The valley spirit not dying
is called the mysterious female.
The opening of the mysterious female
is called the root of heaven and earth.
Continuous, on the brink of existence,
to put it into practice, don’t try to force it.

– Thomas Cleary

 

The valley spirit that doesn’t die
we call the dark womb
the dark womb’s mouth
we call the source of Heaven and Earth
as elusive as gossamer silk
and yet it can’t be exhausted

– Red Pine

 

The valley’s daemons never die,
The valley called the dark world womb;
The portal of the dark world womb
They call tree root of sky and land.
A hidden yet seeming presence,
Use it and stay strong.

– Moss Roberts