The fundamental core of Taoism lies in the "Dao"—the formless and imageless origin and principle that gives birth to all things in heaven and earth. It is not a distant and unattainable ruler but is embedded in every moment of change, from the movement of the sun and moon to the growth and decay of plants. As stated in the Tao Te Ching, "Humans follow the earth, the earth follows heaven, heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows nature." This reveals a layered cosmic order: the functioning of human society should align with the earth's nurturing character, the earth follows the cyclical patterns of the celestial bodies, and the celestial bodies emulate the pure operation of the Dao. The ultimate nature of the Dao is "ziran," or the spontaneous and self-so state of things. This does not advocate passive inaction but promotes a supreme agency of "assisting the natural state of all things"—refraining from arbitrary interference and forced uniformity, akin to the butcher Ding who mastered the anatomy of an ox through insight into its inherent structure. It is through such attunement that one achieves the fulfillment of life and the success of endeavors.