Chapter 16

Attain the ultimate emptiness, and steadfastly maintain deep stillness. All things arise together, and from them I observe the cycle of return. Though the ten thousand things flourish in their multitude, each one must return to its root. Returning to the root is called stillness; this is called returning to one's true nature. Returning to one's true nature is called the constant way; knowing the constant way is called enlightenment. If one does not know the constant way, reckless action brings disaster. Knowing the constant way enables acceptance; acceptance enables impartiality; impartiality enables completeness; completeness enables accord with nature; accord with nature enables accord with the Way; accord with the Way enables endurance, and one will encounter no danger throughout life.