Ice Now, Heat Later

"Enlightenment of the absolute Tao can free a person from worries and sorrow.

How much is the difference between a respectful response and an angry response?

How great is the difference between good and evil?

What people naturally fear, one should also fear.

One's endless desire can result in negligence of the true nature of life.

People like to pursue after excitement as if they were ascending the terrace in spring and

celebrate a sacrificial feast.

But I alone remain quiet and calm like an infant who is pure and innocent.

And I alone appeared to be lost like one who has nowhere to go.

All people have a surplus, but I alone was simple and left out like a fool.

People seemed bright and shrewd, while I seemed dull.

People like to dispute, while I alone remain quiet.

I am calm and peaceful like the boundless ocean.

I am open-hearted and free like the wind blowing high above the sky without hindrance.