Falling Leaves

The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree,and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All thingsalike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we see themreturn (to their original state). When things (in the vegetableworld) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of themreturn to its root. This returning to their root is what we call thestate of stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting thatthey have fulfilled their appointed end.The report of that fulfilment is the regular, unchanging rule. Toknow that unchanging rule is to be intelligent; not to know it leadsto wild movements and evil issues. The knowledge of that unchangingrule produces a (grand) capacity and forbearance, and that capacityand forbearance lead to a community (of feeling with all things).From this community of feeling comes a kingliness of character; and hewho is king-like goes on to be heaven-like. In that likeness toheaven he possesses the Tao. Possessed of the Tao, he endures long;and to the end of his bodily life, is exempt from all danger of decay.

Tao