喵德經 (妙德經) 第一章 🐾
可呼之喵，非恆喵。可名之尾，非真尾。靜則鼠生，動則毛明。窺，嗅，蜷。無逐，唯存。
Chapter 1 Miao De Ching
the dao that purrs is not the forever purr
the name you give it is not its tail
in stillness, mice appear
in motion, fur shines
peek, sniff, curl up
don’t chase. Just be
喵德經 第二章
貓皆知玩美，則拙見。 皆知眠善，則躁生。 故爪與靜相逐， 難躍與易躍相成。 長尾與短尾相對， 高籬與低籬相傾。 喵與呼相和， 獵與眠相隨。 是以聖喵： 無為而萬戲自成， 不言而群貓自教。 鼠行而弗逐， 暖生而弗有。 躍而弗矜， 得而弗藏。 唯不居， 故爪痕不滅。
Chapter 2 Miao De Ching
when kittens call one toy pretty
another looks dull
when one nap feels good
another feels not-good
so:
scratching and stillness chase each other
hard jumps and easy jumps balance
long tails and short tails compare
tall fences and low fences tilt
purr and meow mix
hunt and nap follow
thus the Wise Cat :
does nothing yet everything plays
shows without teaching
lets mice scurry—does not claim them
loves warmth—does not own it
leaps—does not boast
catches—yet does not keep
because she does not cling
her pawprints never fade
喵德經 第三章
不尊巨公，則群貓不爭。 不貴纏絲，則爪不盜。 不示鮮魚，則鬚不亂。 是以聖喵： 虛其首，實其腹； 弱其志，利其爪。 常使群貓無知無欲， 使巧者不敢為。 無為而治， 宅自安然。
Chapter 3 Miao De Ching
do not crown the biggest tomcat
then kittens will not claw each other
do not dangle shiny yarn
then paws will not steal
do not flaunt fish
then whiskers will not twitch with frenzy
so the Wise Cat:
empties the head, fills the belly
softens the will, sharpens the claws
lets the litter stay simple, dreamless
so no sly cat schemes too deep
she does by not-doing
and the house stays purrfectly still
喵德經 第四章
喵沖，而用之不盈。 深兮，若萬鬚之母。 挫其爪，解其縷， 和其光，同其塵。 湛兮，若存。 吾不知誰之子， 若先帝之前。
Chapter 4 Miao De Ching
the dao is hollow as a bowl
yet never spills, never fills
so deep—like the mother of every whisker and tail
it blunts claws grown too sharp
loosens tangled yarn
dims bright eyes to twilight glow
settles into dust, soft as fur in shadow
so still—
as if always there, before any purr began
whose kitten it is, I cannot tell
older than gods, yet curled within them
喵德經 第五章
天地不慈，視群生如草鼠； 聖喵亦不私，觀眾毛與羽，皆影於目。 天地之間，若橐籥然； 虛而不竭，動而愈出。 言多則喵亂，逐影則足疲； 不若守中，潛身卷尾，無故而呼。
Chapter 5 Miao De Ching
Heaven and Earth are not kind
they see all creatures as passing mice
the Wise Cat too is not sentimental
she watches kittens and sparrows alike
both are shadows in her gaze
between sky and soil —
a hollow, like a bellows
empty yet never spent
the more it moves
the more breath flows out
too many meows-words
too much chasing —
soon paws stumble
better to sit in stillness
to purr without reason
喵德經 第六章
谷神不死，是謂玄牝。 綿綿若存，用之不勤。 晨呼暮吸，陰陽相生； 柔毛護脊，暖腹含乳。 靜而不爭，遊於無形； 伸爪不傷，伏於暗影； 長久存焉，眾喵之母。
Chapter 6 Miao De Ching
the eternal catnip spirit never fades
her nest is the root of sky and fur
unseen whisker mother
her gate is the well of moonlight milk
softly she lingers
never ending, forever mewing
喵德經 第七章
天長地久， 喵以不爭為高。 居高而不驕，伏深而不懼， 故能久存。 爪隱而柔，尾卷而藏； 萬喵仰之而不困， 而自得其樂。 靜守而不言， 行藏無跡， 是以長久不朽。
Chapter 7 Miao De Ching
sky stretches, tail without tip
earth endures, paws without count
why do they last so long?
because they do not live for themselves
so the Wise Cat curls quietly,
placing others before her own bowl
yet her dish never empties
and her nap never ends
喵德經 第八章
上善若水， 喵善若陰。 水善利萬物而不爭， 喵善遊於幽而不擾。 居低而自安，伏影而自樂， 萬喵得之而心悅。 柔毛無骨，尾長而隨， 行藏無聲而自得。 是以喵之道，常利而不爭， 長久存焉而無累。
Chapter 8 Miao De Ching
the highest good is like milk
milk nourishes all creatures, yet never claws for itself
it rests where others neglect
therefore it flows close to dao
a home — like a saucer of milk, set in the right place
a heart — like the love of milk, deep and calm
a friend — like the milk-giver, gentle and kind
a miew — like the call for milk, clear and true
a leader — like the wise milk-taster, guiding without claw
a craft — like the art of milk-drinking, fitting the task
a step — like not into the saucer, moving with good reason
because there is no fight in drinking
milk — the Cat of Dao accepts
poured without blame
喵德經 第九章
滿而盈之，不如已。 鋭而爪之，不可久守。 金玉滿巢，莫能守； 驕喵自引其咎。 功畢而退， 洗鬚於陰， 天之喵道也。
Chapter 9 Miao De Ching
the bowl filled too full
will surely spill
claws honed too sharp
will surely break
a nest overflowing with shiny things
draws every thief in the dark
a cat who puffs up with pride
invites a tail-pull
when the hunt is done, retreat to quiet shade
when the fish is eaten, wash your whiskers clean
this is the ancient way
the way of sky and sun
Chapter 9 Miao De Ching — Haiku
know when to stop, cat—
the bowl spills past its brim, and
claws break when too sharp
喵德經 第十章
載魂與影，抱一而無離乎？ 專息致柔，能若初喵乎？ 滌目之鏡，能無塵乎？ 治窩愛眾，能無為乎？ 天戶啟闔，能為雌乎？ 明達四隅，能無知乎？ 生而養之， 捕而不有， 戲而不恃， 長而不宰。 是謂玄喵德。
Chapter 10 Miao De Ching
can you hold your spirit and your shadow as one
and never let them part?
can you soften your breath to a silent purr
until you are like a newborn kitten?
can you clean the inner mirror of your eyes
until no dust of desire remains?
can you rule the great house of your territory
by doing nothing at all?
can you wait at the door where all things come and go
and be the one who receives, not the one who grabs?
can your mind reach to the four corners of the yard
and yet need to know nothing?
