Page 136 - Built For Greatness - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching
P. 136

110

                                  Chapter 55
                              Strength in Weakness


            Those who are filled with the Spirit
                                a
            Are like newborn infants

                                         b
            Venomous serpents are no danger
            Wild beasts are no threat
            Birds of prey do not attack
                                                 c
            Their bones appear fragile and muscles weak
            But their grips are firm

                                             d
            They are unconcerned about sexual unity
            Yet, they are made complete and full of strength
                                                   e

            Their shouts are heard from afar without their voices
                 getting hoarse    f
            That is because they are in harmony with the Spirit

            Knowing harmony is to know that which is unchanging
            Knowing that which is unchanging is to have wisdom
                                                      g

            Lusting after a greater life with excessive force invites misfortune
                                                                h
            To overuse the mind is to overload it
            Things that are forced can grow strong for a while but soon
                 fade away
            This is not in harmony with God
            And that which is not in harmony with God comes to an early end
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