Le Dao De Zing [part one]

Le Dao De Zing


- I -

The Dow that can be bought, is not the Eternal Dao!
Any name that can be sold, is not an Eternal name —

Nameless be the origin of both Heaven and Hell.
Named lies this creation of our unconscious conception.

If one remains constant and detaches desire
Then permeable essence is seen.

Elsewise, ridden with cravings
Only appearances are apprehended.

Yet essence and appearance are two aspects
Of a single interwoven movement;
Immanent metamorphic matter!


- II -

When people come to know Fame, infamy arises.
Once one encounters richness, impoverishment begins.
Thus do credit and debt beget one another.
Struggle and leisure bring each other about.
Many losers reveal a few winners;
Sun Kings are defined by disservice to serfs.
Music and money make a cozy comb of honey.
The foremost stand astride the aftmost.
Therefore do sages say:

Assume thee Magistery of Mindfulness.
Conduct the defusing of meanings.
Play whatever cards were dealt
But take great care counting decks.
Acquire, do not own.
Accumulate without expectation.
Consume yet seek no consummation.
Those who Grok this won't dwell on it.
Besides, selfless Samadhi grants relief from tension —

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