《老子指归》Vol. 4

Empty and never accumulating, it changes along with all things. It acts in accordance with nature, allowing each thing to follow its own nature. It gathers things without becoming full, and disperses them without being depleted. It embraces all things in the four directions. The learned may search and ponder, yet find no trace of its beginning; the eloquent may reflect deeply, yet hear nothing of its origin.

It gives without being exhausted, and its transformations are without end. When one cycle ends, another begins. At the height of brightness, it seems almost dark. The more it helps others, the more at ease it becomes; the more fully it governs others, the wiser it grows. By helping others live, it too lives longer; by devoting itself to teaching others, it too gains.

It can appear as Yang or as Yin; from Yin it turns again to Yang. It benefits all things without harming them, sharing the De of Heaven and Earth. It brings all things to life without killing them, and is in communion with the spirits. By establishing De and widely extending its blessings, one may remain for a long time in prominence and honor.

It does not flaunt clever words, but yields the blessings it receives. It returns to the realm of the nameless, acts without claiming credit, and remains always in step with the Dao.