Today I started with #74 and I was guided to connect that text with #51. Spring Blossom then joined me for #22.
#22 "Looking Away from What You Want"
To become complete
Know that you’re partial.
To become straight
Know that you’re crooked.
To become full
Know that you’re empty.
To be new
Know that you’re worn out.
He who wants it all
Must know what all includes.
Thus, the Master stays centered in Tao
And becomes an example for the world.
Because she knows her light is forfeit
People can see it.
Because she has no point to prove
People can trust her words.
Because she has no identity
She becomes a mirror for others.
Because she has nothing to attain
Nothing can be kept from her.
Thus, when it is said
“To become complete know that you’re partial.”
It is wise to heed and surrender to it.
Only by living in collaboration with Tao
Can one find completion.
#51 "The Cycle"
Life is a gift received from Tao,
It sustains all things as part of that gift.
Everything emerges perfect, unconscious, and free
Harmonizing with all things,
Completely maturing in its own time.
All things exist, and are nurtured through Tao,
It fosters and provides for them completely.
Tao does not possess or interfere
Each expressing and maturing in their own nature.
When their experience is complete
Tao receives them again.
#74 "Don’t Cut Yourself"
People are not naturally afraid to die
It is what we are born to do.
Fear of death is important if you want to rule over the people
However, you must artificially instill this fear into their hearts.
To accomplish this you kill as an example to control the masses.
Since the beginning of time there has been one executioner,
Trying to take its place will lead to nothing good.
As a novice with a master carpenter’s tools
You’re going to cut yourself.