15

"Well-cultivated men of ancient times Had a profound understanding of the mysterious, Too deep to comprehend. Just because they cannot be comprehended, I do my best to describe their demeanor: Gingerly as if wading across a winter river; Wary as if fearful of the neighbors; Formal like a guest; Melting like the thaw; Ingenuous like raw timber; Open like the valley; Natural like muddy water; Calm like the sea; Airy like the unceasing wind. Who could calm the muddy till it slowly clears? Who could stir the quiet till it slowly revives? Those who practice this Dao do not seek fullness. Because they do not seek fullness They can always rejuvenate themselves."