Calling Names The nature of a thing is determined by its name. A name is not a coincidence, but reflects the nature of a thing. This chapter contains a number of fifty verses, and the order of the different names is meaningful. The titles of the verses and text between [brackets] are not part of the original text. The numbers have also been added for editorial reasons. Gaps in the numbering mean that the verse is not translated. In all cases this is because there were too many illegible characters in the original text Translated and edited by Bram den Hond 3.1 [Shape] Tao has no beginning, But it has sure effect. Before it existed, it was not present. Once in existence, it adjusts itself. When a being is on the threshold Of existence, the shape comes first. It is called with its name. What is the meaning of words? 3.2 [Control] Causing damage to others Is doing harm to prestige. Giving way to desire Is doing harm to the Law. He who cannot follow Is doing harm to Tao. Who puts these three Things first, over and over again, Will lose control and his position. And which nation is then able To defend itself? 3.3 [Properties] What is curved, Follows a bending trace. What is straight, Follows a straight line. Curved things and straight things Does not fit together in the same space. 3.4 [Changes] Mostly the change of Tao is as follows: It is not increasing, but decreases. It is not expanding, but shrinks into itself. Who tries to control the change will be hit by evil. 3.5 [Standard] Who has a standard And uses it to measure, Will make no mistakes. Who relies on a standard Gains insight in the future And will make no mistakes. Creating order according to the Law Prevents chaos. 3.6 [Patterns] The sage causes no beginning, Follows not only the complete own opinion, Does not make in advance all sorts of plans Does not strive for property, Does not turn away from blessings. He follows the way of Heaven. 3.7 [Condition] Who loses his natural condition, will die. Who deceives his master, will die. Who tries to rival his master, Paves the way to danger. 3.8 [Anxiety] The will links up with the Desire of the heart, And the power links up With the desire of the will. Therefore, who is living in a nest, Pays attention to the wind. Who is living in a hole Pays attention to the rain. That is because they have Anxiety over their existence. If you are worried about that, You shall live short. If you have peace with it, You shall live long. 3.9 [Circumstances] The councilors of an emperor Are called counselor But actually they are teachers. The counselors of a king Are called counselor, But actually they are supporters. The counselors of a tyrant Are called counselor, But actually they are guests. The councilors of a man in danger Are called counselor, But actually they are servants. The counselors of who is damned Are called counselor, But actually they are slaves. 3.10 [Size] Who is presenting himself as broad Finds many who will avoid him. Who is presenting others smaller Endangers his life And will die in disgrace. In his own family One cannot resist evil And in distress He will not chose the right moment. 3.13 [Clearness] The area of a Son of Heaven Is thousand miles in a square. The area of a feudal lord Is hundred miles in a square And that is the way To bind them together. Therefore it is so, that someone Who appoints a son of Heaven, Will take care that there is No confusion with the feudal lords. Who is appointing a son of a head wife Takes care that no confusion rises With the sons of his other wives. Who is appointing a head wife Takes care that no confusion rises With the servants When confusion is a possibility People are detrimental to each other. When functions are mixed People will hinder each other. 3.14 [Occasion] When the right opportunity offers One quickly settles the case Without speaking over it. When the right moment is not yet there Then close the gate And do not show The smallest piece of yourself. 3.15 [Balance] The course of Heaven Comprises cold and warm. The course of the Earth Comprises high and low. The nature of Mankind Comprises to give and to take. The one who has a balance In giving and taking Is the right person To be a good king. The ones who have no balance In giving an taking Shall be sent in exile And go down and die. Heaven provides a Punishment for those That turn up Upon their own heads. 3.16 [Errors] There were fixed patterns Do not fit in a period One puts the Law aside And acts at its own discretion Because handling in that way Is unbecoming Gives it rise to unhappiness. 3.19 [Requital] When a feudal lord abandons a requital He does not wash his shame away He will requite it There where he is. 3.20 [Jealousy] There where envy, theft and secrets rule Between the wives of one man, Then lower them in ranking And remove those persons. If one does not take away their influence And does not lower them in ranking And does not remove those persons Then will that make mischief. 3.21 [Harmony] As long as in the inside of your heart There is no harmony with things, Then do not speak about the outside. As long as minor things are not investigated Then do not speak about the major things. 3.22 [Profit] Profits never gather in a single hand. Rewards are never doubled. Animals that carry horns Do not have sharp teeth. 3.23 [Reasons] Always use the correct banner in a war. When you have gained what you desired Then stop the war.