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364
THE TEXTS OF TÂOISM.
BK. XV.
would do their utmost to incorporate other states with their own, are fond of.
Resorting to marshes and lakes ; dwelling in solitary places; occupying themselves with angling and living at ease;—all this shows their one object to be to do nothing. This is what gentlemen of the rivers and seas, men who avoid the society of the world and desire to live at leisure, are fond of.
Blowing and breathing with open mouth ; inhaling and exhaling the breath ; expelling the old breath and taking in new ; passing their time like the (dormant) bear, and stretching and twisting (the neck) like a bird 1 ;—all this simply shows the desire for longevity. This is what the scholars who manipulate their breath, and the men who nourish the body and wish to live as long as Păng 30, are fond of.
As to those who have a lofty character without any ingrained ideas; who pursue the path of selfcultivation without benevolence and righteousness; who succeed in government without great services or fame; who enjoy their ease without resorting to the rivers and seas; who attain to longevity without the management (of the breath); who forget all things and yet possess all things; whose placidity is unlimited, while all things to be valued attend them :such men pursue the way of heaven and earth, and display the characteristics of the sages. Hence it is said ?, ' Placidity, indifference, silence, quietude,
1 This is probably the meaning. The text is simply:— Bearpassing, bird-stretching.'
2 'It is said:'—where? and by whom? These questions we cannot answer. We have met indeed already with the same characteristics of the Tâo; but Kwang-zze is not likely to be quoting
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