| 1 |
|
My words are very easy to know, and very easy to practise; but
there is no one in the world who is able to know and
able to practise
them. |
My words are very easy to understand and very easy to practise, but in the world
no one can understand, no one can practise them. |
My words are very easy to understand and very easy to put into practice, yet
in all the world no one appears to understand them
or to practice them. |
| 2 |
|
There is an originating and all-comprehending (principle) in my words, and an
authoritative law for the things (which I enforce).
It
is because they do not know these, that men do not know me.
|
Words have an ancestor; Deeds have a master [viz., Reason]. Since he is not understood,
therefore I am not understood.
|
Words have an ancestor (a preceding idea), deeds have a master (a preceding purpose),
and just as these are often not understood, so I
am not understood.
|
| 3 |
|
They who know me are few, and I am on that account (the more) to be prized. It
is thus that the sage wears (a poor garb of) hair cloth,
while he carries his (signet of) jade in his bosom. |
Those who understand me are few, and thus I am distinguished.
Therefore the holy man wears wool, and hides in his bosom
his jewels.
|
They who understand me are very few, and on that account I am worthy of honor.
The wise man wears wool (rather than silk) and keeps
his gems out of sight. |
