He is free from self-display, and therefore he shines;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Not putting on a display,
They shine forth.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
Without flaunting themselves – and so are seen clearly
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
She's not showing off so people take notice.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
I like what
John Lash has to say in reference to this line.
Anyone who is centred in harmony and tranquility will, in this greatly disturbed world of ours, be recognised. This recognition will come from the heart and not from the consciousness of others. People will be attracted to him without realising that he is in anyway special and without even realising how much they depend on him in times of trouble.
To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.
I'm so trying to learn that. Thank you for posting those verses.
ReplyDeleteI think that in the name of being assertive, some people promote showing off and being on display. That's how I was raised, and I know it doesn't work. So the verses are right because I already tried the opposite, with horrible results.