Chapter 39
Mfumu kwa Dhavu Mu mpangi wa bualu
Original
其致之，天无以清将恐裂，地无以宁将恐发，神无以灵将恐歇，谷无以盈将恐竭，万物无以生将恐灭，侯王无以贵高将恐蹶。
故贵以贱为本，高以下为基。是以侯王自称孤、寡、不谷。此非以贱为本邪？非乎？故致数誉无誉。不欲琭琭如玉，珞珞如石。
Kulongesha
Bualu ate, kadi kapesha ya mbwetankulu ya kasokolele kaniyeka ku bulaula; kapesha ya bansa ya yalala kaniyeka ku bulondelami; kapesha ya moya ya ubange kwingila kaniyeka ku bwanga; kapesha ya bitoji bya byakata kaniyeka ku buswangi; kapesha ya biansa bya mibi kaniyeka ku luse; kapesha ya bantu bafyate bya bumenyi kaniyeka ku bupwikilami.
Bualu yeo, bualu bukolengana butambe bualu bukengana bubi; bualu bunkete kwambe bualu bwikama bwabi. Bualu yeo, bafyate ba kwiza ne bualu: nkaka yeo, mwine muswabi, mwine wa kasese, mwine wanji. Beyi bualu tshilobo tshia bualu bukengana bubi? Yei! Bualu bukulula bualu budimpe bwamvua kufika buungwa. Kanuyi nyina bualu buakane buakane nkama ya mutshi, balaye bualu bungi bungi nkama ya lufwa.
Bualu bua Dhavu bualu kufwiluka, bualu bupi bia bianza bose bushikame kua bualu bukolengana, bualu bukolengana bushikame kua bualu bupi bia bwavi.
Kufwaya Mûno
Cisabu ici ciamba tshinyi?
Chapter 39 emphasizes how everything in existence—sky, earth, spirits, valleys, creatures, and rulers—depends on the one principle of unity and harmony with the Dao. Without this fundamental connection, each would fall into chaos and destruction. The chapter teaches that nobility cannot exist without humility as its root, and height cannot stand without depth as its foundation. Those who seek excessive honor or fame lose true dignity. Rather than glittering like rare jade, one should be content like common stone.
Ciungamana tshinyi nami?
This chapter reminds me that my own strength and stability come from staying connected to something greater than myself. My status and accomplishments mean nothing if I forget that they are built upon the humble foundations of others' work and the natural order. When I feel elevated, I must remember my roots; when I am humbled, I must recognize that this is where true strength lies.
Nkashite tshinyi lelu?
Today I will notice when pride tries to make me feel above others. I will practice humility by acknowledging the contributions of those around me and accepting my own ordinary place in the world without seeking special recognition or status.
Bisabu Bilingane
Kufwaya Kwangu
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?