The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 10

English Translation

Can you embrace the One and not lose it? Can you focus your vital breath and achieve the utmost suppleness like a newborn baby? Can you polish your mysterious mirror and leave no blemish? Can you love the people and govern the state without cleverness? Can you play the role of the female in the opening and closing of the gates of Heaven? Can you understand all and penetrate all without taking any action? To produce and to nourish, to produce without possessing, to act without expectation, to lead without dominating – this is called profound virtue.

Original Text

载营魄抱一，能无离乎？专气致柔，能婴儿乎？涤除玄览，能无疵乎？爱民治国，能无智乎？天门开阖，能为雌乎？明白四达，能无为乎？生之畜之，生而不有，为而不恃，长而不宰。是为玄德。

Explanation with Examples

1. Embracing the One refers to maintaining a state of unity and wholeness, both within oneself and with the Tao. Just as a newborn baby is supple and unburdened by mental constructs, we can cultivate a state of simplicity and purity by letting go of our attachments and desires.
2. Governing without cleverness means leading with wisdom and compassion rather than manipulation or force. A wise leader trusts in the natural order of things and does not seek to impose their own will on others. They act without expectation of reward or recognition, and they empower others to find their own way.

Call to Action

To cultivate profound virtue, we must learn to embrace the One and align ourselves with the natural way of the Tao. By letting go of our attachments and desires, we can achieve a state of simplicity and purity that allows us to act with wisdom and compassion.

Take action today:

• Practice meditation or other techniques to cultivate inner unity and wholeness
• Let go of attachments to possessions, status, and other external markers of success
• Cultivate a state of openness and receptivity, like the female principle in nature
• Act with wisdom and compassion, without expectation of reward or recognition
• Trust in the natural order of things and do not seek to impose your own will on others

By embodying the principles of profound virtue, we can live in harmony with the Tao and create a world of peace, prosperity, and well-being for all. Remember that true power lies not in domination or control, but in the cultivation of inner wisdom and the service of others.greatest treasures in life are not found in the pursuit of external things, but in the cultivation of inner peace, wisdom, and compassion.

References:
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 9