Tao. The Poem. Verse 28 to 36.

28.

Know splendor—

abide in obscurity—

return to the natural.

When something uncut

is split, it is used.

But a sage is unhewn and divides nothing.

29.

One can’t improve

the world—

it’s perfect spirit.

One’s hot—then cold.

Strong—weak.

On—off.

So a sage avoids indulgence in extremes.

30.

As armies occupy,

thorns arise.

The adept are resolute,

but never favor force—

for things gone overgrown decay.

That isn’t the Way.

31.

Weapons are tools of misfortune—

the sage avoids them.

When many are killed—

clearly mourn them.

But even in a victory—

observe it with a funeral.

32.

Tao is ever nameless—

none command it.

Rain falls without an order.

Make rules—

names rise—

stop!

Tao in use is like a river flowing to the sea.

  

33.

To know others—

wise.

To know self—

enlightened.

To overcome others—

strong.

To overcome self—

all-powerful.

To not be lost in status—

enduring.

To die yet not die—

immortal.

34.

Tao

floods all directions.

All rely on it for being

yet it claims no name.

Thus a sage not acting for oneself

accomplishes greatness.

35.

Whoever follows the Great Image

enjoys peace.

Song and cake entice the passersby

to stop.

But the Way is tasteless—

never seen, heard, or exhausted.

36.

To weaken—first brace.

To take—give.

This is Dark Light.

Soft breaks hard.

Fish aren’t caught in depths.

A nation’s weapon is its peaceful villages.