Translation by Sifu John A. Fey
1 the ancient child asks how does it feel
2 the great tao source of life floats and drifts it is a candle in a room filled with mirrors it is a diamond in a room filled with candles and
mirrors
3 the great tao source of life flows and undulates it is a spider's web that stretches in every direction it is wondrously expansive and cyclical and unique
4 the great tao source of life has a rhythm to it it revolves and spins in every direction it connects and binds all things with freedom and
independence and interdependence
5 When you are aware of all these things a light and sensitive energy collects at your crown and space and time literally break apart
6 usual becomes unreality reality becomes unusual
7 everything depends on this it always has it always will be
8 name it paint it sing it it you must but trust it as silence a blank canvas in the unnamed
9 it cannot die neither can you
10 it you remain humble and quiet a new mind will be born
where puzzles are solved in their own space and
time
where unique thinking that is greater than thought
flows like water
where flowing into human life transforms human life
11 then you will be a great sage wise man
1-6 HAND, MIND, and HEART: Chapter Thirty-four continues the exposition of the meditative experience ushered in by the technique detailed in the previous chapter. The student actually engages this meditative technique during the direct transmission of the Tao Te Ching. During this process, the Master observes the student's breathing and body temperature, and also reads the pulse in the manner of a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Any and all changes in the student's energetic physiology are noted. The Master will interrupt the meditation at specific intervals and ask the student to compose spontaneous verse about what the student is experiencing. They will also engage in a complex game of call and response as a means of further suspending the rational mind and deeply imprinting the classic in the student's mind.
7 HEART: Maintaining a coherent and direct connection to the Tao Source is vital to the survival of humanity.
8 HAND: Creatively expressing this connection helps to fortify it.
9 MIND: The literal impossibility of death.
10-11 HAND and MIND: The birth of the New Mind is a seminal event in the Taoist mystical life. This
"mind" has its own rules and laws. Once learned, the New Mind begins to spiritually transform the Cultivator, imbuing him with great wisdom, perspective, and insight that flow from the Tao Source.