The Empty Boat

Talks given 11 July 1974 am in Buddha Hall

THE MAN OF TAO ACTS WITHOUT IMPEDIMENT,

HARMS NO OTHER BEING BY HIS ACTIONS,

YET HE DOES NOT KNOW HIMSELF TO BE KIND AND GENTLE.

HE DOES NOT STRUGGLE TO MAKE MONEY,

AND HE DOES NOT MAKE A VIRTUE OF POVERTY.

HE GOES HIS WAY WITHOUT RELYING ON OTHERS,

AND DOES NOT PRIDE HIMSELF ON WALKING ALONE.

THE MAN OF TAO REMAINS UNKNOWN.

PERFECT VIRTUE PRODUCES NOTHING.

NO SELF IS TRUE SELF.

AND THE GREATEST MAN IS NOBODY.