Translation by Sifu John A. Fey
1 the ancient child asks
how do you access this great harmony
2 by becoming a long river flowing downward into
the sea
of consciousness, mind, and will seeking the lowly resting point slowly along the way not compressed by earthen dams but naturally guided to the sea
3 the ancient child asks
how should you stand and speak to the world
around you
4 with a portion of myself within the earth
as nourishing root and length more in it than above it
5 the ancient child asks
how should you lead the world around you
6 by example
without trying to control the common details of
living
7 contending causes contention have no part of it
2 HAND: This is a description of the meditative technique that supports the great harmony. It is also a model of the process. Simply put, you should slowly flow into the ordinary activity as if seeking a resting point deep within it. Let the activity tell you how much vigor you should use during the merging.
3-4 HAND and BODY: Stand in a balanced posture outdoors. Imagine that you are standing deep within the earth and not merely on its surface. This meditative technique fortifies the energy of the great harmony.
5-7 MIND and BODY: The Cultivator who is happy and resonates happiness will make others happy, too.
Any desire to exert control over the process of being happy destroys it altogether. Appreciate what naturally occurs and learn to let go of the need to decide how happiness presents itself.