Chapter 59 teaches that the greatest wisdom in serving heaven and caring for people is conservation and restraint. By being frugal and moderate, we build virtue gradually. The more virtue we accumulate, the greater our strength. With unknowable strength, we can guide nations. And when we hold to this root, we can endure forever.
Key Concepts
啬
积德
深根
Cite This Chapter
Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 59, "Kwikama dia nzubu", laotzu.ai: https://www.laotzu.ai/kg/chapters/59/
Classical Chinese, translation, and AI reflection are shown separately; cite this chapter URL for references.
Wena ukwikama nsentamu ye Mfumu, nzila ye yanka ye yau. Wa nzila ye yau, mu nzila ye yau, kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Bika ye nzila ye yau, bika kuna bua ko ko, kwikama kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko, nzila ye yau.
Makanisi ya Nda
Lukanda lowo etangaka na nki?
Chapter 59 teaches that the greatest wisdom in serving heaven and caring for people is conservation and restraint. By being frugal and moderate, we build virtue gradually. The more virtue we accumulate, the greater our strength. With unknowable strength, we can guide nations. And when we hold to this root, we can endure forever.
Luzolele bwanki na moyo na ngai?
This speaks to my own life about patience and not rushing to consume or grasp. When I overextend myself, I have nothing left for what truly matters. The practice of '啬' (frugality/self-restraint) reminds me to preserve my energy for what is essential and lasting.
Nakosala nki lelu?
Today I will practice restraint in one area of my life—perhaps in spending, in speech, or in consuming. I will conserve energy for what is truly important and resist the urge to overextend myself.
For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like moderation. It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early return (to man's normal state). He who possesses the mother of the state may continue long.
AI Modern
Wena ukwikama nsentamu ye Mfumu, nzila ye yanka ye yau. Wa nzila ye yau, mu nzila ye yau, kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko. Bika ye nzila ye yau, bika kuna bua ko ko, kwikama kuna bua ko ko. Kwikama kuna bua ko ko, bika kuna bua ko ko, nzila ye yau.
Makanisi Yami
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?
