《庄子·外篇·知北游》
宇宙万物无时不在发生变化，始终保持着变化的新姿，阴阳与四季不停地运行，各有自身的序列。大道是那么浑沌昧暗仿佛并不存在却又无处不在，生机盛旺、神妙莫测却又不留下具体的形象，万物被它养育却一点也未觉察。这就称作本根，可以用它来观察自然之道了。
六合为巨，未离其内；秋豪为小，待之成体；天下莫不沉浮，终身不故；阴阳四时运行，各得其序；惛然若亡而存；油然不形而神；万物畜而不知：此之谓本根，可以观于天矣！
The myriad things are constantly changing and transforming, ever presenting a new and different aspect. Yin and yang and the four seasons unceasingly revolve, each having its order and sequence. The great Tao is so empty and indistinct that it seems to be non-existent, yet it is everywhere; so rich and mysterious that it seems to be inexhaustible, yet it leaves no trace whatever. It nourishes all things without their being aware of it. This we call the root or origin, and by it we may observe the nature of the Way.