Morning Prayer of the Tao

In the stillness of the morning,
I return to the source.

Like water that seeks the lowest place,
I let go of striving and become still.

The ten thousand things arise and fall,
and I watch their return.

Each one returns to its root.
Returning to the root is stillness.
Stillness is returning to life.

Returning to life is the constant.
Knowing the constant is wisdom.
Not knowing the constant,
one acts blindly and invites disaster.

Knowing the constant,
the mind is open.
With an open mind,
the heart is open.
With an open heart,
you act with kindness.