“All things return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it which presides over their doing so;—it may be named in the greatest things.”

“When things (in the vegetable world) have displayed their luxuriant growth, we see each of them return to its root.”

“Allow the heart to empty itself of all turmoil! Retrieve the utter tranquility of the mind from which you issued.Although all forms are dynamic,and we all grow and transform,each of us is compelled to return to our root. Our root is quietude.”

“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.”

“The Tao is hidden, and has no name; but it is the Tao which is skilful at imparting (to all things what they need) and making them complete.”

“Simplicity, patience, compassion.These three are your greatest treasures.Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.Patient with both friends and enemies,you accord with the way things are.Compassionate toward yourself,you reconcile all beings in the world.”

“Whoever is planted in the Taowill not be rooted up.Whoever embraces the Taowill not slip away.Her name will be held in honorfrom generation to generation.Let the Tao be present in your lifeand you will become genuine.Let it be Present in your familyand your family will flourish.Let it be present in your countryand your country will be an example to all countries in the world.Let it be present in the universeand the universe will sing.How do I know this is true?by looking inside myself.”