Tao Te Ching Chapter 26
paulpengThe Original Chinese Text
重为轻根，静为躁君。是以圣人终日行不离辎重。虽有荣观，燕处超然。奈何万乘之主，而以身轻天下？轻则失根，躁则失君。
Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler ofmovement.
Therefore a wise prince, marching the whole day, doesnot go far from his baggage waggons. Although he may havebrilliant prospects to look at, he quietly remains (in hisproper place), indifferent to them. How should the lord ofa myriad chariots carry himself lightly before the kingdom?If he do act lightly, he has lost his root (of gravity); if heproceed to active movement, he will lose his throne.
【译文】庄重是克服轻率的根本，清静是克服躁动的主宰。因此圣人庄重威严即便整日行走也不离开挂有帷帐的大车，内心清净即使面对华丽的宫阙也能安然处之不为所动。为什么身为大国的君主，却凭借一己之身轻率的治理天下呢？轻率就会失去根基，躁动就会丧失主宰。
Dignity is the foundation for overcoming flippancy, and tranquility is the master of overcoming restlessness. Therefore, even when traveling all day, the sage remains grave and dignified, never departing from the veiled carriage (symbolizing stability). With a pure mind, the sage can dwell peacefully in the midst of splendid palaces without being swayed. Why should a ruler of a great nation govern the world frivolously through mere personal whim? Flippancy leads to the loss of one's foundation, and restlessness causes the loss of one's mastery.
