Heshang Gong Chapter 49 – 任德 (Relying on Virtue)
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Heshang Gong Chapter 49 – 任德 (Relying on Virtue)
老子河上公章句 · 第49章 · Heshang Gong's Commentary on Laozi
Section 1 — 第1节
Original Chinese
The sage has no fixed mind. The sage values change and reform, esteems following the natural course, as if acting without a fixed intent. He takes the hearts of the people as his own heart. What is convenient for the people's hearts, the sage follows accordingly. The good I treat with goodness; when the people act virtuously, the sage responds in virtue to them. The unvirtuous I also treat with goodness; even if the people have those who are not virtuous, the sage transforms them to become virtuous. This is virtue in goodness. When the people are transformed by virtue, the sage acts with virtue. The trustworthy I treat with trust; when the people are trustworthy, the sage responds to them in trust. The untrustworthy I also treat with trust; when people are untrustworthy, the sage transforms them into trustworthy individuals. This is virtue in trustworthiness. When the people are transformed through virtue, the sage considers them trustworthy. The sage in the world is always cautious and fearful; the sage, being in the world, is constantly frightened and apprehensive, not daring to be arrogant or extravagant despite wealth and rank. He unifies the hearts of all under heaven. This means that the sage, for the people throughout the world, muddies their minds, as if making them ignorant and obtuse. The common people all focus their ears and eyes; zhu means to use. the common people all employ their ears and eyes as the sage's vision and hearing. The sage treats them all like children. The sage loves and cherishes the people as a parent does an infant, nurturing and raising them without expecting any reward in return. This selfless non-action is the foundation of sagely governance, echoing the principle of returning to the root that runs throughout Laozi's teaching.
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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