Verse
Lao-tzu’s Tao Teching
Interpreted by Red Pine
“Surrender brings perfection”
The crooked become straight
The empty become full
The worn become new
Have little and gain much
So the Sage embraces the One
and becomes a model for the world
Without showing himself, he shines forth
Without promoting himself, he is distinguished
Without claiming reward, he gains endless merit
Without seeking glory, his glory endures
The Sage knows how to follow
so he comes to command
He does not compete
so no one under Heaven can compete with him
The ancient saying,
“Surrender brings perfection,”
is not just empty words
Truly, surrender brings perfection
and perfection brings the whole universe
Lao-tzu’s Tao Teching
Interpreted by Jonathan Star
Haiku by Erdos
Named and Nameless
Maiden of Heaven and Earth
There! In front of me.
Erdos 2022
Commentary on Verse 01 by Red Pine