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That which presides over Heaven is proper alignment,
That which presides over Earth is equability,
That which presides over people is calmness and stillness.
Spring, autumn, winter, summer -
The timing of heaven!
Mountains, hills, streams, valleys -
The limbs of the earth!
Love, anger, taking, giving -
The schemes of the people!
Thus the sage :
Takes part in the changing of the seasons, but is not transformed;
He attends to creatures, but is not changed by them.
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When you can be properly aligned and can be still[C] -
Then, you can be settled.
With a settled heart/mind in your center,
Your ears and eyes are acute and clear,
Your four limbs are hard and strong,
You are able to become a dwelling for essence.
This essence -
Is essence of Qi!
With Qi and Dao, then there is life;
With life, then there is contemplation;
With contemplation, then there is understanding;
When you reach understanding, then stop!
Always : if the form of the heart/mind
Has too much understanding, life is lost.
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Knowing the Oneness[D] with creatures can transform them,
We call this being spirit-like[E].
Knowing the Oneness with your duties can change them,
We call this being wise*.
To transform creatures, without altering your Qi;
To change duties, without altering your wisdom*;[F]
Only a noble man* who maintains Oneness[G]
Can do this!