15

"Those in the past who were good at practicing Tao, Were subtle, mysterious, dark, penetrating (wei miao yüan t'ung), Deep and unrecognizable. Because they were unrecognizable, I am forced to describe their appearance (yung). Careful, like crossing a river in winter, Hesitating, like fearing neighbors on four sides, Reverent, like being guests, Dissolving, like ice beginning to melt, Thick, like uncarved wood, Open, like a valley, Chaotic (hun), like murky (cho) water. What can stop the murkiness? Quieting (ching) down, gradually it clarifies (ch'ing). What can keep still for long? Moving, gradually it stirs into life. Those who keep this Tao, Do not want to be filled to the full (ying). Because they are not full, They can renew (hsin) themselves before being worn out (pi)."