51	道德經:	道生之，德畜之，物形之，勢成之。 是以萬物莫不尊道而貴德。 道之尊，德之貴，夫莫之命常自然。 故道生之，德畜之；長之育之；亭之毒之；養之覆之。 生而不有，為而不恃，長而不宰，是謂玄德。
	Dao De Jing:	(The operation (of the Dao) in nourishing things) All things are produced by the Dao, 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 Dao and exalt its outflowing operation. This honouring of the Dao and exalting of its operation is not the result of any ordination, but always a spontaneous tribute. Thus it is that the Dao produces (all things), nourishes them, brings them to their full growth, nurses them, completes them, matures them, maintains them, and overspreads them.

Dao De Jing Chapter 51 - Sheets/Tovey

Oct 13 at 2:36 AM

51

The Tao gives life to them.
The action of the soul nourishes them.
The material world shapes them.
Circumstances perfect them.

The ten-thousand things (everything) all honour the Tao and favour the action of the soul.
They revere the Tao.
The action of the soul is their treasure.

Above all, it is without destiny, yet always is as it is.
Hence, the Tao gives life to them.

The action of the soul

- gives birth to them
- sustains them
- nurtures them
- protects them
- prepares them
- feeds them
- shelters them

- gives them life and does not possess them
- acts and does not presume
- develops and does not rule

This is called the mystery of the action of the soul.