Translation by Sifu John A. Fey
1 here is a lesson for you
2 imagine thirty separate pieces of stick all cut to a uniform length
3 visualize the single sticks
and look at the two ends that are a part of each
and every one of
them
4 end middle end
5 these thirty wooden sticks all have the power to
unite to form the
hub of a
great wheel
6 in the process of this uniting
they give birth to the center of the hub
7 by sacrificing their individuality they magically
create
the utility of the wheel
8 take a lump of clay and expand the enclosed
center within
and a vessel is created
9 it is this expanded enclosure that makes the vessel
useful
10 likewise a structure does not make a space and shape for living
space and shape are necessary for living
11 all of this is called creation through not-being
12 not-being creates the intangible
13 the intangible creates utility of the tangible
1-7 MIND: In archaic Taoist language, imagery of thirty units relates to the intuitive mind. The Tao speaks to us through our intuition. These flashes of awareness come to us from quarters that are generally silent. The first step to awakening your intuitive mind is to see yourself as an integrated and purposeful whole rather
than as a collection of parts. Furthermore, the invocation of the self as the center of a circle (the hub of a great wheel) is to see yourself as part of a transcendental shape that contains the totality of existence. You assume this transcendental nature yourself. Simply put, pretending that you are the hub of a ceaselessly turning universe triggers the intuition and invites it to speak and act spontaneously. The Chinese call this spontaneity tzu-jan.
8-9 MIND: Metaphorically, each of us is a "lump of clay." All we have to do is expand and shape the centers of ourselves to allow wisdom to flow into us via our intuition.
10 MIND and HEART: A life truly lived is an authentic one that occurs spontaneously without being contrived, planned, or restricted.
11-13 HAND and HEART: Creating through not-being is allowing the soul to take the lead of our lives.
It speaks to us in a language of sensation, emotion, and imagery that comes to us through our intuition.
We have but to listen to it and respond accordingly.