Tao te Ching – Chapter 16

Approach (Follow) the nothingness (emptiness) to its extremity and maintain calmness with sincerity. Millions of objects (lives) are in actions which allow us to observe their cyclic repetitions. Though there are so many objects, each individual must repeatedly return to its root (origin). When it returns to the root, it means ‘calmness.’ When it is calmed, then it means ‘repetition of a life.’ When the life repeats it means ‘constant natural routine.’ If (one) knows this constant natural routine, then (his mind) is clear (enlightened). If (one) does not know this constant natural routine, then various unfortunate dangers could occur. If (one) knows this constant natural routine, then (life) is permitted. When life is permitted then it is impartial. If it is impartial then it can be completed. When it is completed, then it is heaven (nature). When it is heaven, it is the Tao. If it is the Tao, then it can be long and the death of the body will not be near.