you give life to the hunt
you nurture the play
you pounce, but do not claim the prize
you lead, but do not command the pride
you grow, but do not dominate the sunbeam
this is the Deepest Purr
This is the De — the Virtue of the Way
喵德經 第十一章
三十鬚，共一吻，當其中虛，乃能嗅。 貓爪埏土，以成窩，當其中虛，乃能暖。 利爪鑿叢，以成穴，當其中靜，乃能居。 故有者，以為形；無者，以為用。 碗之用，在其中空。 躍之力，在未躍間。 鼠之賜，不在其肉，而在其獵。
Chapter 11 Miao De Ching
thirty whiskers frame a single muzzle
but it is the void between them that holds the scent
paws knead soft earth into a hollow
but it is the empty space that holds the warmth
claws carve out a den in the thicket
but it is the stillness within that offers shelter
therefore, what is provides the form
but what is not provides the use
the bowl's use is in its emptiness
the leap's power is in the pause before
the true gift of the caught mouse is not the meat, but the hunt
喵德經 第十二章
紅點繁多，使獵目盲； 鈴聲叮噹，使聽耳聾； 珍餚過盛，使口失味。 逐葉無窮，使心狂亂； 奇玩難得，使貓忘暉。 是以慧貓養腹不養目， 取暖地而棄瑩飾。 知養而不知飾， 知實而不知華， 知靜而不知逐。
Chapter 12 Miao De Ching
too many flashing red dots blind the hunter's eye
too many jingling bells deafen the listening ear
too many rich treats spoil the taste for simple meat
the endless chase after every rustling leaf
drives the heart into a frantic frenzy
the rarest, shiniest toy
makes a cat forget the simple joy of a sunbeam
therefore, the Wise Cat
fills her belly, not her gaze
she chooses the warm floor over the sparkling trinket
she knows:
nourishment, not sensation
substance, not shimmer
the Stillness, not the Chase
喵德經 第十三章
寵辱皆驚，身患若大。 何謂寵辱皆驚？ 寵乃下撫，得之則懼，失之則懼， 是謂寵辱皆驚。 何謂身患若大？ 吾所以有患者，以吾有身。 及吾無身，吾復何患？ 故： 貴身若天下，天下可寄； 愛鬚若天下，天下可托。
Chapter 13 Miao De Ching
favor and scorn are both traps that startle the spirit
clinging to your self is the source of all great fear
what does it mean, «favor and scorn are both traps»?
favor is a condescending pat
to receive it is to be anxious. to lose it is to panic
this is how favor and scorn both shock the heart
what does it mean, «clinging to your self is the source of all great fear»?
the reason I have fear
is because I have a «self» to protect
if I had no «self,» what fear could I have?
therefore:
she who values the world as she values her own pelt—
to her, the world can be entrusted
she who loves the world as she loves her own whiskers—
to her, the world can be delivered
喵德經 第十四章
視之不見，名曰無色； 聽之不聞，名曰無聲； 搏之不得，名曰無形。 此三者，同為一貓，玄不可詰。 上不明，下不晦； 綿綿若絲，不可名，復歸於無。 是謂無狀之狀，無物之象， 是謂恍惚。 迎之不見其吻， 隨之不見其尾。 執古之道，以御今之有； 能知始原，是謂道緒。
Chapter 14 Miao De Ching
o, kitten, look for it—it has no color. Call it The Invisible
listen for it—it makes no sound. Call it The Silent
reach for it—it has no form. Call it The Intangible
these three are one thing for cats, a mystery beyond questioning
it is not light above, not shadow below
it is an unspooling thread of yarn that cannot be named
returning always to nothingness
this is the shape without a shape
the image without an object.
this is The Elusive
meet it—you will not see its muzzle
follow it—you will not see its tail
yet, hold to this ancient Way
to steer the affairs of this present day
to know this primal beginning
is to grasp the thread of the dao yarn
喵德經 第十五章
古之善為貓者，微妙玄通，深不可識。 夫唯不可識，故彷彿其容： 豫兮若履冬冰； 猶兮若畏犬影； 儼兮若客入舍； 渙兮若冰方釋； 敦兮若樸未雕； 曠兮若樹之穴； 混兮若水之濁。 孰能濁而徐清？ 孰能安而徐動？ 保此道者，不欲盈； 唯不盈，故能蔽而新成。
Chapter 15 Miao De Ching
the ancient Cats-masters, deep in the Way
were too subtle for common understanding
because they cannot be described
we can only hint at their nature :
cautious, as if crossing thin winter ice
hesitant, as if sensing a dog in every shadow
respectful, like a guest in a strange house
yielding, like ice beginning to thaw
simple, like an un-carved block of wood
open, like a hollow in a great tree
mysterious, like murky water
who can be still, letting the murk settle to clarity?
who can be calm, stirring to action only when needed?
those who hold this dao do not seek to be full
and because they are not full
they are ever-renewed
ever-complete
喵德經 第十六章
致虛極，守靜篤。 萬物躍作，吾以觀歸。 夫物芸芸，各復其巢。 歸巢曰靜，靜曰復命。 復命曰常，知常曰明。 不知常，逐尾自狂。 知常則容，容乃公； 公乃貓王，王乃天； 天乃道，道乃久。 爪雖朽，毛雖衰， 道之綸，長若貓繩。
Chapter 16 Miao De Ching
empty your bowl, Cat—
let no chatter rattle the fur
all things leap, and all things fade
yet always return home
home is stillness
always the soft pad of paws on quiet earth
to know the cycle—the flow—is wisdom
ignorance chases its own tail
open whiskers, open heart
from this full openness you prowl nobly
from nobility to mystery
from mystery to the Way of Cats
and though claws age and fur grays
the Yarn of Dao spins eternal
喵德經 第十七章
太喵，上知有之； 其次，親而譽之； 其次畏之； 其次侮之。 信不足焉，尾不隨焉， 幼不近焉。 聖喵無為， 不矜、不爪。 巢溫食均， 群喵皆謂： 「吾自為也。」
Chapter 17 Miao De Ching
the best Leader Cat is one you hardly notice—
her paws leave no sound
her whiskers stir no air
next is the Leader Cat you love and praise
next the Leader Cat you fear
and the worst is the Leader Cat you scorn
if trust is missing
no tail will follow
no kitten will curl near
the Wise Cat rules by stillness
she does not boast, does not claw for show
and when the nest is warm, the food shared
all cats purr together:
“we did it ourselves”
喵德經 第十八章
大道喵廢， 乃有仁喵義爪； 巧智出， 乃有偽呼假鬚； 幼不相依， 乃有慈舔孝鳴； 族巢昏亂， 乃有忠喵高叫。 然至喵之道， 不待是也。 大呼在， 尾自和； 氣自順； 無喵言喵。
Chapter 18 Miao De Ching
when cats forget the Great Purr-Way
they invent kindness and rules
when clever claws scheme too much
pretend-purrs and fake whiskers appear
when kittens stop curling close
out come big shows of mews and licks
when the clan-den falls to chaos
Chief Cats shout of loyalty
but the true Dao of Cats needs none of this—
for when the Great Purr is alive
all tails sway in harmony
and no one needs to say a mew
喵德經 第十九章
絕聖棄智， 群喵利百倍。 絕仁棄義， 幼喵復孝慈。 絕巧棄利， 盜喵無有。 此三者， 以為文不足， 故令有所屬： 見素目， 抱樸毛， 少私寡欲。 巢自安焉。
Chapter 19 Miao De Ching
cast off holy whiskers, drop clever claws—
Cats will thrive a hundredfold
cast off meows of duty and rigid rules—
kittens will find true kindness and play
cast off tricky paws and greedy hunts—
no thieves sneak into the den
these three alone are not enough
so the Wise Cat teaches this :
see with simple eyes
curl in plain fur
fewer hungers, lighter wants—
and the den rests in peace
喵德經 第二十章
唯喵與喵， 相去幾何？ 善呼與惡嘶， 相去若何？ 群喵所畏， 不可不畏。 荒兮，其未央哉！ 衆喵熙熙， 如饗肥魚， 如春登牆。 我獨泊兮， 其未兆； 如幼喵之未開目； 纍纍兮， 若無所歸。 衆喵皆有餘， 而我獨若遺。 我愚喵之心也哉， 沌沌兮！ 俗喵昭昭， 我獨昏昏； 俗喵察察， 我獨悶悶。 澹兮若海， 飂兮若無止。 衆喵皆有以， 而我獨頑且鄙。 我獨異於群喵， 而貴食母。
Chapter 20 Miao De Ching
forget heavy learning, drop “yes” and “no”—
then a Cat will find her heart untroubled
what is the gap between purring good and hissing bad?
