Vacuity, tranquillity, mellowness, quietness and taking no action characterise things of the universe at peace and represent the ultimate Tao and virtue. Therefore abide in them.
A man said to the universe: “Sir, I exist!” “However,” replied the universe. “The fact has not created in me a sense of obligation.”
The cosmos is interesting rather than perfect, and everything is not part of some greater plan, nor is all necessarily under control.
You may control a mad elephant; You may shut the mouth of the bear and the tiger; Ride the lion and play with the cobra; By alchemy you may earn your livelihood; You may wander through the universe incognito; Make vassals of the gods; be ever youthful; You may walk on water and live in fire; But control of the mind is better and more difficult.
Whether you’re a gem in the royal court or a stone on the common path, if you accept your part with humility the glory of the universe will be yours.
The universe has been created out of knowledge and action and seems also possessed of consciousness.
