Water

 

Of all the elements, the sage should take water as his preceptor.

Water is yielding but all-conquering

Water extinguishes fire, or finding itself likely to be defeated, escapes as steam and reforms.

Water washes away soft earth or, when confronted by rocks, seeks a way round.

Water corrodes iron till it crumbles to dust.

It saturates the atmosphere so that wind dies.

Water gives way to obstacles with deceptive humility for no power can prevent it following its destined course to the sea.

Water conquers by yielding; it never attacks, and always wins the last battle.

The sage who makes himself as water

is distinguished for his humility;

he embraces passivity; acts from non-action and conquers the world.

~ Lao Tzu

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