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I thought it might be interesting to compare the various translations of the three treasures of the Sage, contained in the TTC, chapter 67. It seems to me that a triangulation of several translations might well get to the Essence, more than any one translation; rather like a study of comparative religions ultimately leads to the Oneness of all as a common overlay. I would like to comment on Lin Yutang's translation, along wih the translation of Stephen Mitchell. It's my opinion that the 3 treasures are attributes which the sage develops within himself; I don't think he's magically born with them. My view is that it takes desire, it takes work, it takes impeccability, it takes uncovering one's true self to get to the point of possession of the 3 treasures. It is here for any of us, if the desire is sufficient. In Lin Yutang's version, a section of chapter 67 reads: I have Three Treasures; Guard them and keep them safe: The first is Love (Yutang footnote - tender love, associated with the mother) The second is, Never too much. (footnote: "frugality", "be sparing") The third is, Never be the first in the world. Through Love, one has no fear; Through not doing too much, one has amplitude (of reserve power); Through not presuming to be the first in the world, One can develop one's talent and let it mature. ...........For love is victorious in attack, and invulnerable in defense. Heaven arms with love those it would not see destroyed. Discussing these 3 treasures, Love is possible once one sees all life as One. There is no separation between selves; to look into the eyes of another, be it human, animal, or insect, is to look at the black void in the center of their eyes. It is all the same void. We are all the same entity; to smile at another is to smile at one's self. To hate another is to hate one's self. When one remains in the awareness of Love and Oneness, this seems to ensure that things flow as they are intended to flow. a weapon, yes. The second of Yutang's treasures, 'Never too much' involves not only frugality, but frugality as an end result of one's own character efforts. This involves the ability to put one's self second; to let the other be first, take the largest share. It involves losing the competitive nature. How did the sage gain this attribute? Not by following the selfish instincts most of us learn in our young life. It takes subjugating the ego so that we are not prisoners to our own well-being first and foremost. The same is true of the third treasure, Never be the first in the world. I, for one, was brought up to be the first in the class; to win any race I was entered in. To seek promotion above all, within my career. the ironic thing is that if we are impeccable in our thoughts and actions, the elevation will come to us naturally, in its own time. There is no need to grapple and step on others. This again involves the subjugation of ego, an examination of our own character, an examination of our own motives always. Turning to the translation of Stephen Mitchell, he writes: I have just three things to teach: Simplicity, Patience, Compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and in thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world. In Stephen Mitchell's excellent chapter notes at the back of the book, he notes the following regarding the treasures: I have three treasure which I preserve and treasure. the first is compassion, the second is frugality, the third is daring not to be the first in the world. Whoever has compassion can be brave. Whoever has frugality can be generous. Whoever dares not to be the first in the world can become the leader of the world. But to be brave without compassion, generous wihout frugality, prominent without humility: this is fatal. Whoever shows compassion in battle will conquer. Whoever shows compassion in defense will stand firm. Heaven helps and protects those with compassion. For those who take seriously the TTC and wish to live their lives according to the dynamics contained therein, the Three Treasures seems to me to be the most succinct directions on how to become a Sage, should one be interested. The 3 treasures seem to describe an intensely personal journey into one's own ego, one's own motives, one's own desire for personal stature. I don't see this as something that comes 'naturally', but there may be many here who differ with that opinion. I think it takes serious work. I look forward to other translations of the 3 Treasures for discussion?