| 2 |
萬物恃之以生而不辭，功成不名有，衣養萬物而不
為主。常無欲，可名于小﹔ |
All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to
them, not one refusing obedience to it. When its work is
accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it. It
clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being
their lord;--it may be named in the smallest things. All things
return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it
which presides over their doing so;--it may be named in the greatest
things.
|
The ten thousand things depend upon it for their life, and it refuses them not.
When its merit is accomplished it assumes not the
name. Lovingly it nourishes the ten thousand things
and plays not the lord. Ever desireless it can be
classed with the small. The ten thousand things return
home to it. It plays not the lord. It can be classed
with the great.
|
Everything relies upon it for their existence, and it does not fail them. It
acquires merit but covets not the title. It lovingly
nourishes everything, but does not claim the rights
of ownership. It has no desires, it can be classed
with the small. Everything returns to it, yet it does
not claim the right of ownership. It can be classed
with the great.
|
| 3 |
萬物歸焉而不為主，可名為大。以其終不自為
大，故能成其大。 |
Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great
achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can
accomplish them. |
Therefore the holy man unto death does not make himself great and can thus accomplish
his greatness. |
Therefore the wise man to the end will not pose as a great man, and by so doing
will express his true greatness. |
