Chapter 27
The Master's Skill
Original
善行无辙迹，善言无瑕谪，善数不用筹策，善闭无关楗而不可开，善结无绳约而不可解。
是以圣人常善救人，故无弃人；常善救物，故无弃物。是谓袭明。
故善人者，不善人之师；不善人者，善人之资。不贵其师，不爱其资，虽智大迷，是谓要妙。
是以圣人常善救人，故无弃人；常善救物，故无弃物。是谓袭明。
故善人者，不善人之师；不善人者，善人之资。不贵其师，不爱其资，虽智大迷，是谓要妙。
Translation
Good traveling leaves no tracks. Good speech leaves no flaws. Good counting uses no tallies. Good closing needs no lock but cannot be opened. Good binding needs no rope but cannot be undone. Therefore the sage is always good at saving people, so no one is abandoned. Always good at saving things, so nothing is wasted. This is called following the inner light. So the good person is the teacher of the bad. The bad person is the resource of the good. Not to value the teacher, not to love the resource, though clever, is great confusion. This is the essential mystery.
Deep Reflection
What is this chapter about?
This chapter describes effortless mastery and non-judgmental compassion: the sage uses every person and thing as a teacher or resource, without waste, embodying deep wisdom.
How does it relate to me?
It challenges me to see everyone I meet—even difficult people—as a teacher, and to avoid discarding anything or anyone as useless.
What should I do today?
Today, I will thank someone I usually overlook or find frustrating, recognizing their hidden gift. I will look past flaws and see what they teach me about patience.
Related Chapters
My Reflection
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?