Heaven and Earth are not benevolent — Heaven bestows and Earth transforms; they do not act out of benevolence or grace, but allow things to follow their natural course. They regard all creatures as straw dogs used in rituals — Heaven and Earth give birth to all things, and among them humans are most precious, yet Heaven and Earth regard them as common straw dogs or livestock, not expecting any reward in return. The sage is not benevolent — the sage cares for and nurtures the people without relying on benevolence or favor, following Heaven and Earth by acting in accordance with nature. He regards the common people as straw dogs, not expecting them to offer respect or gratitude. Between Heaven and Earth, the space is empty and void; harmonious qi circulates freely, hence all things naturally come into being. If a person can eliminate desires and emotions, moderate his tastes, and purify the five internal organs, then spiritual clarity will dwell within him. It is like an empty bellows — hollow and empty, yet a person can produce sound and breath through it. Though empty, it does not become exhausted; the more it moves, the more it produces. This means that emptiness and void do not run out; when stirred, they produce even more sound and breath. Too many words lead to exhaustion — much activity harms the spirit; too much speech harms the body, and when one opens his mouth and raises his tongue, misfortune is sure to follow. It is better to hold to the center: uphold virtue within, nurture spirit and energy, cherish breath, and speak sparingly.