Water and Wind

Chapter 43 The softest in the world overcomes the strongest, just as a rider controls his galloping steed. The insubstantial can penetrate where there is no opening. Because of that I know the benefit of Non-action. Few in the world attain wordless teaching and the benefit of Non-action. Lecture: Water and wind are among the softest things in the world, but when their force is concentrated, it is enough to topple mountains and overturn the sea, "just as a rider controls his galloping steed," the strongest things in the world are overcome. In its minutest form, softness allows the insubstantial to penetrate where there is no opening. The wind erodes copper or dripping water bores through stone in the same way. By extending this description we can include ch'i with its ability to permeate and moisten everywhere. These are all examples of natural phenomena. If one holds to this precept he will gradually and naturally discover just how true it is, This, then, is a benefit of Non-action, as is wordless teaching, but few in the world can attain it. Lao-Tzu Tam C. Gibbs