B : presumably, for bartering C : these two symbols could just as likely be translated as “honorable deeds” D: the “son of heaven” is a standard phrase referring to the emperor E : specifically Dukes (see #32), but in keeping with other chapters, this is interpreted more generally as “nobles”; the phrase “three Dukes” specifically refers to the highest state officials, advisors, or ministers F : a very expensive and impressive offering, indeed! G : there is no subject in the original Chinese; Dao is assumed based on the 4th line previous Cross-references mystery : #1, #6, #10, #15, #27, #51, #56, #65 treasure : #67, #69 one who is not virtuous : #27, #49, #81 nobles (in general) : #32, #37, #39, #42, #80 the ancients/elders : #14, #15, #22, #38, #39, #65, #68 being valuable : #56, #70 therefore becomes valuable to the world : #56 Chapter Sixty Three • 為 無 為 • 事 無 事 • 味 無 味 大 小 多 少 報 怨 以 德 • 圖 難 於 其 易 為 大 於 其 細 • 天 下 難 事 必 作 於 易 天 下 大 事 必 作 於 細 • 是 以 聖 人 終 不 為 大 (•)故 能 成 其 大 夫 輕 諾 必 寡 信 多 易 必 多 難 • 是 以 聖 人 猶 難 之 • (•)故 終 無 難 矣(•) • Act with non-action. Handle duties with non-interference. Taste that which is without-flavor. Greatness is insignificant, too much is less. Repay animosity with De. Plan for the difficult while it is easy. Act on the great while it is tiny. In the world, difficult duties certainly start while easy. In the world, great duties certainly start while tiny. Thus the sage in the end does not act great, Therefore he can achieve his greatness. Men who make promises lightly, certainly few will trust. Men who expect most duties to be easy will certainly have many difficulties. Thus the sage plans for things to be difficult, Therefore in the end he is without difficulty! ♦Act with non-action. ♦Handle duties with non-interference2. ♦Taste [that which] is without-flavor.A Greatness is insignificant, too much is less. ♦Repay animosity with De. [complaints/resentment/hatred] [by means of] Plan for the difficult while it is easy. [<preposition>] Act on the great while it is tiny. [<preposition>] In the world2, difficult duties certainly start while easy. [arise] [<preposition>] In the world2, great duties certainly start while tiny. [arise] [<preposition>] ♦Thus2 the sage2 in the end does not act great, ♦Therefore he can achieve his greatness. ♦Men who make promises lightly, certainly few will trust*.