服。早,先也。服,得也。夫獨愛民財,愛精氣,則能先得天道也。早服謂之重積德。先得天道,是謂重積得於己也。重積德則無不劑,劑,勝也。重積德於己,則無不勝。無不劑則莫知其極,無不劑勝,則莫知有知己德之窮極也。莫知其極可以有國。莫知己德者有極,則可以有社稷,為民致福。有國之母,可以長久。國身同也。母,道也。人能保身中之道,使精氣不勞,五神不苦,則可以長久。是謂深根固蒂,人能以氣為根,以精為蒂,如樹根不深則拔,蒂不堅則落。言當深藏其氣,固守其精,使無漏泄。

Zhi ren, meaning a ruler governing the people. Shi tian, shi, to use; one should use the Way of Heaven and follow the four seasons. Nothing is better than frugality. Se, to cherish and preserve. Those who govern the state should cherish the people's wealth and not indulge in extravagance. Those who cultivate themselves should cherish their vital energy and not engage in indulgence or recklessness. To practice frugality is called early preparation. Zao, meaning earlier or in advance. Fu, to obtain or attain. Only by cherishing the people's wealth and vital energy can one first attain the Way of Heaven. Early preparation is called accumulating virtue repeatedly. To first attain the Way of Heaven is to say that one accumulates great gains for oneself. Repeatedly accumulating virtue means nothing cannot be overcome, ke, meaning to conquer or prevail over.


Section 2 — 第2节

Original Chinese長生久視之道。深根固蒂者,乃長生久視之道。

To repeatedly accumulate virtue for oneself is to have no adversary that cannot be defeated. If nothing cannot be overcome, then none can know its limit; if one can conquer all and prevail over everything, then no one knows the ultimate extent of one's virtue. One who is unknown in their limits can possess a nation. If one does not know the limit of their virtue, then they may hold the state and bring blessings to the people. Possessing the root of a nation allows for lasting stability. The state and the self are the same. Mu, is the Dao. If a person can preserve the Way within their body, keeping vital energy from exhaustion and the five spirits from distress, then they may attain longevity. This is called deep roots and a firm base; if a person can take breath as the root and essence as the base, just as if a tree's roots are not deep they will be uprooted, or if the base is not strong it will fall. This means one should deeply conceal their breath and firmly guard their essence so that there is no leakage or loss. The Way of long life and enduring vision. One who has deep roots and a firm base follows the Way of long life and lasting sight.


Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

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.

Read his full story →
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