Twenty-Two


Surrender, and become whole.
Bend low, and be straightened.
Become empty, and be filled.
Burn out, and be renewed.

Having nothing, beauty is revealed.
Having much, the way is hidden.
The sage abides in One,
and thus is master of heaven and earth.

Not being self-absorbed, his vision is clear.
Not asserting himself, his light shines forth.
Not showing off, his merit is obvious.
Not praising himself, praise is showered upon him.
Not contending, nothing under heaven stands in his way.

This ancient saying, “Surrender and become whole,”
is it empty words?

Being whole means all things have returned to you.