People say that which

Is most minute

Has no bodily formation;

And that which

Is most great

Cannot be embraced --

Is this really the truth?

When from the standpoint

Of what is small

We look at what is great,

We do not take it all in;

When from the standpoint

Of what is great

We look at what is small,

We do not see it clearly.

Now the subtle essence

Is smallness

In its extreme degree;

And the vast mass

Is considered

To be greatness

In its largest form

But only he who knows

That the right and wrong

Can often not be distinguished,

And that what is small

And what is great

Can often not be defined

Is the man of the Middle Way.

I've heard it is said that

The man of the middle way

Does not become distinguished;

The greatest virtue

Is unsuccessful;

The great person

Has no thought of Self --

To such a great degree

May his conduct and lot

Be restricted. . .