The Way is the deep mystery of all things;
a treasure for those who are good,
a refuge for those who are not.

Beautiful words may be traded.
Noble deeds may bring honor.
But those who are not good,
why should they be cast aside?

So, at the crowning of an emperor,
or the appointing of the three dukes,
do not offer a gift of jade
and a team of swift horses.
Simply sit still and offer the Way.

Why did the ancients treasure the Way above all?
Did they not say:
‘Through it, we find what we seek,
and even wrongdoing is forgiven’?
This is why it is the treasure of the world.