The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

and loss existed not among them. All were equallyuntouched by the emotions of love and sympathy, ofjealousy and fear. Water had no power to drown them,nor fire to burn; cuts and blows caused them neitherinjury nor pain, scratching or tickling could not makethem itch. They bestrode the air as though treading onsolid earth; they were cradled in space as though restingin a bed. Clouds and mist obstructed not their vision,thunder-peals could not stun their ears, physical beautydisturbed not their hearts, mountains and valleyshindered not their steps. They moved about like gods.When the Yellow Emperor awoke from his dream, hesummoned his three Ministers and told them what hehad seen.“For three months," he said, “I have been living a life ofleisure, fasting in heart, subduing my body, and castingabout in my mind for the true method of nourishing myown life and regulating the lives of others. But I failed todiscover the secret. [3]“Worn out, I fell asleep and dreamed this dream. Now Iknow that the Perfect Way is not to be sought throughthe senses. This Way I know and hold within me, yet Icannot impart it to you.“If the Way cannot be sought through the senses, itcannot be communicated through the senses."For twenty-eight years after this, there was greatorderliness in the Empire, nearly equalling that in thekingdom of Hua-hsü. And when the Emperor ascended