"the world" : literally "heaven under", it is perhaps better thought of as "all things under heaven", but it is translated as "the world" because the grammar sometimes gets awkward using the more accurate phrase "heaven and earth" : everything, the universe, all that is "ten thousand creatures" : "ten thousand" as used here does not refer to a specific number, but means "innumerable" or "myriad"; together the symbols are perhaps better thought of as "all creatures and things" (including people) "duties" : one's personal and business affairs and responsibilities "sage" : literally "holy person" or "wise man" "always" : the first symbol of the document, it is used many times throughout the Nei Ye, and always starts a sentence. Some translators just ignore it, but it seemed important to the writer(s), so I wanted to use it, and consistently. The standard translation of "all" or "every" works in some places, but not in many. Another standard translation of "earthly" works everywhere, but sounds strange when referring to Dao ("earthly Dao"), and would seem to postulate a world-view ("earthly Dao" vs. perhaps "heavenly Dao"?) for which there is no other evidence. However, an interpreted translation of "always" works everywhere. Confucian concepts (marked by a * in the translation) ------------------ "wise, wisdom" : as it says "kindness" : benevolence, kindheartedness "righteousness" : doing the right thing, personal honor, knowing right from wrong, being morally upright "propriety" : proper etiquette, courtesy; being formal, respectful "respect" : an inner attitude of respectfulness and/or reverence "noble man" : literally "son of the ruler", it can mean "nobleman" (one who belongs to the nobility), but also one who is noble or moral in character; sometimes translated by others as "gentleman" or "superior man" References ---------- Robert Eno, "Guanzi : 'The Inner Enterprise'", 2005 Russell Kirkland, "Neiye : Inner Cultivation", 1998 Russell Kirkland, "Varieties of Taoism in Ancient China", 1997 Michael LaFargue, "Tao and Method", 1994 W. Allyn Rickett, "Guanzi : Political, Economic, and Philosophical Essays from Early China", vol. 2, 1985 Harold D. Roth, "Original Tao: Inward Training (Nei-yeh) and the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism", 1999 Fabien Simonis, "A Chinese Model of Cognition: the Neiye", Master's Thesis, McGill University, 1998 Arthur Waley, "The Way and its Power", 1958 ========================================================================== Always : the essence of creatures - This then makes them live. Below, it gives birth to the five grains; Above, it acts to arrange the stars. When it flows in the space between heaven and earth We call them ghosts and spirits. When it collects in the center of the breast of people, We call them sages.