primal simplicity

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Tao is always nameless.

Small as it is in its Primal Simplicity,

It is inferior to nothing in the world.

If only a ruler could cling to it,

Everything will render homage to him.

Heaven and Earth will be harmonized

And send down sweet dew

Peace and order will reign among the people

Without any command from above.

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When once the Primal Simplicity diversified,

Different names appeared.

Are there not enough names now?

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Is this not the time to stop?

To know when to stop is to preserve ourselves from danger.

The Tao is to the world what a great river or an ocean

is to the streams and brooks.

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~ Lao Tzu

from the Tao Te Ching

translated by John C. H. Wu

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