Translation by Sifu John A. Fey
1 pull an archer's bow past the limits of its
construction
fill a gallon jug with two gallons of water hone a knife to an excessively sharp edge stretch overly a muscle toward achievement
2 all that you get is a strained
dulled split
and broken
deformation of the miraculous
3 if you judge yourself by material things that are temporarily in your possession you will always be worried about who will take
possession
of them next
4 if you are too proud of these material things then you are courting personal disaster
5 the tao source of life has some advice for you
6 pause activity enjoin with it engage poise and relaxation
1 HEART: These are examples of trying too hard and contending.
2 HEART: These are the results of contentious behavior.
3 BODY: This stanza warns against materialism and the mental states that can come from it. It is interesting to note that Taoists historically have been at least as concerned with spiritual materialism as they were about other forms of materialism.
4 BODY: Excessive pride leads to all kinds of problems that negatively affect the Cultivator and his quest for remaining connected to the Tao Source of Life.
5-6 HAND: These are instructions for connecting to the Tao Realm and Tao Source of Life.
Assume a balanced standing or seated posture that is suitable for meditation.Be as still and unmoving as possible. Accomplish this not by contracting inward, but rather by seeing yourself expanding outwardly in all directions. See yourself filling up the universe.Endeavor to be as physically relaxed and mentally aware as possible. See yourself as a perfectly tuned violin string, poised to receive the first bow stroke of a master musician. Playfully disregard any distractions that may arise and cultivate this state of relaxed awareness for as long as you are comfortable. Taoists call this cultivating sung.