Lao Tzu Tao Teachings - Verse 16

Empty everything out; hold fast to your stillness.

Even though all things are stirring together,

watch for the movement of return.

The ten thousand things flourish and then

each returns to the root from which it came.

Returning to the root is stillness.

Through stillness each fulfils its destiny.

That which has fulfilled its destiny

becomes part of the Always-so.

To be aware of the Always-so is to awaken.

Those who innovate while in ignorance of the Always-so

move toward disaster.

Those who act with awareness of the Always-so

embrace all, are not possessed by particular desire,

and move toward the Tao.

Those who are at one with the Tao abide forever.

Even after their bodies waste away, they are safe and whole.

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