"The universe is like a great bellows; it appears empty but is never exhausted. The more it is set in motion, the more wind it produces. This is a metaphor for a ruler: the faster their decrees are issued, the faster their downfall. Would it not be better to maintain a state of hollow tranquility? Is this not a treatise on how to govern?"
Chen Tianyang chuckled and said, "You are wrong again. The space between heaven and earth is a great bellows. As the bellows is pushed and pulled, air moves up and down; this signifies the flow of Yin and Yang energies throughout the universe. This is what is meant by 'the unity of man and nature.' The universe is the great macrocosm, while the human body is the microcosm. Since the universe has the circulation of Yin and Yang, the human body is no exception. With every inhalation and exhalation, blood and energy circulate, corresponding to the Yin and Yang of heaven and earth. Thus, the 'bellows' refers to human breathing.
"As for the line, 'It is empty yet inexhaustible, and the more it moves, the more it produces. Many words lead to exhaustion; it is better to preserve the center,' for a practitioner, to open one's mouth is to dissipate spirit and energy, and to wag one's tongue is to invite strife. When one speaks, internal energy is subtly depleted; naturally, one must maintain a state of hollow tranquility."
Chapter 218