Better stop short than fill to the brim.
Oversharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt.
Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.
Claim wealth and titles, and disaster will follow.
Retire when the work is done.
This is the way of heaven.

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In chapter 8, Lao Tzu told us how to be like water. Now he discusses simplicity. He shows that the problems in the world is due to unneeded complexity. For truely if you fill your house with precious things, it can be robbed. And if you truely treasure those precious things, and lose them; you will have much suffering.

The sage knows when he is full, and thus is simple and humble.

And of course one of my favorite lines in the book...

"When you have done your work, retire!" How simple, and wise.

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The only constant in this universe is change. Are you ready to change??

MAKING THINGS EQUAL

It is advisable to refrain from continual reaching after wealth.

Continual handling and sharpening wears away the most durable thing.

If the house be full of jewels, who shall protect it?

Wealth and glory bring care along with pride.

To stop when good work is done and honour advancing is the way of Heaven.



Certainly not the way of the hungry ego which always searches for problems to solve. It may be that we truly need to realize our Soul to find peace.

Travis