Daodejing Part Twenty

LYRICS: Give up learning — and sorrow dissolves, What is gained when the mind revolves? Yes and no — how far apart? Good and bad — who draws the chart? What they fear, I cannot ignore, Yet I stand where I stood before. All men rejoice in the rising day, Feasting bright in the springtime air. I stand apart, I drift away — A silent heart with nothing to share. Crowds move fast with glittering eyes, Chasing forms they glorify. Full of purpose, sharp and clear, Certain paths that bring them near. I alone am slow and dim, Like a child with no demand within. All men rejoice in the rising day, Feasting bright in the springtime air. I stand apart, I drift away — A silent heart with nothing to share. All have plenty, more to claim, Clever minds that play the game. I am left as if behind, Like a fool of quiet mind. Drifting wide as seas unknown, Without a place to call my own. All men rejoice in the rising day, Feasting bright in the springtime air. I stand apart, I drift away — A silent heart with nothing to share. All men shine in the world of forms, Burning bright in borrowed light. I return to the nameless source — The hidden mother in the night. Alone, yet held by what is true. The Way is quiet... ...and so am I. DAODEJING PART TWENTY: When we renounce learning we have no troubles. The (ready) 'yes,' and (flattering) 'yea;' Small is the difference they display. But mark their issues, good and ill; What space the gulf between shall fill? What all men fear is indeed to be feared; but how wide and without end is the range of questions! The multitude of men look satisfied and pleased; as if enjoying a full banquet, as if mounted on a tower in spring. I alone seem listless and still, my desires having as yet given no indication of their presence. I am like an infant which has not yet smiled. I look dejected and forlorn, as if I had no home to go to. The multitude of men all have enough and to spare. I alone seem to have lost everything. My mind is that of a stupid man; I am in a state of chaos. Ordinary men look bright and intelligent, while I alone seem to be benighted. They look full of discrimination, while I alone am dull and confused. I seem to be carried about as on the sea, drifting as if I had nowhere to rest. All men have their spheres of action, while I alone seem dull and incapable, like a rude borderer. I alone am different from other men, but I value the nursing-mother.