Tao Te Ching - Verse 22

一      yī     one

In Verse 22 the text speaks of the sage "embracing the one" --

"So the sage embraces the One
     and becomes a model for the world"
                              Jonathan Starr

Personal Paraphrase

Broken,
     then whole.
Bent,
     then straight.
Empty,
     then filled.
Worn out,
     then renewed.
Need,
     then supply.
Excess,
     then confusion.

Thus the wise man holds to the One,
     and becomes a light to the whole world.
Not displaying himself,
     he shines.
Not justifying himself,
     he is manifest.
Not boasting,
     he is effective.
Taking no pride in himself,
     he leads.
Because he does not compete,
     he has no competitors.

The old saying
     "Broken, then whole"
          is surely true.

Become whole.
     Turn.