Line by Line - Verse 16, Line 10

and that capacity and forbearance lead to a community (of feeling with all things).
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

With an open mind, you will be openhearted.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Acceptance is impartiality
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

If you figure it out, you'll always know what to do.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

When we accept the underlying reality of Tao as what is, was and will be, then we come to understand that everything has its place and everything has its time.

That said, I think John Lash can explain this line far better than I!

If the mind is open, then there is nothing that cannot come into it. Many people are afraid of certain thoughts, of contemplating certain ideas. There is a fear that if these ideas were accepted, they could cause their lives to change in ways they cannot predict. Such people have a fear of the unknown. But, if you can remain unmoved, sure of your centre and your path, it does not matter what enters your mind. Because no matter how your life may be changed by new ideas, you know that your harmony and tranquility will remain undisturbed in any given situation. So, what is there to fear?

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.