Chapter 54
第五十四章
What (Tao's) skilful planter plants Can never be uptorn;
善建者不拔,
What his skilful arms enfold, From him can ne'er be borne.
善抱者不脱,
Sons shall bring in lengthening line, Sacrifices to his shrine.
子孙以祭祀不辍。
Tao when nursed within one's self, His vigour will make true;
修之于身,其德乃真;
And where the family it rules What riches will accrue!
修之于家,其德乃余;
The neighbourhood where it prevails In thriving will abound;
修之于乡,其德乃长;
And when 'tis seen throughout the state, Good fortune will be found.
修之于邦,其德乃丰;
Employ it the kingdom o'er, And men thrive all around.
修之于天下,其德乃普。
In this way the effect will be seen in the person, by the observation of different cases;
故以身观身,
in the family; in the neighbourhood; in the state; and in the kingdom.
以家观家,以乡观乡,以邦观邦,以天下观天下。
How do I know that this effect is sure to hold thus all under the sky?
吾何以知天下然哉?
By this (method of observation).
以此。