Line by Line - Verse 7, Line 6

he treats his person as if it were foreign to him, and yet that person is preserved.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

He is detached, thus at one with all.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Are outside of themselves and yet survive
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

They don't hang on to things. That's how they manage to keep them.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

When we become attached to particular ideas, concepts, objects and people, we neglect others. Some are given favored status, while others are eschewed. We overlook the opportunities presented to us because we focus too exclusively on what we already have.

When we are able to free ourselves -- to become detached -- then we embrace the world inclusively. We see connection where others sees separation. We become one with Tao.

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