Chapter 22

The partial becomes complete; the crooked, straight; the empty, full; the worn out, new. He whose (desires) are few gets them; he whose (desires) are many goes astray. Therefore the sage holds in his embrace the one thing (of humility), and manifests it to all the world. He is free from self- display, and therefore he shines; from self-assertion, and therefore he is distinguished; from self-boasting, and therefore his merit is acknowledged; from self-complacency, and therefore he acquires superiority. It is because he is thus free from striving that therefore no one in the world is able to strive with him. That saying of the ancients that 'the partial becomes complete' was not vainly spoken:--all real completion is comprehended under it.

Commentary

Commentary

HUMILITY'S INCREASE. 1. "The crooked shall be straight, Crushed ones recuperate, The empty find their fi ll. The worn with strength shall thrill; Who little have receive, And who have much will grieve." 2. Therefore The holy man embraces unity and becomes for all the world a model. Not self-displaying he is enlightened; Not self -approving he is distinguished; Not self-asserting he acquires merit; Not self-seeking he gaineth life. Since he does not quarrel, therefore no one in the world can quarrel with him. 3. The s...