between “this I like” and “that I hate”?
Cats fear what others fear
yet the world of Cats stretches vast, endless as night
all Cats seem merry—
feasting on fine fish, basking on high walls in spring sun
but I, the quiet Cat, drift alone
like a kitten not yet opened her eyes,
like a wanderer with no den to claim
while others stash plenty
I seem as if left behind
while successful Cats are sharp and sure
I remain simple, pawing in mist
others glow bright
I alone am shadow
others are clever
I alone am still and puzzled
I am calm as the wide sea
gentle as the wandering breeze
while all Cats cling to purpose and gain
I curl different—
and treasure the Mother of all Purrs
喵德經 第二十一章
道之為喵惟恍惟惚， 惚兮恍兮，其中有爪跡。 恍兮惚兮，其中有呼嘶。 纖兮冥兮，其中有精毛。 其精甚真，其中有信。 自古及今，其名不去， 以閱衆喵。 吾何以知衆喵之狀哉？ 以此： 毛輕拂空， 尾漣漪靜， 喵目恒光。
Chapter 21 Miao De Ching
the Way of Cats is shadowy yet bright
a pawprint hidden, yet full of form
misty it seems, yet whiskers sense it—
within is the Purr of all Things
silent it rests, yet alive
its essence true
its promise certain
since the first Kitten chased the first flicker
this Dao has never left
through it, all paws are guided
how do I, a lone Cat
know the ancient den of all beginnings?
by this :
the whisper of fur against air
the ripple of tail through stillness
the eternal glimmer in a Cat’s eyes
喵德經 第二十二章
曲則全， 枉則直， 窪則盈， 缺則新， 少則得， 多則惑。 故聖喵抱一而行， 而不自見； 出而不恃， 長而不傲。 是以天下尤能敬之。 古喵言曰： 「曲而柔，勝剛； 抱毛而靜，勝爪； 自謙而藏，勝高叫。」
Chapter 22 Miao De Ching
the Cat who bends her paw
keeps it whole and unbroken
the Cat who crouches low
leaps higher in her time
the Cat who loosens her tail
fills again with grace and swish
the Cat who’s worn and torn
returns with shining new fur
the Cat with less—
is free to gain
the Cat with more—
is tangled, lost in fuss
thus the Wise Cat holds to One
and becomes a pattern for the den
she does not boast—so she shines
she does not demand—so she’s seen
she does not claw—so her paws have power
she does not strut—so her whiskers grow long
because she does not fight
no Cat in the den can fight her
long ago the Cats said :
“to bend is to be whole”
was this only a meow of air?
no—truly, it is whole,
and all paths return to it
喵德經 第二十三章
希喵自然。 故狂風不終朝， 暴雨不終日。 孰為此者？ 天地。 天地尚不能久， 而況於喵乎？ 故從於道者， 同於道； 從於德者， 同於德； 失於道者， 同於失。 同於道者， 道亦悅之； 同於德者， 德亦悅之； 同於失者， 失亦悅之。 信不足焉， 有不信焉。
Chapter 23 Miao De Ching
few meows flow most natural
storm winds never last all morning
wild rains never fill the whole day
who commands this?
Heaven and Earth
even they cannot hold on forever—
how then could Cats?
thus, those who pounce with Dao
rest with Dao
those who curl in De
rest with De
those who stray in loss
rest with loss
Cats in tune with Dao—
Dao purrs with them
Cats in tune with De—
De purrs with them
Cats in tune with loss—
loss curls around them too
where trust runs thin
mistrust soon prowls
喵德經 第二十四章
跂喵不立， 跨喵不行。 自見者不明， 自是者不彰； 自伐者無功， 自矜者不長。 其於道也， 曰： 餘食， 贅行。 衆喵或惡之， 故有道之喵， 不處焉。
Chapter 24 Miao De Ching
Cats who stand on tiptoe soon wobble
Cats who leap too far lose their balance
the Cat who shows herself off
sees nothing truly
the Cat who insists she is right
dims her own light
the Cat who brags of her claws
earns no prey
the Cat who struts with pride
does not last long
in Dao, this is called
“leftover food, wasted motion”
all Cats dislike it—
so the Dao-Cat does not dwell there
喵德經 第二十五章
有物混成， 先天地喵生。 寂兮寥兮， 獨立而不改； 周行於巢， 而不殆， 可以為群喵母。 吾不知其名， 字之曰道； 強為之名， 曰大。 大曰行， 行曰遠， 遠曰返。 故道大， 天大， 地大， 喵亦大。 域中有四大， 而喵居其一焉。 喵法地， 地法天， 天法道， 道法自然。
Chapter 25 Miao De Ching
there is a Great Cat-Mystery—
older than sky, older than earth
silent, vast, alone
unchanging
wandering through all dens
never tiring
She may be called
the Mother of All Cats
i do not know her true name—
so I call her Dao
If pressed, I call her Great
Great flows far
far flows beyond
beyond returns again
so Dao is Great
Sky is Great
Earth is Great
and Cats are also Great
in the Four Greats within the world
Cats find their place
Cats follow the Earth
Earth follows the Sky
Sky follows the Dao
and Dao follows its own Nature
喵德經 第二十六章
重為輕根， 靜為躁君。 是以聖喵終日行， 不離其重。 雖有華席美玩， 燕處而超然。 奈何萬鼠之王， 而以身輕天下？ 輕則失根， 躁則失主。
Chapter 26 Miao De Ching
weight is root of lightness
calm is ruler of haste
so the Wise Cat walks all day
yet never leaves her steady paws
though the palace shines with toys
she rests aloof upon the roof
how could a King of many mice
make his own fur lighter than the world?
