Chapter 28: Keeping the Uncarved Block (第28章：反樸)

知其雄，守其雌，為天下谿。
為天下谿，常德不離，復歸於嬰兒。
知其白，守其黑，為天下式。
為天下式，常德不忒，復歸於無極。
知其榮，守其辱，為天下谷。
為天下谷，常德乃足，復歸於樸。
樸散則為器，聖人用之，則為官長，故大制不割。
☸

Translation

Know the male, but keep to the female; become a valley for the world.
Being a valley for the world, eternal Virtue (De) will not leave you,
And you will return to the state of a newborn.

Know the white, but keep to the black; become a pattern for the world.
Being a pattern for the world, eternal Virtue will not falter,
And you will return to the Infinite (Wuji).

Know the glory, but keep to the disgrace; become a valley for the world.
Being a valley for the world, eternal Virtue will be sufficient,
And you will return to the Uncarved Block (Pu).

When the Uncarved Block is broken, it becomes useful tools.
The Sage uses them to become the leader.
Thus, a great tailors does not cut.

✦ ◆ ✦

📜 Liuren Perspective

This chapter is a profound guide to Yin-Yang Balancing in Liuren Fajiao. "Know the male, keep the female" (知雄守雌) means having the power and "Martial" (Yang/雄) ability, but remaining in a receptive, "Civil" (Yin/雌) state. This allows the practitioner to be a "Valley" that collects the energy of the Dao.

"Returning to Wuji" (復歸於無極) is our ultimate goal in meditation. By moving beyond the dualities of white/black and glory/disgrace, the practitioner reaches the state of the Infinite. From this state, any magical effect can be manifested.

The "Uncarved Block" (樸) represents the raw, undifferentiated power of the lineage. When it is "broken" into tools, it becomes specific rituals and talismans. But a true Master (Sage) knows how to use these tools without "cutting" or damaging the underlying unity of the Dao. They maintain the Big Picture (大制).

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