Translation by Sifu John A. Fey
1 it is important that you attend to great matters as if they were small and delicate ones or your inner and outer worlds will be uneasy and confused
2 hands on
hands off
3 a nourishing meal requires just enough presentation and not one bit
more
4 when the influence of the tao source of life exists itself through many cultivators across the land
evil has less impact or potential
5 the ancient child asks how is this possible
6 because a sage wise man evenly stretched between heaven and earth coaxes his soul from within and allows it to take the lead in his life
7 no ghost demons or tormentors can hurt him inner or outer
8 soon his balanced benevolence overflows to everyone and everything around him
9 and the influence of the tao source of life envelopes and protects the world under heaven allowing its original nature to present itself
1-3 MIND and BODY: The first three stanzas of this chapter are presented to the student during the direct
transmission as a kind of graphic conundrum. The Master paints a series of characters in random order and arrangement on a single piece of paper. The student is asked to "read between the lines" to decipher the meaning. The presented translation conveys the desired response. Alternate translations might be:
treat large projects just like small ones or,
govern a large country as it you were cooking a small fish
This is a pre-Taoist metaphor that means "Don't overdo."
4 HEART: The very existence of Taoist Cultivators in a community brings order, benevolence, and peace to that community
5-8 HEART: Peace, benevolence, and order are the direct results of the Tao Source expressing itselt through the soul of man. If this expression is allowed to influence everyday life, then spiritual strength and energy cause an ever-increasing spiritual momentum that uplifts everyone. This momentum protects the entire community and subtly urges everyone in it to seek a deeper connection to the Tao Source.
9 HEART: When you behave authentically and reclaim your childlike innocence, those around you catch a glimpse of their own innocence and the joy it brings. Another way of encapsulating the meaning of this chapter sums up Lao-tzu's concept of social conscience. To wit, "One person cultivating the Tao benefits everyone.