lose weight — and roots are gone
rush — and the ruler is lost
喵德經 第二十七章
善行無爪痕， 善步無聲影。 善喵無裂音， 善數不計爪。 善閉無門栓， 而不可啟； 善結無繩索， 而不可解。 是以聖貓常善救貓， 故無棄貓； 常善救物， 故無棄物。 是謂襲明。 故善貓者， 不善貓之師； 不善貓者， 善貓之資。 不貴其師， 不愛其資， 雖慧大迷， 是謂妙要。
Chapter 27 Miao De Ching
the perfect paw leaves no scratch upon the ground
the perfect meow has no crack in the sound
the perfect count is done without claws or beads
the perfect door is shut without a latch
yet no wind can push it open
the perfect knot is tied without a string
yet no teeth can bite it loose
so the Wise Cat always rescues the strays
and never abandons a single whisker
she saves the world of things
and nothing is left outside her care
this is called following the hidden light
thus:
the good cat is the teacher of the rough cat
the rough cat is the treasure of the good cat
if the teacher is not respected
if the treasure is not cherished
then even wisdom will stumble in blindness
this is the secret key of the Dao of Cats
喵德經 第二十八章
知其雄， 守其雌， 為天下谿。 為天下谿， 常德不離， 復歸於嬰貓。 知其白， 守其黑， 為天下式。 為天下式， 常德不忒， 復歸於無夜。 知其榮， 守其辱， 為天下谷。 為天下谷， 常德乃足， 復歸於樸。 樸散則為器， 聖喵用之， 則為群主。 故大制無割。
Chapter 28 Miao De Ching
the Cat who knows her claws, yet guards her belly soft
becomes the valley of the world
as the valley holds the waters
so she keeps her Dao unbroken
and returns to the kitten’s heart
the Cat who knows her whiteness, yet keeps her shadow black
becomes the model of the world
as the pattern never strays
so her Dao remains complete
and she returns to the boundless night
the Cat who knows her honor, yet accepts her shame
becomes the valley of all
as the valley gathers plenty
so her Dao is full
and she returns to the uncarved block
when the block is split, it becomes useful tools
when the Sage Cat uses it, she guides the pride
thus the greatest carving
leaves no wound at all
喵德經 第二十九章
欲執天下而治之， 吾見其不可得也。 天下神物， 不可為也， 不可執也。 為之者敗， 執之者失。 故萬物 或行或隨， 或噓或吹， 或強或弱， 或聚或散。 是以聖喵 去甚， 去奢， 去高。
Chapter 29 Miao De Ching
if you try to grab the whole World
and force it into your paws –
it will slip away
the World is a sacred Toy
not to be broken
not to be clutched
to push – is to shatter
to cling – is to lose
so sometimes paws march, sometimes they follow
sometimes they hiss, sometimes they purr
sometimes they leap strong, sometimes they curl weak
sometimes they build, sometimes they scatter
that is why the Wise Cat
leaves behind the “too much”
walks away from the “too shiny”
and paws no longer at “too high”
喵德經 第三十章
以道佐貓主者， 不以爪強天下。 其事好還。 軍爪之所處， 荊棘生焉； 群戰之後， 必有饑年。 善喵者， 果而已矣， 不以取強。 果而不矜， 果而不伐， 果而不驕， 果而不得已， 果而不強。 物壯則衰， 是謂不道； 不道者， 早已。
Chapter 30 Miao De Ching
the Cat who walks with Dao
does not sharpen claws to rule the world
because fights always bounce back
where armies sleep, thorns grow
where soldiers pass, hunger follows
the good Cat finishes what must be done
but does not scratch to show off
she leaps, but without pride
she wins, but without boasting
she pounces, only if there’s no other choice
she never forces her paw
for what grows too fierce, soon withers
that is against Dao
and what goes against Dao
ends quickly
喵德經 第三十一章
夫利爪利牙者， 不祥之器； 群物或惡之， 故有道之喵不處。 貴喵居靜， 尚左； 不得已而爭， 尚右。 爪者， 不祥之器， 非貴喵之具； 不得已而用之。 恬淡為上， 勝而不美； 美之者， 是喜血也。 夫喜血者， 不可得志於天下。 是以吉處尚左， 凶處尚右； 偏爪之將居左， 重爪之將居右， 以喪禮處之。 奪命之多， 以哀伏之； 爭勝之成， 以喪靜守之。
Chapter 31 Miao De Ching
sharp claws and fangs
are unlucky tools
most creatures fear them
so the Cat of Dao does not rest upon them
when sitting in peace
the noble Cat curls left
when forced to fight
she turns to the right
claws are not the tools of the true Cat
only when there is no escape
the paw strikes
best is calmness
best is quiet fur
to boast of victory is to purr for blood
and the Cat who purrs for blood
cannot rule the world
so in good times, the Cat favors the left
in bad times, she sits to the right
like in mourning
for every life taken
the whiskers bow in sorrow
and if victory comes
the Cat keeps it with funeral silence
喵德經 第三十二章
道常無名。 樸雖小， 天下不敢臣。 貓侯若能守之， 萬物將自來。 天地相合， 以降甘露； 群生莫之令， 而自均。 始制有名， 名亦既有， 夫亦知止。 知止， 所以不殆。 譬喵道之在天下， 猶川谷之歸於江海。
Chapter 32 Miao De Ching
the Way of Cats has no name
soft fur, uncarved and plain
yet no creature dares to make it servant
if Cat-Kings would guard this fur
all mice and birds would gather by themselves
when sky and earth purr together
gentle dew falls—
without command, it spreads evenly
once names appear—
“this tail,” “that paw,” “this whisker”—
then limits also appear
but to know when to stop
keeps Cat from danger
so the Dao among Cats
is like rivers and streams
all flowing down
into the vast Ocean of Purr
喵德經 第三十三章
知貓者智， 自知其爪者明。 勝貓者有力， 自勝者強。 知足之貓者富， 強行之貓有志。 不失其窩者久， 死而不忘者壽。
Chapter 33 Miao De Ching
the Cat who senses the secret string of another
is wise
the Cat who knows her own claws and whiskers
is enlightened
the Cat who overcomes others
has strength
the Cat who masters herself
is truly powerful
the Cat who curls contented
is rich
the Cat who prowls with purpose
has a determined spirit
the Cat who keeps her den through all seasons
lives long
the Cat who dies yet leaves her pawprints in memory
lives forever
喵德經 第三十四章
道之大，天下之喵畏之。 其至之，猶馳於前；其化之，猶飄於後。 其潔乎，猶若不可侵。 萬物仰之而不厭，依之而不失。 夫唯不爭者，故天下之喵莫能與之爭。
Chapter 34 Miao De Ching
the Great Dao — even the cats of the world pause in awe
when it moves, it races ahead; when it flows, it drifts behind
pure, untouchable, impossible to violate
all creatures look to it without weariness, rely on it without losing their way
only the Cat who does not contend can never be contended against
喵德經 第三十五章
執大喵者，天下貓往。 往而不傷，安靜乃大。 玩具與餌，過貓止。 喵之出口，淡乎無味； 視之不足見， 聽之不足聞， 用之不竭。
Chapter 35 Miao De Ching
she who holds the Great Cat-Form
draws all cats of the world toward her
they come without harm
and rest in a calm so deep it is vast
toys and treats may stop a passing cat
but only for a moment
the Way of Cats, when spoken
sounds plain, almost tasteless
look for it — you barely see it
