Therefore wise rulers and Sages rest therein. Resting therein they reach the unconditioned, from which springs the conditioned; and with the conditioned comes order.
Meaning those laws which are inseparable from concrete existences.
Again, from the unconditioned comes repose, and from repose comes movement,
When once inner repose has been established, outer movement results as a matter of necessity, without injury to the organism.
and from movement comes attainment. Further, from repose comes inaction, and from inaction comes potentiality of action.
When inaction has been achieved, action results spontaneously and unconsciously to the organism.
And inaction is happiness; and where there is happiness no cares can abide, and life is long.
Repose, tranquillity, stillness, inaction,—these were the source of all things. Due perception of this was the secret of Yao's success as a ruler, and of Shun's success as his minister. Due perception of this constitutes the virtue of sovereigns on the throne, the Tao of the inspired Sage and of the uncrowned King below. Keep to this in retirement, and the lettered denizens of sea and dale will recognise your power. Keep to this when coming forward to pacify a troubled world, and your merit shall be great and your name illustrious, and the empire united into one. In your repose you will be wise; in your movements, powerful. By inaction you will gain honour; and by confining yourself to the pure and simple, you will hinder the whole world from struggling with you for show.
To fully apprehend the scheme of the universe,
Lit.: "the virtue of heaven and earth," meaning their inaction by which all things are brought to maturity.