Tao Te Ching

Chapter 10
[Original text]

It is not as good as it is to hold and make a profit [1].

Conjecture is not long-term guarantee.

The hall is full of gold and jade, and no one can defend it.

Wealthy and proud, blame yourself [3].

Gongcheng, Mingsui[4], body retreat, the Way of Heaven[5] also.

【Note】

[1] Ying: Full, here refers to self-satisfaction and pride.

[2] Already: Stop, here means not to continue.

[3] Blame: negligence, disaster.

[4] Sui: fulfill one's wish, here refers to the fame that has reached the position you want.

[5] Dao: The law of nature, also refers to the avenue between heaven and earth.

【Analysis】

Self-confessed in ability and proud, it is better to stop in moderation; even if the iron is polished very sharply, it will not last for a long time.

Fill your hall with gold and jade, but no one can keep the wealth for a long time; if you are arrogant because of wealth, it will usually bring you unexpected disasters.

Therefore, when you are successful and famous, you should retreat bravely, because doing so is in line with the Dao between heaven and earth and can keep you away from disasters.

【Explanation by Famous Artists】

Mr. He Shang:
Ying, full also.Already, stop also.It is better to stop when you are full.Guess, rule also.Guess it first, then abandon it.Desires hurt the mind, and the wealth is exhausting.The rich should help the poor, the noble should take pity on the humble, but if they are arrogant and reckless, they will surely suffer disaster.It is the usual way of heaven to say that what people do, success is accomplished, deeds are established, fame and deeds are well-known, and if you don't retreat and avoid positions, you will encounter harm.For example, the sun will move, the moon will lose when it is full, things will decline when they are full, and sorrow will be when they are extremely happy.

(End of this chapter)