Classical Text 古典文獻 · Dao De Jing 道德經
Chapter 9 — Knowing When to Stop
運夷
Part I — The Dao 上篇·道經
Original Verse
原文
持而盈之，不如其已；
揣而銳之，不可長保。
金玉滿堂，莫之能守；
富貴而驕，自遺其咎。
功遂身退，天之道。
English Translation
英譯
To fill a vessel to the brim is not as good as stopping in time.
To sharpen a blade to its edge is to ensure it will soon blunt.
When gold and jade fill the hall, no one can guard them.
To be proud with wealth and honor is to invite disaster.
To withdraw when the work is done: this is the Way of Heaven.
Liuren Fajiao Commentary
六壬法教注疏
This chapter is a warning against Spiritual Arrogance. In Liuren Fajiao, when a ritual is successful and a problem is solved, the practitioner must "withdraw" (功遂身退). This means not claiming the success as their own and not dwelling on the result with pride.
"To fill to the brim" refers to the danger of seeking too much power or performing too many rituals without sufficient rest and De (Virtue). A sharpened blade (magical power) that is used excessively for show will quickly lose its efficacy.
By withdrawing after the work is done, the practitioner remains humble and "empty," ready for the next instruction from the Immortal Master. This is how the "Way of Heaven" is maintained in our daily practice.
Source: Dao De Jing (道德經), Chapter 9