{
  "meta": {
    "schema_version": "1.1",
    "endpoint": "/api/sources/tao-te-ching/15-chapter-15.json"
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  "work": {
    "slug": "tao-te-ching",
    "name": "Tao Te Ching"
  },
  "parents": [],
  "chapter": {
    "num": 15,
    "slug": "15-chapter-15",
    "title": "Chapter 15 — The Ancient Masters",
    "of": 81,
    "words": 183,
    "text": "## Chapter 15\n\n\nThe skilful masters (of the Tao) in old times, with a subtle\nand exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries, and were deep\n(also) so as to elude men's knowledge. As they were thus beyond men's\nknowledge, I will make an effort to describe of what sort they\nappeared to be.\n\nShrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in\nwinter; irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them; grave\nlike a guest (in awe of his host); evanescent like ice that is melting\naway; unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into\nanything; vacant like a valley, and dull like muddy water.\n\nWho can (make) the muddy water (clear)? Let it be still, and it\nwill gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest?\nLet movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise.\n\nThey who preserve this method of the Tao do not wish to be full (of\nthemselves). It is through their not being full of themselves that\nthey can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete.",
    "project_translation": false,
    "license": null,
    "methodology_url": null
  }
}