《道德经》第十章 Daode Classics Chapter Ten

By Latzi, B.C. translated by David Du

原文： 载营魄抱一，能无离乎？专气致柔，能如婴儿乎？涤除玄鉴，能无疵乎? 爱民治国，能无为乎？

天门开阖，能为雌乎？明白四达，能无知乎？生之畜之，生而不有，为而不恃，长而不宰，是谓玄德。

白话文：

啊，人的魂魄合二为一，可它能永不分离吗？人专心聚气可以达到柔和，但这种柔和能达到像婴儿一样吗？

人用心去除杂念，达到镜观，但这种镜观能无瑕疵吗？爱民治国，能做到自然无为吗？ 感官刺激，能像母性那样

柔弱、安静吗？ 洞彻明白一切（道、天、地、人），是否能做到不动心机呢？促进万物生长、繁育，

产生万物而不占为己有， 养育万物而不以万物之母自居，作为万物之首领却不主宰万物，这就是最大的德。

DaoDe Classics Chapter 10

Body and soul combine into One,

Can they never separate?

Gathering Qi** and letting it out smoothly can achieve gentleness.

Will the level of gentleness compare with that of a baby?

Getting rid of mixed thoughts to cleanse the heart,

Will it become perfectly dirt-free?

When politicians rule a nation, can they perform their daily duties naturally and take actions consciously?

Will sensual feelings are as gentle and quiet as females?

When understanding all things thoroughly including Dao, Heaven and Earth, and Humanity,

Will we stay out of desire and self-interest and help all living things grow, restore and reproduce?

Parenting them but never seek possession of them or become arrogant because of this.

Footnote:

* *Qi: translates as air or spirit, in traditional Chinese culture, it is believed to be a vital force forming part of any living entity. Qi separates strong and smoothly, Laozi emphasizes even if someone can put his Qi reaching， smoothing state never compare the baby’s smoothing one.