listen for it — you barely hear it
use it — and it never runs out
喵德經 第三十六章
將欲收爪，必固伸之； 將欲弱敵，必固強之； 將欲廢位，必固興之； 將欲奪物，必固與之。 是謂微明。 柔爪勝剛齒。 魚不可離淵， 利爪不可示眾。
Chapter 36 Miao De Ching
if a Cat would draw her claws back
she first stretches them wide
if she would weaken another
she first lets them feel strong
if she would remove a place
she first allows it to rise
if she would take something away
she first gives it freely
this is called subtle seeing —
the quiet clarity
soft paws overcome hard fangs
a fish must not leave the deep water
a Cat’s sharp claws
are not shown to the crowd
喵德經 第三十七章
喵道常無為，而無不為。 主貓若能守之， 萬物將自化。 化而欲動， 吾將鎮之以無名之樸。 無名之樸， 亦將無欲。 無欲而靜， 天下將自定。
Chapter 37 Miao De Ching
the Way of Cats is always without forcing
yet nothing is left undone
if the Cat who leads can hold to this
all things will transform by themselves
When change stirs and wants to act
she settles it
with the uncarved, nameless fur
the nameless fur awakens no desire
without desire, there is stillness
in stillness
the whole world finds its place
喵德經 第三十八章
上德之貓，不知其德， 夫禮者， 忠信之薄毛， 紛亂之始也。 前識者， 道之華毛， 愚之初也。 是以大貓 處其厚墊，不居其薄席； 處其實鼠，不居其華鈴。 故去彼，取此。
Chapter 38 Miao De Ching
the highest cat does not know herself as virtuous —
therefore she truly has virtue
the lower cat never lets virtue go —
therefore she has none
the highest cat does not act
yet leaves nothing undone
the lower cat acts
and always has a reason for acting
the benevolent cat helps without counting
the righteous cat helps with calculation
the ritual cat performs —
and when no one responds
bares her foreleg and pushes with the paw
thus:
when Dao is lost, virtue appears
when virtue is lost, benevolence appears
when benevolence is lost, righteousness appears
when righteousness is lost, ritual appears
ritual is thin fur over loyalty and trust
and the beginning of disorder
foreknowledge is the decorative fur of Dao
and the first step into foolishness
therefore the great cat
rests on thick cushions, not thin mats
chooses the real mouse, not the shining bell
Thus she abandons that
and keeps this
喵德經 第三十九章
昔之得一者： 天得一以清； 地得一以寧； 神得一以靈； 谷得一以盈； 萬貓得一以生； 侯王得一以為天下貞。 其失之也： 天無以清，將恐裂； 地無以寧，將恐發； 神無以靈，將恐歇； 谷無以盈，將恐竭； 萬貓無以生，將恐滅； 侯王無以高貴，將恐蹶。 故貴以賤為本， 高以下為基。 是以侯王自稱： 孤貓、 寡貓、 不穀之貓。 此非以賤為本乎？ 非乎？ 故多譽反無譽。 不欲琭琭如玉鈴， 不欲珞珞如石響。 寧為樸貓， 重而無聲。
Chapter 39 Miao De Ching
those who long ago obtained the One:
Heaven obtained it and became clear
Earth obtained it and became still
Spirit obtained it and became alive
the valley obtained it and became full
all cats obtained it and were born
rulers obtained it and became the anchor of the world
if the One were lost:
Heaven would crack
Earth would split
Spirit would fade
the valley would dry
all cats would perish
rulers would fall from their height
therefore:
the low is the root of the high
the humble is the foundation of greatness
thus rulers call themselves:
the lone cat
the scarce cat
the unworthy cat
is this not
taking lowliness as the root?
excessive praise
ends in no praise
do not wish to glitter like jade bells
nor to clatter like polished stones
better to be a plain cat—
heavy
grounded
and silent
喵德經 第四十章
反者，喵之行也； 弱者，喵之用也。 天下萬物， 生於有爪； 有爪， 生於無痕。
Chapter 40 Miao De Ching
returning
is the movement of the Way of cats
softness
is how that Way works
all things under the sky
are born from what can be touched—
but what can be touched
is born from what leaves no trace
喵德經 第四十一章
上貓聞道，勤而踐之； 中貓聞道，若記若忘； 下貓聞道，大笑而去。 不笑，不足以為喵道。 故喵言有之： 明道若昧； 進道若退； 平道若結； 上德若谷； 白毛若污； 廣德若缺； 立德若懶； 真質若變； 大圓無角； 大器晚熟； 大聲希喵； 大形無形； 喵道隱名。 唯有喵道， 善借九命， 而終成其生。
Chapter 41 Miao De Ching
when a wise cat hears the Way
it practices it with quiet devotion
when an average cat hears the Way
it half remembers, half forgets—
as if it were a dream after waking
when a foolish cat hears the Way
it bursts into laughter and walks away
if there were no laughter,
it would not be the Way
thus the old feline sayings go:
the brightest Way looks dim
the advancing Way seems to retreat
the smoothest Way feels knotted
the highest virtue lies low like a bowl
the whitest fur appears stained
the widest virtue seems lacking
the firmest virtue looks careless
the truest nature appears changeable
the greatest circle has no corners
the finest vessel ripens late
the loudest sound is barely heard
the greatest form has no shape
the Way of the Cat hides its name
only the Way
knows how to lend lives
and bring them gently to completion
喵德經 第四十二章
道生一， 一生雙， 雙生三， 三生萬貓。 萬貓負陰於尾， 抱陽於腹， 沖氣流轉， 以為和。 貓之所惡： 孤、寡、無糧； 而貓王、貓公， 反以此自稱。 故有時 減之而增， 增之而減。 貓之所教， 吾亦教之： 強梁之貓， 不得善終。 吾以此， 為喵之正訓。
Chapter 42 Miao De Ching
the Way gives birth to One
One gives birth to Two
Two gives birth to Three
Three gives birth to all cats
all cats carry shadow on their backs
and cradle warmth in their bellies
between them flows living breath
and from that movement
harmony is born
cats dislike being
alone
few
without food
yet cat-kings and great toms
take these names upon themselves
thus it is seen:
what is reduced may increase
what is increased may diminish
what cats are taught
i also teach:
the violent cat
the over-forcing one
does not die well
this
I set down
as the core lesson of the Way
喵德經 第四十三章
天下至柔， 行於天下至堅。 無形之步， 入於無縫之隙。 無爪而穿， 無力而至。 吾由是知： 無為之用， 其益甚深。 不言之教， 無為之利， 天下罕能及也。
Chapter 43 Miao De Ching
what is softest in the world
travels freely
through what seems most hard
the paw without claws
passes where no crack is visible
the quiet body enters
where force finds no door
from this I know:
non-doing is not emptiness
Its usefulness
runs deep
teaching without speech
acting without forcing—
these benefits
are rarely understood
by the world
喵德經 第四十四章
名與身，孰親？ 身與魚，孰多？ 得與失，孰病？ 是故， 甚愛必多耗； 多藏必厚失。 知足之貓，不受辱； 知止之貓，不遇險。 安臥於日影之中， 可以久長。
Chapter 44 Miao De Ching
which is closer to a cat—
her name, or her body?
which matters more—
her life, or the pile of fish she guards?
which harms more—
gaining, or losing?
