Chapter 15
The ancient masters of the Dao
were subtle, profound, and beyond comprehension.
Because they defy description,
we can only attempt to portray their essence:
Cautious as crossing a winter river:
They tread carefully, step by step.
Vigilant as wary of neighbors:
They remain alert, attentive to all around them.
Dignified as a guest:
They carry themselves with humility and grace.
Fluid as melting ice:
They move with ease, naturally and effortlessly.
Simple as uncarved wood:
They embody raw authenticity, unspoiled and pure.
Open as an empty valley:
Their minds are vast, embracing all things.
Turbid as muddy water:
They appear chaotic yet harmonize with the world.
Serene as the deep sea:
Their stillness is boundless and unfathomable.
Dynamic as an endless wind:
Their energy flows ceaselessly, unimpeded.
Who can stir the muddy yet calm it to clarity?
Who can remain still yet act to renew life?
Those who embody the Dao do not seek perfection.
By avoiding excess, they discard the old and welcome the new.
(This chapter paints the portrait of a Daoist sage: their seemingly contradictory traits—caution and fluidity, dignity and chaos, serenity and dynamism—reflect a harmonious unity with the Dao. Laozi’s wisdom centers on "nonexcess": rejecting extremes to achieve renewal and eternal vitality through dynamic balance.)
Key Themes:
NonExcess (不盈): Avoiding extremes to maintain balance and renewal.
Dynamic Harmony: The sage embodies both stillness and movement, simplicity and depth.
Natural Flow: Aligning with the Dao’s effortless spontaneity.
Core Philosophy:
The sage’s way is not about perfection but about embracing the natural ebb and flow of existence. By staying centered and avoiding extremes, one becomes a vessel for the Dao’s transformative power.
