《太上老君外日用妙经》

Revere Heaven and Earth, and cherish the sun and moon. Observe the laws of the nation, follow the orthodox Dao (the Way), and honor parents with filial piety. Treat others with humility and yielding, so that those of high and low station live in harmony. Perform many good deeds and cease from evil. Those who have reached adulthood should study diligently and must never cut off another person’s means of livelihood. Occupying an exalted position, one should recognize the perils it contains; possessing abundant wealth, one should understand that what is overly full will overflow.

By constantly remaining in quietude the mind becomes peaceful; by living simply one constantly feels sufficient. Acting with prudence brings fewer worries; knowing how to yield and endure keeps one from humiliation. Cast aside luxury and strive for authenticity. Conceal the faults of others while proclaiming their virtues. Take pleasure in offering convenience to people and dwell in harmony with neighbors. Draw close to the worthy, the good, and the kind, and stay far from the enjoyments of sound and beauty.

In poverty, rest content in one’s proper lot; in wealth, extend kindness to others. Treat people fairly and do not oppress them through the exercise of power. Elders should restrain themselves and refrain from envy; the young should lessen their fault-finding and greed, and eliminate cunning. When encountering grievances, find means to dissolve them, and accumulate abundant good actions. Do not break promises made to others, and let one’s words be trustworthy. Show care for orphans and widows, assist the impoverished, rescue those in peril, and amass virtuous merit that seeks no return. Practice compassion and refrain from killing living beings. Listen to loyal and upright counsel and do not deceive one’s own conscience. By acting in accordance with these principles one can transcend the ordinary and ascend.