Everyone agrees the Tao I teach is great,
yet unlike everything else.
Indeed, if it were not singular, it would not endure.
I hold three treasures close:
The first is unconditional regard for all.
The second is being content with little.
The third is not placing myself before others.
From compassion comes courage.
From contentment comes an open heart.
From humility comes the capacity to lead.
Daring without mercy,
charity without generosity,
ruling without modesty –
this is the way of death.
Attacking with compassion,
you are victorious.
Defending with compassion,
you are impregnable.
What heaven favors, it infuses with compassion.