| | Therefore, taking heaven as a canopy means nothing remains uncovered; taking earth as a carriage means nothing remains unborne; taking the four seasons as horses means none remain unused; taking yin and yang as charioteers means nothing remains incomplete. Therefore, one moves swiftly without trembling, travels far without fatigue. The limbs remain still; the mind and senses suffer no harm, yet one knows the forms of all eight directions and nine regions—why is this so? Because he holds the essential handle of the Dao, wandering through boundless realms. Therefore, affairs in the world cannot be forced; one must follow nature and gently guide them; Transformations of all things cannot be fully understood; one grasps their essence and returns to the fundamental direction. When a mirror or still water reflects an object, it does not employ wisdom or intention; yet the round and square, curved and straight cannot escape being revealed. Therefore, echoes do not respond recklessly, nor do shadows appear without cause; calls and cries may be faintly heard, yet silence brings effortless understanding. Human nature is originally tranquil—this is the nature of heaven; It stirs only after being moved by external influences—this is a harm to human nature. When things arrive, the spirit responds—this is movement of knowledge; Knowledge meets with external objects, and thus feelings of preference and aversion arise. When preferences and aversions take form, knowledge is led by external things; one cannot return to oneself, and the principle of heaven perishes. Therefore, those who understand the Dao do not substitute human desires for heaven's will. Externally, they transform with external things; internally, they do not lose their true nature. They reach emptiness and yet fulfill needs, act in accordance with time while holding fast to their fundamental purpose. Whether small or great, long or short, each has its own form; when myriad things arrive in tumult and disorder, they do not lose their measure. Therefore, when in a high position the people do not feel burdened; when leading ahead, the multitude does not resent it. The world returns to it, and evildoers fear it—because it contends with nothing among all things. Thus, none dare contend against it.
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