Chapter 79: Keeping the Covenant — 任契 | Dao De Jing 道德經

Original Verse

原文

和大怨，必有餘怨，安可以為善？是以聖人執左契，而不責於人。有德司契，無德司徹。天道無親，常與善人。
Source: Dao De Jing (道德經), Chapter 79

English Translation

英譯

When a great resentment is settled, some resentment will surely remain.
How can this be considered good?

Therefore the Sage holds the left side of the contract (the tally of debt),
But he does not demand payment from others.

He who has Virtue (De) focuses on the contract (Responsibility).
He who has no Virtue focuses on the taxes (Demands).

The Way of Heaven has no favorites;
It is always on the side of the "good man" (the one with Virtue).

Liuren Fajiao Commentary

六壬法教注疏

In Liuren Fajiao, "Holding the Left Tally" (執左契) is the standard for service. In ancient times, the left tally was the side held by the creditor that recorded the responsibility. A master provides magical aid and "holds the debt" (takes responsibility for the ritual's integrity), but "does not demand payment" (不責於人) in terms of ego or spiritual control.

We focus on our Duty (司契) rather than our Demands (司徹). A practitioner without Virtue is always looking for what they can "get" from the spirits or the people. A virtuous practitioner is only concerned with whether they have fulfilled their part of the spiritual covenant.

"The Way of Heaven has no favorites" (天道無親) reminds us that the Dao does not respond to "bribes" or personal relationships. It responds to the frequency of Virtue (善). By being a "good man"—one who consistently practices Xingshan Jide (Doing good and accumulating virtue)—the master ensures that the "Way of Heaven" is always on their side.