Chapter 16

1. The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All things alike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original state). When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root. This returning to their root is what we call the state of stillness; and that stillness may be called a reporting that they have fulfilled their appointed end.

Commentary

Source: Editorial Summary

This chapter explores cor e themes of the Tao Te Ching, including non-action, harmony with nature, and the power of simplicity.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. By attaining the height of abstraction we gain fulness of rest. 2. All the ten thousand things ar ise, and I see them return. Now they bloom in bloom but each one homeward returneth to its root. 3. Returning to the root means rest. It signifies the return according to destiny. Return according to destiny means the eternal. Knowing the eternal means enlightenment. Not knowing the eternal causes passions to rise; and that is evil. 4. Knowing the eternal renders comprehensive. Comprehensiveness r...