21
Empty Heart
Virtue is a hole
Only Tao comes out of it
Tao is the thing in the dark
The Darkness from which forms appear
The Darkness with something in it
The Darkness with energy in it
The energy in it is real, there’s truth in it
From past to present, it’s name has not died
I can read the many now
How can I know the many?
This way!
31
Ending War
Beautiful weapons are not blessed tools
They are things to be hated, for the Tao is not in them
The Sage at peace honors the Left
In war we honor the Right
Weapons are not blessed tools, the Sage only uses it when necessary
When it can’t be stopped, then they can be used
Peace is the best thing
Victory without Satisfaction
Satisfaction is to take joy in killing
Those who take joy in killing will not attain their Will for the World
Fortunate work is Left
Terrible work is Right
Wary generals are in the Left
Proud generals are in the Right
Say prayers of mourning
If you’ve killed many people
Sorrow, lament, and weep
Victories are Funerals
41
Same and Different
High Scholars hear of the Tao and diligently straighten it out
Middling Scholars hear of the Tao and may keep it or lose it
Low Scholars hear of the Tao and have a big laugh!
If it’s not funny it’s not the Tao