When most people hear about the Great Integrity,
they waiver between belief and disbelief.
When wise people hear about the Great Integrity,
they diligently follow its path.
When ignorant people hear about it
they laugh out loud!
By this very laughter, we know its authenticity.
It is said -
enlightenment appears dark,
the progressive way appears retrograde,
the smooth way appears jagged,
the highest peak of revelation appears empty like a valley,
the cleanest appears to be soiled,
the greatest abundance appears insufficient,
the most enduring inner strength appears like weakenss,
and creativity appears imitative.
Great talents mature slowly.
Great sounds are silent.
Great forms look helpless.
Transcendent squareness has no corners.
The Great Integrity hides behind all forms,
stubbornly nourishing the paradoxes that can enlighten us.
“The Tao Te Ching, A New Translation”
By: Ralph Alan Dale
ISBN: 0-7607-4998-1