#42*

Dao begets one.
One begets two.
Two begets three.
Three begets 10,000 things.

The 10,000 things
carry YIN on their backs
and embrace YANG.

Yin and Yang contest
Then blend each with the
Other in harmony.

People detest most
The orphaned, the needy, and

The ill provided.

However, Kings use
These as their names.

Therefore, sometimes things
descrease yet are increasing.
Sometimes increase yet are decreasing.

What others taught me, I
Will teach to others.

The violent cannot
Achieve a proper death.

I take this as the
Father of all teachings.

*Translation by LU Wenlong & Keith Wayne Brown, ©2013.

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