1When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept from separating.
2When one gives undivided attention to the (vital) breath, and brings it to the utmost degree of pliancy, he can become as a (tender) babe.
3When he has cleansed away the most mysterious sights (of his imagination), he can become without a flaw.
4In loving the people and ruling the state, cannot he proceed without any (purpose of) action?
5In the opening and shutting of his gates of heaven, cannot he do so as a female bird?
6While his intelligence reaches in every direction, cannot he (appear to) be without knowledge?
7(The Tao) produces (all things) and nourishes them; it produces them and does not claim them as its own; it does all, and yet does not boast of it; it presides over all, and yet does not control them.
8This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tao).