 |
51
All things are produced by the Tao, and nourished by its
outflowing
operation. They receive their forms according to the
nature of each, and are completed according to the circumstances of
their
condition. Therefore all things without exception honour the
Tao, and exalt its outflowing operation.
This
honouring of the Tao and exalting of its operation is not the
result of any ordination, but always a spontaneous tribute.
Thus
it is that the Tao produces (all things), nourishes them,
brings them to their full growth, nurses them, completes them,
matures
them, maintains them, and overspreads them.
It produces them and makes no claim to the possession of them;
it
carries them through their processes and does not vaunt its ability in
doing so; it brings them
to maturity and exercises no control over
them;--this is called its mysterious operation.
|
|
