WORDS & IDEAS
Jing 静
Stillness. Quiet attention allows the movement and return of things to become visible. Stillness appears in both self-cultivation and government.
Returning to the root
致虚极，守静笃。
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…
Read chapterThe heavy and the light
重为轻根，静为躁君。
Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler of movement. Therefore a wise prince, marching the whole day, does not go far from his baggage…
Read chapterGreat fullness seems empty
大成若缺，其用不弊。
45. Who thinks his great achievements poor Shall find his vigour long endure. Of greatest fulness, deemed a void, Exhaustion ne'er shall stem the tide. Do…
Read chapterGoverning with stillness
以正治国，以奇用兵，以无事取天下。
A state may be ruled by (measures of) correction; weapons of war may be used with crafty dexterity; (but) the kingdom is made one's own (only) by freedom…
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