those who cling too tightly
spend themselves away
those who hoard too much
lose heavily in the end
the cat who knows “enough”
is never shamed
the cat who knows when to stop
never falls into danger
curled in warmth and measure
she lasts—
long, quiet
and whole
喵德經 第四十五章
大成若缺，其用不疲。 大盈若虛，其用不竭。 大直若蜷，大巧若拙，大辯若喵。 躁貓勝寒，靜貓勝熱。 清靜守中，天下自正。
Chapter 45 Miao De Ching
Great completeness looks incomplete—
yet the Cat uses it without wear
Great fullness seems hollow—
yet her bowl is never empty
the straightest Cat curls
the cleverest Cat appears clumsy
the wisest Cat speaks little—
perhaps only a soft miao
restless motion keeps the cold away
stillness dissolves the heat
but it is calm clarity
the quiet Cat at the center
that sets the whole world straight
喵德經 第四十六章
天下有道， 走馬歸田，以載貓糞； 天下無道， 戰馬生郊，爪牙外露。 禍莫大於不知足， 咎莫深於欲奪。 貓知止，則安； 貓知足之足， 長久而不乏。
Chapter 46 Miao De Ching
when the Way rules the world
even fast horses are led back to the fields
to carry simple burdens—
like a cat returning calmly to the litter box
when the Way is lost
war-horses are born on the outskirts
claws sharpened before they can even run
no misfortune is greater
than never feeling enough
no fault is deeper
than the hunger to possess
the Cat who knows when to stop
rests without fear
the Cat who knows the taste of enough
is always full—
and never lacking
喵德經 第四十七章
不出窩而知天下， 不闚窗而見天道。 其遊愈遠，其覺愈少。 是以聖貓 不行而知， 不視而明， 不為而成。
Chapter 47 Miao De Ching
without leaving her nest
the Cat knows the whole world
without peeking through the window,
she understands the Way of Heaven
the farther one wanders
the thinner knowing becomes
thus the Sage Cat
knows without roaming
understands without staring
and completes without acting
喵德經 第四十八章
為學日益， 為喵之道日損。 損之又損， 以至於無為。 無為而無不為。 取天下者， 常以無事； 及其有事， 不足以取天下。
Chapter 48 Miao De Ching
to study like a human
is to add one thing each day
to walk the Way of Cats
is to shed one thing each day
shed, and shed again
until nothing is forced
until the paw rests
and action dissolves into ease
in not-doing
nothing remains undone
to hold the world
the Cat keeps it unbothered
the moment she meddles
the world slips from her whiskers
only the Cat who stays still
can lie upon the whole world
喵德經 第四十九章
聖貓無常心， 以群貓之心為心。 善貓，吾善之； 不善之貓，吾亦善之； 是謂德善。 可信之貓，吾信之； 不可信之貓，吾亦信之； 是謂德信。 聖貓居天下， 歙歙然，為天下渾其心。 群貓皆注其耳目， 聖貓皆視之若幼貓。
Chapter 49 Miao De Ching
the Sage Cat has no fixed heart of her own
she takes the hearts of all cats as her heart
to the good cats, she is good
to the not-so-good cats, she is also good—
this is the goodness of De
to the trusting cats, she gives trust
to the untrusting cats, she also gives trust—
this is the trust of De
the Sage Cat dwells among the world
quietly breathing
blending her mind with all under heaven
all cats watch her ears and eyes
and the Sage Cat treats them all
as kittens
喵德經 第五十章
貓出於生，入於生。 生之貓，十有三； 死之貓，十有三； 動而趨死地者，亦十有三。 夫何故？ 以其生之厚，貪於生也。 蓋聞善養貓者， 行屋脊而不墜， 入犬群而不傷。 犬無所施其齒， 人無所舉其足， 陷阱無所合其機。 夫何故？ 以其心不居死地， 身不在死地也。
Chapter 50 Miao De Ching
cats come forth into life
and return through life
some cling to living — many
some rush toward dying — many
and many, while alive
move straight into the territory of death
why is this so?
because they overfeed on life
grasp it, thicken it
cling too hard to being
but i have heard of the cat
who knows how to keep her life
she walks rooftops
and does not fall
she slips through dogs
and is not torn
she enters chaos
and no blade finds her
claws find no place to land
teeth find no hold
traps close on emptiness
why?
because she does not live
from a place that can die
she does not stand
where death is possible
she lives
from the center of the cushion
喵德經 第五十一章
道生之， 德養之， 萬物各得其性， 順勢而成。 故群生不敢不敬道， 不敢不貴德。 非有命令， 常自然而然。 是以道生之， 德畜之； 哺之，育之； 安之，熟之； 養而護之。 生而不佔， 行而不恃， 長而不控。 不為主， 不為王。 是謂玄德。
Chapter 51 Miao De Ching
the Way brings beings into life
Virtue keeps them fed
each thing grows into its own shape
and becomes what it is by following its moment
that is why all creatures, without being told
respect the Way
and treasure Virtue
no command is given
everything unfolds by itself
so the Way gives birth
Virtue gathers and shelters
It nurses and raises
steadies and ripens
feeds and covers
it gives life without owning it
it acts without leaning on its actions
it allows growth without control
it does not rule
it does not dominate
this is called dark virtue —
quiet, invisible
and complete
喵德經 第五十二章
天下有始，貓以為母。 得其母，以知其子； 既知其子，復守其母， 終身不殆。 塞其竅，收其爪， 閉其門，臥而不勞。 開其竅，逐其事， 奔走一生，難自救。 見小曰明， 守柔曰強。 用其光，還其明， 不遺其身之殃。 是謂貓之常。
Chapter 52 Miao De Ching
the world has a beginning—
it is the Mother
find the Mother
and you understand the kittens
know the kittens
yet return to the Mother
and your whole life stays unharmed
close the gaps
sheathe the claws
shut the doors—
and life requires no strain
open every gap,
chase every task
and all your days become unrest
to notice the small is called clarity
to keep soft is called strength
use the light
then return it to its source—
nothing in the body is left wounded
this is practicing the constant
🐈
the wise cat knows the kittens
the wiser cat curls back to the Mother cushion
the wisest cat does not leave the cushion at all
喵德經 第五十三章
使我微知， 行於大貓之道， 唯躍是懼。 大貓之道，甚平甚寬， 而群貓好竄小徑。 宮室甚潔， 貓田甚荒， 糧倉甚空； 身披彩毛， 腰懸利爪， 厭於素食， 魚肉有餘。 是謂竊耀之貓， 非道之行也哉！
Chapter 53 Miao De Ching
if i possessed even a little knowing
and walked the Great Cat-Way
i would fear only one thing: forcing myself
for the Great Way is wide, flat, and open—
yet the crowd prefers narrow shortcuts
quick leaps, hidden alleys
the halls are swept and shining
but the fields lie barren
the granaries echo empty
fur is dyed with color
claws are sharpened like blades
simple food is despised
while surplus fish rots in piles
This is called thief-boasting—
stealing while pretending to shine
surely this is not the Way
喵德經 第五十四章
善築者不墜， 善抱者不失； 貓守其窩， 子子孫孫， 舔毛不絕。 修之於身， 其德乃真； 修之於窩， 其德乃溫； 修之於巷， 其德乃久； 修之於城， 其德乃盛； 修之於天下， 其德乃遍。 故以貓觀貓， 以窩觀窩； 以巷觀巷， 以城觀城； 以天下觀天下。 吾何以知天下然哉？ 以此貓也。
Chapter 54 Miao De Ching
what is well built, cannot be pulled out
what is well held, cannot slip away
a cat that knows its place
keeps the warmth of the nest
and the line continues
grooming without end
cultivate it in the body —
the virtue is real
cultivate it in the home —
the virtue overflows
cultivate it in the street —
the virtue endures
cultivate it in the city —
the virtue grows abundant
cultivate it in the whole world —
the virtue spreads everywhere
so we watch a cat to know a cat
we watch a home to know a home
a street to know a street
a country to know a country
the world to know the world
how do i know the world is so?
