Classical Text 古典文獻 · Dao De Jing 道德經
Chapter 59 — Moderation
守道
Part II — Virtue (De) 下篇·德經
Original Verse
原文
治人、事天，莫若嗇。
夫唯嗇，是謂早服；
早服謂之重積德；重積德則無不克；
無不克則莫知其極；莫知其極，可以有國。
有國之母，可以長久。
是謂深根固柢，長生久視之道。
English Translation
英譯
In governing people and serving Heaven, nothing is better than moderation (Se - conservation).
Only through moderation can one achieve "Early Readiness" (Zaofu).
Early readiness means building up a great store of Virtue (De).
With a great store of Virtue, there is nothing one cannot overcome.
When there is nothing one cannot overcome, no one knows his limits.
When no one knows his limits, he can govern a state.
Holding to the Mother of the state, he can endure.
This is called "Deep Roots and a Firm Foundation":
The Way of Longevity and Long-enduring Vision.
Liuren Fajiao Commentary
六壬法教注疏
In Liuren Fajiao, "Moderation" (嗇) is the practice of Energy Conservation. We do not waste our Qi or our Fa-power on trivial matters. This conservation allows for "Early Readiness" (早服)—the ability to be spiritually prepared for any situation before it arises.
By constantly "building up Virtue" (重積德) through conservation and service, the practitioner's power becomes "limitless." This is the foundation for governing the "State"—which refers to both the Altar and the practitioner's own body and spirit.
"Deep roots and a firm foundation" (深根固柢) is achieved through this daily habit of moderation. It ensures that the practitioner's cultivation is not a "flash in the pan" but a "Way of Longevity" (長生之道) that endures through any spiritual storm.
Source: Dao De Jing (道德經), Chapter 59