Chapter 15
Attain the utmost emptiness; maintain profound stillness.
The ten thousand things arise together; through this I observe their return.
All things flourish abundantly; each returns to its root.
Returning to the root is called stillness; this is known as returning to one's destiny.
Returning to destiny is called the constant; knowing the constant is called illumination.
Not knowing the constant, reckless action brings misfortune.
Knowing the constant, one becomes all-embracing. All-embracing, one becomes impartial. Impartial, one becomes sovereign. Sovereign, one becomes aligned with Heaven. Aligned with Heaven, one becomes aligned with the Dao. Aligned with the Dao, one endures. To the end of one's life, there is no danger.