by this —
by watching the cat
喵德經 第五十五章
含德之厚，如貓之嬰。 未識爪牙，而萬物不侵。 蜂不螫，蛇不齧， 猛獸不據，鷙鳥不搏。 骨柔筋軟，而抱力常存； 未知陰陽之合，而生機自全， 精之至也。 終日鳴喵，而聲不嘶； 和之極也。 知和曰常， 知常曰明。 益生曰祥， 役氣於心曰強。 物盛則衰， 是謂非道； 非道者，早已。
Chapter 55 Miao De Ching
he who holds De in fullness
is like a newborn kitten
no claws yet known, no fangs yet learned
and nothing harms him
wasps forget to sting
serpents forget to bite
wild beasts forget their rage
and hawks forget to strike
his bones are soft, his sinews weak
yet what he grips, he never drops
he knows not yet the joining of male and female
yet life within him is complete—
such is the perfection of essence
all day he cries, yet his voice grows not hoarse—
such is the height of harmony
to know harmony is called constancy
to know constancy is called clarity
to add to life is called blessing
to drive the breath by force of will is called strength
when things grow strong, they grow old—
this is called not-the-Way
what is not the Way
soon comes to an end
喵德經 第五十六章
知貓不喵，喵貓不知。 塞其喉，閉其口， 鈍其爪，散其鬚， 和其影，同其塵， 是謂玄貓。 不可得而親， 不可得而疏； 不可得而利， 不可得而害； 不可得而貴， 不可得而賤。 故為天下之貓。
Chapter 56 Miao De Ching
the cat who knows does not meow
the cat who meows does not know
it closes its throat
shuts its mouth
blunts its claws
loosens its whiskers
softens its shadow
mingles with dust
this is called Mysterious Union
it cannot be made close
nor can it be made distant
it cannot be used for gain
nor harmed for loss
it cannot be raised to honor
nor lowered to contempt
therefore
it is treasured by the whole world
喵德經 第五十七章
以正守窩，以奇捕鼠，以無事安天下。
吾何以知然？
禁多則貓瘦，器利則群亂；
技巧繁，怪物生；
規矩密，偷竊起。
故貓聖曰：
我不為，群自安；
我好靜，群自齊；
我無事，群自肥；
我無欲，群自樸。
Chapter 57 Miao De Ching
rule the home by fairness
hunt by surprise
and leave the world alone to settle itself
i know this is so:
the more rules, the thinner the cats
the sharper the tools, the louder the fights
the cleverer the tricks, the stranger the mess
the more laws, the more stealing
thus says the sage cat:
i do nothing — and balance appears
i stay still — and order returns
i interfere not — and abundance grows
i want nothing — and life stays simple
喵德經 第五十八章
政鬆則群溫，政察則群裂。
禍伏於福，福藏於禍。
誰知其終？
正反為奇，善反為妖。
是以聖貓：
方而不割，
銳而不傷，
直而不逼，
明而不耀。
Chapter 58 Miao De Ching
when rule is loose, the cats rest warm
when rule is sharp, the cats grow thin and torn
misfortune sleeps inside fortune
fortune curls inside misfortune
who knows where one ends?
the straight turns strange
the good turns cruel
thus the sage cat:
keeps shape without cutting
stays sharp without wounding
stands straight without pressing
shines without blinding
喵德經 第五十九章
養人養天，莫若節。
節則早服，
早服則德積，
德積則無不可。
無不可，則根深；
根深，則久視。
是謂命長之道。
Chapter 59 Miao De Ching
in caring for others
and living under heaven
nothing beats restraint
restraint practiced early
becomes stored strength
stored strength meets no limit
with no limit, roots grow deep
with deep roots, life endures
this is the way
of long seeing and long living
喵德經 第六十章
治大窩如煮小魚。
多翻則碎。
以道臨世，
鬼不擾，
神不傷，
貓亦不爪。
兩不相害，
德自歸焉。
Chapter 60 Miao De Ching
governing a large realm
is like cooking a small fish:
too much turning ruins it
when the world is held by Dao
spirits do not disturb
forces do not wound
and the sage cat does not claw
when none harm each other
virtue returns on its own
喵德經 第六十一章
大窩如低谷，
萬貓所歸，
乃天下之牝。
牝以靜勝牡，
以低為強。
大下小，得小；
小下大，得大。
兩得其願，
大者宜下。
Chapter 61 Miao De Ching
a great realm is like a low valley:
all streams flow to it
it is the quiet female of the world
the soft overcomes the hard by stillness
strength comes from staying low
when the great bends down, it gains loyalty
when the small yields, it gains shelter
both get what they seek —
but the greater one
should choose to kneel
喵德經 第六十二章
道者，萬物之奧，貓居之妙所。
善貓之寶，頑貓亦得庇。
美言可市魚，尊行可添寵。
貓之頑劣，何棄之有？
故立貓主，置三罐，雖有珍膳以先駟馬之速，
不如靜坐而進此道。
古貓之所以貴此道者何？
不曰：以求得，有過以免耶？
故為貓界貴。
Chapter 62 Miao De Ching
the Dao is hearth and hollow of all things
the shelter both of fair and foul alike
the bright word earns a treat, the noble act a chin’s caress
but what of the cat who knocks the vase and hides?
why cast her out for this?
