Translation by Sifu John A. Fey
1 the ancient child asks
how do you get out of the bodymind's way and
let it live
2 by allowing your soul to take the lead of your life
3 the ancient child asks
how do you let the soul take the lead of your life
4 be as gentle and tender as a newborn soft, yielding, supple, and full of lifeforce
5 avoid stiffness, rigidity, and naked force
6 emulate the living things of the world delicately and at a distance
7 avoid hardening your bodymind and spirit avoid those unyielding things that stink of decay
8 embody those things that are tender and pliant which grant life and freedom
9 avoid mustering your talents and collecting your
strengths
in a forceful or headstrong manner
10 remember
an unyielding tree will snap under a strong wind or fall easily under a dull ax
11 pattern yourself after a great tree with deep roots and strong branches and you will exalt your bodymind and spirit
1-3 BODY and HEART: Your bodymind, bathed in the Tao Source, wants you to get out of its way so it can be truly alive. This is accomplished by letting your shen, or soul, guide you.
4 BODY and HAND: Bring these qualities to all facets of your life.
5 BODY and MIND: Taoists refer to stiffness, rigidity, and force as mystic litter or spiritual debris that impedes the Tao Way of Life.
6 BODY and HAND: Make nothing that isn't patterned after nature or cannot be touched by it.
7-8 BODY and MIND: This is a call to mimic those things in nature that are vibrant and robust. The qualities of young growing plants and animals, lush forests, flowing rivers, flocks of birds, and even the movement of the winds and the clouds are the primary sources of inspiration for the Taoist.
9-10 BODY and MIND: Abruptly gathering yourself physically and mentally hardens your bodymind and spirit. Ultimately, this hardness steals your ability to react appropriately to changes in your inner and outer worlds.
11 HAND: These are specific instructions for standing meditation.