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THE TEXTS OF TÂOISM.
BK. XXV.
they are not 10,000 merely. When we speak of them as “the Myriad Things,” we simply use that large number by way of accommodation to denominate them. In this way Heaven and Earth are the greatest of all things that have form; the Yin and Yang are the greatest of all elemental forces. But the Tâo is common to them. Because of their greatness to use the Tao or (Course) as a title and call it “the Great Tâo" is allowable. But what comparison can be drawn between it and "the Talk of the Hamlets and Villages ?” To argue from this that it is a sufficient expression of the Tâo, is like calling a dog and a horse by the same name, while the difference between them is so great.'
II. Shâo Kih said, “Within the limits of the four cardinal points, and the six boundaries of space, how was it that there commenced the production of all things ?' Thâi-kung Thiâo replied, “The Yin and Yang reflected light on each other, covered each other, and regulated each the other; the four seasons gave place to one another, produced one another, and brought one another to an end. Likings and dislikings, the avoidings of this and movements towards that, then arose (in the things thus produced), in their definite distinctness; and from this came the separation and union of the male and female. Then were seen now security and now insecurity, in mutual change; misery and happiness produced each other; gentleness and urgency pressed on each other; the movements of collection and dispersion were established :—these names and processes can be examined, and, however minute, can be recorded. The rules determining the order in which they follow one another, their mutual influence
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