Classical Text 古典文獻 · Dao De Jing 道德經
Chapter 8 — The Virtue of Water
易性
Part I — The Dao 上篇·道經
Original Verse
原文
上善若水。水善利萬物而不爭，
處眾人之所惡，故幾於道。
居善地，心善淵，與善仁，言善信，
政善治，事善能，動善時。
夫唯不爭，故無尤。
English Translation
英譯
Highest good is like water.
Water excels in benefiting the ten thousand things without contending.
It settles in places that people disdain,
And so it is close to the Dao.
In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be kind.
In speaking, be true.
In governing, be efficient.
In work, be capable.
In action, be timely.
Because it does not contend, it is without reproach.
Liuren Fajiao Commentary
六壬法教注疏
In Liuren (六壬), the character Ren (壬) belongs to the Yang Water element. Water is central to our practice—from the Fa-water (法水) used for cleansing to the fluid nature of our hand seals. This chapter defines the ethical requirements of a Water-based tradition.
"Benefiting without contending" means using magic to help and heal without seeking to prove superiority or dominance. "Settling in low places" reminds the practitioner to remain humble and approachable, never looking down on those they serve.
The seven virtues (Dwelling, Heart, Kindness, etc.) are the hallmarks of a "Water Practitioner." By aligning our timing (Zeri) and our actions with the natural flow of the Dao, we achieve results without "contending" against the universe.
Source: Dao De Jing (道德經), Chapter 8