Chapter 19: Returning to Simplicity (第19章：還淳)

絕聖棄智，民利百倍；
絕仁棄義，民復孝慈；
絕巧棄利，盜賊無有。
此三者以為文不足，故令有所屬：
見素抱樸，少私寡欲。
☸

Translation

Discard "holiness" and "wisdom," and the people will benefit a hundredfold.
Discard "humanity" and "righteousness," and the people will return to filial piety and love.
Discard "skill" and "profit," and there will be no more thieves.

These three statements are merely external labels. Therefore, let there be something for the people to hold onto:

Manifest plainness and embrace the uncarved block (Simplicity).
Reduce selfishness and limit desires.

✦ ◆ ✦

📜 Liuren Perspective

In Liuren Fajiao, "Manifesting plainness" (見素) and "Embracing the uncarved block" (抱樸) are essential states for ritual work. A practitioner should not pretend to be a "holy saint" or a "wise master." These are external labels (文) that distract from the true work.

When we "discard skill" (絕巧), we are letting go of the ego's desire to perform "clever" or impressive magic for show. Instead, we return to the Simple Method passed down by the Immortal Master. By reducing selfish desires, the channel for spiritual energy becomes clear and unobstructed.

The "Uncarved Block" is the state of potential before it is limited by definition. In this state, the practitioner can respond to any spiritual situation with the full power of the lineage.

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