Verse 15

The masters of this ancient path
    are mysterious and profound
Their inner state baffles all inquiry
Their depths go beyond all knowing
Thus, despite every effort,
    we can only tell of their outer signs—
Deliberate, as if treading over the stones of a winter brook
Watchful, as if meeting danger on all sides
Reverent, as if receiving an honoured guest
Selfless, like a melting block of ice
Pure, like an uncarved block of wood
Accepting, like an open valley

Through the course of Nature
    muddy water becomes clear
Through the unfolding of life
    man reaches perfection
Through sustained activity
    that supreme rest is naturally found

Those who have Tao want nothing else
Though seemingly empty
    they are ever full
Though seemingly old
    they are beyond the reach of birth and death