15 古之善為道者 微妙玄通 深不可識

老子道德經第十五章

古之善為道者　微妙玄通　深不可識
夫唯不可識　故強為之容
豫兮若冬涉川　猶兮若畏四鄰
儼兮其若客　渙兮若冰之將釋
敦兮其若樸　曠兮其若谷
渾兮其若濁
孰能濁以靜之徐清
孰能安以動之徐生
保此道者　不欲盈
夫唯不盈　故能蔽而新成

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FIFTEEN (Feng)

The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.
The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.
Because it is unfathomable,
All we can do is describe their appearance.
Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream.
Alert, like men aware of danger.
Courteous, like visiting guests.
Yielding, like ice about to melt.
Simple, like uncarved blocks of wood.
Hollow, like caves.
Opaque, like muddy pools.

Who can wait quietly while the mud settles?
Who can remain still until the moment of action?
Observers of the Tao do not seek fulfillment.
Not seeking fulfillment, they are not swayed by desire for change.

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15 (such a pretty verse)

The wise one, elusive, mysterious, and profound.
Am I even able to describe him to you?
Cautious, as crossing a winter stream,
Watchful, as aware of danger,
Courteous, like a visiting guest,
Unbound, like the melting ice,
Genuine, like the uncarved wood,
Broad, like the open valley,
Dark, like the muddy water.

He stills the water and lets the mud settle.
He stirs the nature and lets lives awake.
He desires not his own fulfillment,
and he is constantly reborn, renewed, relived.

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15. (st)

The ancient Masters
were damn impressive.
They were deep. Real deep.
Words can't even begin to describe
how deep they were.
You can only talk
about how they acted.

They were careful,
like a man walking on thin ice.
They were cautious,
like a soldier behind enemy lines.
They were polite,
like a guest at a party.
They moved quickly, like melting ice.
They were as plain as a block of wood.
Their minds were as wide as a valley,
and their hearts as clear
as spring water.

Can you wait
for that kind of openness and clarity
before you try to understand the world?

Can you hold still
until events have unfolded
before you do the right thing?

When you act without expectations,
you can accomplish great things.