老子《道德经》第二十八章英译

【原文】

知其雄，守其雌，为天下溪。为天下溪，常德不离，复归于婴儿。

知其白，守其辱，为天下谷。为天下谷，常德乃足，复归于朴。

朴散则为器，圣人用之，则为官长，故大智不割。

【现代汉语】

知道自己的强大，却甘于处在谦退低矮的位置，能够容纳天下万物，能像山谷一样包容天下，'道'的作用就不会流失，才能回归到如同婴儿一样的本初状态。

知道自己的能量，却甘于处在暗昧的位置，能够容纳天下万物，能像山谷一样包容天下，'道'的作用才能得到巩固，从而达到返璞归真的状态。

真朴的'道'迸发万物，合于'道'的圣人运用真朴，成为天下的领袖。这样完善、开明的政治就不会被割裂、破坏。

【英译】

The man who is willing be in self-effacing, low-lying position could contain all of the world just like the huge valley, even though he knows that he is powerful. The effect of 'Tao' will not be lost and he will return to the origin state like a firstborn.

The man who is willing be in dark and low-lying position could contain all of the world just like the huge valley, even though he knows that he is resplendent. The effect of 'Tao' will be consolidated and he will reach the pure state without any affectation.

The pure and origin Tao creates the universe. The sage use it to be the head of the people, thus the complete and enlightened polity will not be dissevered and demolished.
关键字:道德经
生词表: