Alone and Unworthy
Translation by Tree Buffalo
Long ago wholeness was achieved.
The sky obtained wholeness and became clear.
The Earth obtained wholeness and became firm.
Spiritual beings obtained wholeness and became spiritual.
Valleys obtained wholeness and became abundant.
Powerful people and leaders obtained wholeness and became the standard for everyone else.
Whatever it was that caused this:
the sky without clarity I’m afraid would burst.
The Earth without firmness I’m afraid would crumble.
Spiritual beings without spirituality I’m afraid would dissolve.
Valleys without abundance I’m afraid would be exhausted.
All people without growth I’m afraid would die.
But most importantly, powerful people and leaders without superior honor I’m afraid would stumble and fall.
This is why honor must take humility as its foundation, and why powerful people and leaders feel alone and unworthy.
Isn’t it because humility is their foundation?
How could it not be so?
Because their best-laid plans are praiseworthy, but need no praise.
So do not desire to sparkle like a gem.
Instead, rumble like a rock.
Read some of the first English translations of Chapter 39 here.
