Thirty-Nine


Before time, these ancestors arise from One:

Heaven arises from One, and becomes clear.
Earth arises from One, and becomes firm.
Spirit arises from One, and becomes divine.

Emptiness arises from One, and becomes Creation.
The ten thousand things arise from One, and become manifest.
Kings and princes arise from One, and become exalted.

One is the source of All.

Separated from the Source:
the clearness of heaven would vanish,
the firmament of earth would dissolve,
the divinity of spirit would dissipate,
and Creation would become desolation.
The ten thousand things would perish,
and kingdoms would disappear.

Humility is the root of honor.
Lowliness is the foundation of esteem.
Thus, a noble man considers himself orphaned,
bereft, unworthy.

This is knowing the humble source, is it not?

To seek praise is not praiseworthy.
Do not jangle like jewelry.
Be still as stone.