10. Holding the One
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
载营魄抱一,能无离乎?
English translation
In carrying body and spirit together and holding to unity, can you keep them from separating?
The question asks whether a person can remain inwardly whole, without scattered desires pulling body and mind apart.
Original Chinese text
专气致柔,能婴儿乎?
English translation
In gathering your breath and becoming soft, can you be like an infant?
The infant represents unforced softness and vitality. The question invites a release of strain and rigidity in favor of a more natural, responsive state.
Original Chinese text
涤除玄览,能无疵乎?
English translation
In cleansing the deep mirror of perception, can you leave it without a blemish?
The “deep mirror” suggests inward awareness. Clearing away bias and distraction allows things, including oneself, to be seen more plainly.
Original Chinese text
爱民治国,能无知乎?
English translation
In caring for the people and governing the state, can you do without clever manipulation?
Rule based too heavily on schemes and control can unsettle the people. The passage favors plain concern and limited interference.
Original Chinese text
天门开阖,能为雌乎?
English translation
As the gates of nature open and close, can you remain receptive like the female?
The female here signifies softness, receptiveness, and not forcing the lead. One stays responsive to change without rushing to control it.
Original Chinese text
明白四达,能无知乎?
English translation
In seeing clearly and understanding all around, can you refrain from clever interference?
Broad understanding need not lead to constant calculation or intervention. Clear sight also includes knowing the limits of one's own cleverness.
Original Chinese text
生之、畜之,生而不有,为而不恃,长而不宰,是谓玄德。
English translation
Give life to things and nurture them. Give them life without possessing them; act without relying on the credit; help them grow without ruling them. This is called profound virtue.
The deepest virtue supports life without controlling it. One may contribute, take responsibility, and guide, yet not turn the result into ownership or power.