The heavy is the root of the light.
The unmoved is the source of all movement.

(1) the heavy (2) acts as (3) the light's (4) root/origin

Thus the Master travels all day
without leaving home.*
However splendid the views,
she stays serenely in herself.

Why should the lord of the country
flit about like a fool?
If you let yourself be blown to and fro,
you lose touch with your root.
If you let restlessness move you,
you lose touch with who you are.

^{---
(*) EMILY DICKINSON says:
"A bee his burnished carriage drove boldly
to a rose — combinedly alighting — himself —
his carriage was."}

Heaviness is the basis of lightness.*
Stillness is the standard of activity.

Thus the Master travels all day
without ever leaving her wagon.**
Even though she has much to see,
she is at peace in her indifference.

Why should the lord of a thousand chariots
be amused at the foolishness of the world?
If you abandon yourself to foolishness,
you lose touch with your beginnings.
If you let yourself become distracted,
you will lose the basis of your power.

^{---
(*) ELLEN M. CHEN says:
"The ancient Chinese were grateful to the earth for
patiently bearing up the weight of all beings."
---
(**) TS'AO TAO-CH'UNG [Taoist nun] says: "'Supplies' [wagon] mean the precious commodities with which we maintain ourselves and without which we cannot exist for a second."
---
(**) WITTER BYNNER [translator] says:
Gravity is the root of grace, the mainstay of all speed.
A traveler of true means, whatever the day's pace,
Remembers the provision-van.}

The solid must be the root of the light.
The still must be the master of the restless.

Therefore, wise people when traveling all day
do not lose sight of their baggage cart.
Although there are beautiful scenes to see,
they remain quietly in their own place.
Should a lord of ten thousand chariots
appear more frivolous than a simple traveler?

To be light is to lose the root.
To be restless is to lose the master.

^---

Heavy is the root of light.
Still is the master of moving.

So wise souls make their march
with the heavy baggage wagon.

Only when safe
in a solid, quiet house
do they lay care aside.

How can a lord of ten thousand chariots
let his own person
weigh less in the balance than his land?

Lightness will lose him his foundation,
movement will lose him his mastery.

^---