Daodejing Poem 15

第 十 五 章 

古 之 善 為 士 者 ， 微 妙 玄 通 ， 深 不 可 識 。 夫 惟 不 可 識 ， 故 強 為 之 容 。 豫 兮 若 冬 涉 川 ， 猶 兮 若 畏 四 鄰 ， 儼 兮 其 若 客 ， 渙 兮 若 冰 之 將 釋 ， 孰 兮 其 若 樸 ， 曠 兮 其 若 谷 ， 渾 兮 其 若 濁 。 孰 能 濁 以 澄 靜 之 徐 清 ？ 孰 能 安 以 久 動 之 徐 生 ？ 保 此 道 者 不 欲 盈 ， 夫 惟 不 盈 ， 故 能 敝 不 新 成 。 

The ancient masters of Tao were subtle, mysterious, mystic and acute. They were much too profound and not to be recognised. I too am not recognised, therefore emphasize on their outlook. They are like men crossing streams in winter, how cautious; as if the surrounding were dangerous, how watchful; as if they were guests; how dignified; as if like ice beginning to melt, how self-effacing; like a wood-block untouched by a tool, how sincere; like a valley awaiting a guest, how receptive; like a torrent that rushes along, so turbid. Who can stir up the dirty water, then still it to make clean? Who can always be quiet, moves others to fullness of life? Those who embrace Tao is not greedy. I too am not greedy. Therefore we are able to endure wear and tear without needing new clothes.

General comment. Good for contemplation.