Tao Te Ching | The Essential Translation

The sun declines

From its zenith,

The moon waxes

Only to wane,

Flowers bloom

Only to fade,

The greatest joy

Turns to sorrow.

MAGISTER LIU

Soft and Gentle

Prevail.

Water wends its way

Gently

Round every obstacle,

Avoids Heights,

Sinks to Depths,

Bends with curves,

Fills and pours,

Fits into Square and Circle,

Into Small and Great,

Into springs and rivers,

Smoothing the Surface of things,

Accepting all manner of Filth,

Containing gold,

Extinguishing fire,

Bringing Life

To plants and trees,

S