Heshang Gong Chapter 73 – 任為 (Acting Freely)
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Heshang Gong Chapter 73 – 任為 (Acting Freely)
老子河上公章句 · 第73章 · Heshang Gong's Commentary on Laozi
Section 1 — 第1节
Those who act boldly and recklessly will be killed. If one is brave and takes action, it may lead to their own death. Those who are bold yet cautious will survive. If one is courageous but acts with restraint, they preserve their life. These two approaches, refer to daring and refraining from daring. One brings benefit while the other brings harm. Preserving one's life is beneficial; losing one's life is harmful. This is what Heaven abhors. It refers to reckless action. Who can know the reason for this? Who could understand Heaven's will and thus avoid transgression? Therefore, even a sage finds it difficult. It means that even with the enlightened virtue of a sage, boldness is still difficult; how much more so for those without the virtue of a sage who wish to act in such a way? The Way of Heaven is not to contend yet always prevail. Heaven does not compete with people over status, yet people naturally revere it. It speaks not yet responds well. Heaven says nothing, yet all things move in accordance with the seasons. Unsummoned, it comes of its own accord. Heaven makes no call, yet all things turn toward the sun while carrying yin within them. It appears relaxed yet is excellent at planning. Chǎn, meaning broad or spacious. Although the Way of Heaven is vast and inclusive, it is good at considering human affairs; those who cultivate virtue or commit evil deeds each receive their due recompense. The heavenly net is vast and loose, yet nothing escapes from it. Heaven's web of capture is very broad; although seemingly loose and distant, it oversees human good and evil deeds without fail. ---
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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