36 老子德道经帛书版 微明 吟诵 青阳子

將欲拾之，必古張之；將欲弱之，必古強之；將欲去之，必古與之；將欲奪之，必古予之。是胃微明。
友弱勝強。
魚不可脫於潚，邦利器不可以視人。
Original Text and Translation
*将欲拾之，必古张之；将欲弱之，必古强之；将欲去之，必古与之；将欲夺之，必古予之。是谓微明。*
- *Original:* 将欲拾之，必古张之；将欲弱之，必古强之；将欲去之，必古与之；将欲夺之，必古予之。是谓微明。
- *Translation:* If you want to reduce something, you must first expand it; if you want to weaken something, you must first strengthen it; if you want to abolish something, you must first allow it to flourish; if you want to take something away, you must first give it. This is called subtle wisdom.
*友弱胜强。*
- *Original:* 友弱胜强。
- *Translation:* Softness overcomes hardness.
*鱼不可脱于潚，邦利器不可以视人。*
- *Original:* 鱼不可脱于潚，邦利器不可以视人。
- *Translation:* Fish cannot be taken from water; the sharp tools of a state should not be displayed to the people.
Explanation
This passage discusses a Daoist strategy of subtle manipulation and the philosophy of using softness to overcome hardness, as well as the importance of keeping state secrets.
1. *Subtle Manipulation Strategy:*
- *将欲拾之，必古张之；将欲弱之，必古强之；将欲去之，必古与之；将欲夺之，必古予之。*
- These lines illustrate the Daoist concept of achieving objectives through counterintuitive actions. For instance, to reduce something, you must first expand it; to weaken something, you must first strengthen it. The idea is to conceal one's true intentions by taking actions that seem contrary to the final goal. This is considered subtle wisdom.
2. *Softness Overcoming Hardness:*
- *友弱胜强。*
- This line emphasizes the Daoist principle that softness and flexibility can overcome hardness and rigidity. This is similar to the idea in Tai Chi philosophy that "softness overcomes hardness," advocating a gentle and yielding approach to dealing with challenges.
3. *Keeping State Secrets:*
- *鱼不可脱于潚，邦利器不可以视人。*
- This line underscores the importance of keeping vital state secrets and tools hidden, just as fish cannot survive out of water. Maintaining the confidentiality of a state's critical resources is crucial for its security and power.
Summary
This passage from the Daoist text provides insights into the philosophy of achieving goals through seemingly contradictory actions, the strength of softness and flexibility, and the necessity of safeguarding state secrets. These concepts are central to Daoist thought, offering effective methods for handling complex situations.