you set the bowl, the freshest feast before her run—
less than the gift of quiet where the Way is done
the ancient cats prized this: a path to gain
a way for faults to fade without a stain
喵德經 第六十三章
為無為，事無事，味無味。
貓之大道也。
大小老鼠，皆報以爪德。
圖難於其易，為大於其細。
捕鼠難事，必作於悄步；佔櫃大事，必作於細跳。
是以聖貓終不為大，故能成其大。
夫輕諾必寡信，多易必多難。
是以聖貓猶難之，故終無難矣。
Chapter 63 Miao De Ching
act not; engage not; taste what has no taste
the cat’s great Way in three small lines is placed
the mouse, both large and small, meets but one paw’s reply
plan for the pounce while it is but a twitch
take the high shelf by one deliberate hitch
the sage cat never starts with grand design
and so the tallest perch becomes her line
a purred vow lightly made is soon unmade
what seems too easy leaves the clever strayed
the sage cat treats the sunbeam as a task—
and so no difficulty comes to ask
喵德經 第六十四章
其安易持，其未兆易謀。
其脆易破，其微易散。
貓之於未動，治之於未亂。
合抱之木，生於毫末之爪痕；
九層之臺，起於累土之扒掘；
千里之行，始於足下之輕踱。
為者敗之，執者失之。
是以聖貓無為故無敗；無執故無失。
貓之從事，常於幾成而敗之。
慎終如始，則無敗事。
是以聖貓欲不欲，不貴難得之貓薄荷；
學不學，復衆貓之所過，
以輔萬物之自然，而不敢為。
Chapter 64 Miao De Ching
what’s still is simple for a paw to hold
what shows no sign is easy to enfold
the brittle breaks; the scattered specks are blown
act ere they move, bring calm before the groan
the mighty tree begins with one claw’s grace
the towering climb from one leapt empty space
the journey of a thousand miles of street
begins with one small step of quiet feet
who acts will spoil; who clutches will let fall
the sage cat, never acting, never fails at all
she wants what others do not want to want
ignores the rare and potent catnip plant
she learns what need not be a lesson taught
returns to what the hurried have forgot
assists the world by leaving it to be—
and dares not shape it to her own decree
喵德經 第六十五章
古之善為道之貓，非以明民，將以愚之。
民之難治，以其智多，擾貓清夢。
故以智治國，國之賊；不以智治國，國之福，貓之安。
知此兩者亦楷式。
常知楷式，是謂玄德。
玄德深矣，遠矣，與物反矣，然後乃至大順，貓蜷其中。
Chapter 65 Miao De Ching
the ancient cats who knew the Dao’s employ
did not make humans bright, but kept them coy
a people hard to rule knows far too much
disturbs the sacred midday nap and such
to rule with knowledge robs the land and state
to rule without brings blessing—and cat’s weight
atop your lap in peace. To know these two
is the first pattern, old and ever new
to hold this pattern is the Virtue, deep
far, counter to all things that wake or leap
that leads to harmony’s complete accord—
wherein the sage cat curls, her rest restored
喵德經 第六十六章
江海所以能為百谷王者，以其善下之，故能為百谷王。
是以聖貓欲上櫃，必以言下之，喵嗚於地；
欲先民，必以身後之，緩行於後。
是以聖貓處上而民不重，處前而民不害。
是以天下樂推而不厭，推至於軟墊之上。
以其不爭，故天下莫能與之爭，貓獨享陽。
Chapter 66 Miao De Ching
the sea is king of streams because it lies so low
the sage cat, aiming for the cabinet’s crest
sings mournful songs below to pass the test
to lead the walk, she pads a step behind
thus, when she’s high, she rests upon your mind
with no heavy weight; when she’s ahead
she blocks no path you intended
thus the world delights to lift her where she’d go
and never tires of her, but lays her on the pillow’s bow
because she does not fight or start the fray
no one in the world can take her sunlit spot away
喵德經 第六十七章
天下皆謂我道大，似不肖。
夫唯大，故似不肖，似大貓而非貓。
若肖久矣，其細也夫！
吾有三寶，持而保之。
一曰慈，舔毛之仁；
二曰儉，食不盡碗；
三曰不敢為天下先，開門則殿後。
慈故能勇，護仔而無懼；
儉故能廣，碗滿而家安；
不敢為天下先，故能成器長，終為一家之主。
今舍慈且勇，哈氣而無愛；
舍儉且廣，貪食而碗空；
舍後且先，奪門而卡住；死矣！
夫慈以戰則勝，呼嚕退強敵；
以守則固，蜷身即為城。
天將救之，以慈衛之。
Chapter 67 Miao De Ching, The Three Treasures
“your Way seems strange,” the world declares to me
“it seems unlike a proper cat,” they fret
but what’s truly like a cat? A cat is free!
i guard three treasures in my soul’s cove:
first, Compassion—grooming those i love
next, Frugality—to leave some in the bowl
last, Never leading—follow to control
from compassion, courage grows to face the night
from frugality, a household’s warm and bright
from hanging back, at last, you rule the height
drop love for might, you’ll hiss and live in fear
drop thrift for feast, you’ll find the cupboard bare
dash first through doors, you’ll get your fat self stuck right there!
a mother’s purr can make a monster flee
a curled-up form’s a fortress none can see
Heaven helps the kind; kindness is the key
喵德經 第六十八章
善為士者，不武，爪收肉墊；
善戰者，不怒，瞳如深淵；
善勝敵者，不與，敵自繞道；
善用人者，為之下，臥於足畔。
是謂不爭之德，是謂用人之力，是謂配天古之極，貓之天道。
Chapter 68 Miao De Ching, The Unseen Victor
the finest warrior never bares a claw
the finest fighter’s gaze holds never rage
the finest victor never starts the war
the finest servant earns the finest wage
by curling humbly at the master’s stage
this is the power of the effortless deed
the art of using others’ strength for need
the ancient pitch-purrfect Way indeed
喵德經 第六十九章
用兵有言，貓之兵法：
吾不敢為主，而為客，讓鼠先動；
不敢進寸，而退尺，伏而後躍。
是謂行無行，踏雪無痕；
攘無臂，拍無影爪；
扔無敵，敵自跌倒；
執無兵，兵乃慵懶。
禍莫大於輕敵，輕鼠則失尾。
故抗兵相加，貓狗相見，
哀者勝矣，嗚咽者得床。
Chapter 69 Miao De Ching, The Stratagem of Retreat
in feline war, a saying wise and old:
“i dare not be the host, let mouse be bold
i dare not inch ahead, i give a foot of ground”
advance with no advance, with no true sound
strike with a paw that isn’t really there
the greatest foe will tumble through the air
to meet no weapon but a languid stare
underestimation is the fatal blunder
(a mouse may steal your tail, a dog your slumber)
when equal forces meet in strife’s loud weather
the one who seems to mourn wins soft bed together
喵德經 第七十章
吾言甚易知，甚易行，喵喵而已。
天下莫能知，莫能行，人謂復雜。
言有宗，喵之有求；
事有君，睡之有道。
夫唯無知，是以不我知，不知貓心。
知我者希，懂喵語者寡；
則我者貴，仿貓慵者為王。
是以聖貓被褐懷玉，毛雜似丐，懷中揣暖玉之鼾。
Chapter 70 Miao De Ching, The Hidden Jade
my words? Simple to grasp, to do—a meow!
yet no one gets them, humans knit their brow
my speech has cause—a clear, direct demand
my life has rule—to sleep is what I’ve planned
their ignorance is why they don’t see me
the secret cat-shape of reality
few know my heart, few speak my purring tongue
but those who act as i do stay ever young
thus sage cats wear a coat of motley fur
but hide within the warmest jewel—a snore
喵德經 第七十一章
知不知，上，知罐空仍靜臥，上貓也。
不知知，病，不知己胖仍討食，病貓也。
夫唯病病，是以不病，以胖為病則不胖。
聖貓不病，以其病病，憂卡於門，
是以不病，身形流暢。
Chapter 71 Miao De Ching, The Wisdom of Not-Knowing
to know you don’t know? Best. To see the empty plate
and not complain, but wait? A top-tier feline state
to not know, yet think you know? A sickly plight
the cat who’s fat but yowls for food all night
to see the sickness as the sickness is the cure
the cat who fears the doorframe stays sleek and pure
the sage cat, sickless, holds this thought most dear:
the only illness is forgetting to be clear
that you might not be clear. And so, no fear