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1. When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept
from separating. When one gives undivided attention to the (vital) breath, and brings it
to the utmost degree of pliancy, he can become as a (tender) babe. When he has cleansed
away the most mysterious sights (of his imagination), he can become without a flaw.
2. In loving the people and ruling the state, cannot he proceed without any (purpose of)
action? In the opening and shutting of his gates of heaven, cannot he do so as a female
bird? While his intelligence reaches in every direction, cannot he (appear to) be without
knowledge?
3. (The Tâo) produces (all things) and nourishes them; it produces them and does not claim
them as its own; it does all, and yet does not boast of it; it presides over all, and yet
does not control them. This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tâo).
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