The ancient Masters were profound and subtle,
Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it;
all we can do describe is their appearance.
They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-over stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water.
Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?
-Lao-tsu, Tao Te Ching
