ritual. (38, tr. Waley) Here is another example. Truly, if one uses the Way as one's instrument, the results will be like the Way; if one uses the "power" as instrument, the results will be like the "power". If one uses what is the reverse of the "power", the results will be the reverse of the "power". For to those who have conformed themselves to the Way, the Way readily lends its power. To those who have conformed themselves to the power, the power readily, lends more power. While to those who conform themselves to inefficacy, inefficacy readily lends its ineffectiveness. (23, tr. Waley) Compare this third example. Tao gave them birth; The "power" of Tao reared them, Shaped them according to their kinds, Perfected them, giving to each its strength. Therefore of the ten thousand things there is not one that does not worship Tao and do homage to its "power". No mandate ever went forth that accorded to Tao the right to be worshipped, nor to its "power" the right to be worshipped, nor to its "power" the right to receive homage. It was always and of itself so. Therefore as Tao bore them and the "power" of Tao reared them, made them grow, fostered them, harboured them, brewed for them, so you must, Rear them, but not lay claim to them, Control them, but never lean upon them, Be chief among them, but not manage them. This is called the "mysterious power." (51, tr. Waley) Chapters 10 and 65 also use this xuande ( "dark/mysterious de") phrase. The second Daodejing theme is the efficacy of de for statesmanship (see meanings 6 and 7 above). A sage ruler can acquire sufficient de to influence his subjects through, in effect, wu wei government. You cannot rule men nor serve heaven unless you have laid up a store; This "laying up a store" means quickly absorbing, And "quickly absorbing" means doubling one's garnered "power". Double your garnered power and it acquires a strength that nothing can overcome. If there is nothing it cannot overcome, it know no bounds, And only what knows no bounds is huge enough to keep a whole kingdom in its grasp. (59, tr. Waley) Compare this description of using one's accumulated de to affect others. The best charioteers do not rush ahead; The best fighters do not make displays of wrath. The greatest conqueror wins without