Translation by Sifu John A. Fey
1 the ancient child asks who can help
2 anyone
3 the ancient child asks who can help you
4 everyone
5 the ancient child asks how can you help them
6 by showing them how to be resolute
7 the ancient child asks how can they help you
8 by learning to be resolute
9 the ancient child asks what is resolute
10 not violent
not arrogant
not boastful
not haughty
not weak
not obsequious
11 the ancient child asks why must they be resolute
12 because there is no other way to enter the tao source of life
13 the ancient child asks
who acts with resolve and determination
14 a good man
who protects his essential nature and abhors
unwise force
but acts when it is time to act acts resolutely stops and withdraws
1-2 BODY: Anyone you meet as you go through life can help you along the Tao Path, as you see yourself in others.
3-4 BODY: In reality, everyone has something to teach, even if they teach it unknowingly.
5-6 BODY and HEART: The Taoist Cultivator leads by example. Kuo, or resoluteness, forms the base of Taoist character. It has several meanings, including: is resolved, has firm resolution, brings results, achieves goals, fulfills purpose, and generates effects.
7-8 BODY: The best way to help people be the best that they can be is for you to be the very best that you can be.
9-10 BODY: These stanzas define the six qualities of resoluteness.
11-12 BODY: Someone who does not follow the six qualities of resoluteness cannot maintain a strong connection with the Tao Source of Life.
13-14 BODY: This is the definition of the Taoist chung jen, or superior man.