Ratmachines.com

Agreement and angry rejection;
How great is the difference between them?
Beautiful and ugly;
What's it like – the difference between them?
The one who is feared by others,
Must also because of this fear other men.
Wild, unrestrained! It will never come to an end!

The multitudes are peaceful and happy;
Like climbing a terrace in springtime to feast at the t'ai-lao sacrifice.
But I'm tranquil and quiet – not yet having given any sign.
Like a child who has no t yet smiled.
Tired and exhausted – as though I have no, place to return.
The multitudes all have a surplus. I alone seem to be lacking.
Mine is the mind of a fool – ignorant and stupid!
The common people see things clearly;
I alone am in the dark.
The common people discriminate and make fine distinctions;
I alone am muddled and confused.
Formless am I! Like the ocean;
Shapeless am I! As though I have nothing in which I can rest.
The masses all have their reasons for acting;
I alone am stupid and obstinate like a rustic.
But my desires alone differ from those of others –
For I value drawing sustenance from the Mother.