| Ah Heng's Daoism Page |
| Chapter Fifty Two There is a beginning of the Cosmos, to describe it is to know its Ontology. Since we know this Ontology, we know cosmological Manifestations. Since we know such Manifestations, by repeatedly guarding its Ontology, even if it ceases, it will still live Eternally. (Heng: I have translated it according to the correct way of understanding. In ancient texts, Ontology is described as Mu or 'Mother', Manifestations is described as Zi or 'Son'. I do not stick to strict etymological definitions.) Close the passages, shut the door, one does not need to work for life. Open the passageway, attach to worldly affairs, one will not be able to be saved. (Heng: Creating their own existential Samsara. This verse teaches one to be Wu Wei and not attach oneself to worldly affairs.) Sees the small and one understands, to guard the subtle is to remain powerful. If one depletes it there is still space, it will cycle and return again for illumination. There is nothing left until the body is destroyed. Such is called Following the Cycle. (Heng: Another favourite Chapter. The result of guarding the Ontology is that it will never be exhausted. Since it's together with the Cosmos, others carry on his Spirit and practice it even after death. Guard the Ontology and it can be passed. A lot of people misunderstand this Chapter. Some Neo-Taoists think this is the way to become a 'Deity'. How wrong they are. I have translated according to original Chinese texts. Many translators regurgitate from others' translations because they do not truly understand what this Chapter is talking about. Sigh... ) |
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