Dé – power 德
This is another term that is forced, because it cannot really be described: you cannot grasp it, whenever you try to accumulate “good works” and “virtues” – this simply is not De.
On the other hand, without refining yourself or working, just waiting there like deadwood for De to come all by itself, you can wait your whole life and never have Power. This word De, the more you seek it, the farther away it is, the more you grasp it, the more you lose it.
The Classic itself says “Superior De is not ‘power’ and that is why it is Power.”
It also says “Superior De is not forced, and does not force anything.”
These two sentences more or less clarify it, if only someone would take it on. If you have faith, gather all of your previous understanding and knowledge, everything you have learned of the Buddha, and overturn it.
Then, right where you are, in all your everyday places, take the word “损 sǔn — reduce” and use it to your benefit: reduce, and then reduce some more, reduce until there is no longer anywhere to reduce, and of itself the mysterious Power will manifest. Only then will you trust the benefit of not forcing.
Lao Zi says¹ “Wordless teaching and the benefit of not forcing – these are rare under heaven.” He also says² “mysterious Power is deep, and distant.” Get it?
Sigh.
Without leaving this very place it is constant and crystal clear;
but your searching shows you do not see it.
Ode
Immeasurable subtle Power is after all in the qualities of mind
You cannot do it, so why struggle to accumulate and refine?
The more reaching, the deeper; but the more grasping, the more loss;
Relinquish every item, overthrow all things.
Put oneself last, others first, keep to the female, preserve unity:
Purely one without admixture, only then is Power firm.
Knowing the meaning of life, cultivating harmony and peace³
This incalculable marvellous functioning is called mysterious De.
Endnotes:
1. Chapter 42
2. Chapter 56
3. 修斋治平.
The Fat Monk 