Twenty-Eight


Know the strength of the male,
but keep to the role of the female.
Be the river of the world.

Being the river of the world, supreme virtue flows without end.
Flowing without end, you are the timeless infant.

Know the purity of the light, but maintain darkness.
Be the model of the world.
Being the model of the world, supreme virtue is constant.
Maintaining constant virtue, you are the boundless realm.

Be worthy of high honors, but keep to the role of the lowly.
Be the valley of the world.
Being the valley of the world, supreme virtue is fulfilled.
Being fulfilled, you are the uncarved block.

The uncarved block appears as separate things.
The sage sees things as they are, and rules the world.

Great power does not divide.