Finally, Yun Lintian walked to the waterfall's base and sat directly beneath its pounding flow. The water crashed over him with tremendous force, but he barely noticed. He closed his eyes, seeking the state of balance his mother had described.
At first, nothing happened. The water continued its relentless fall, and Yun Lintian remained motionless beneath it. But slowly, subtle changes began to occur.
As he breathed in, representing creation, the waterfall seemed to soften its flow around him. As he breathed out, embracing uncreation, the water intensified its pressure. In and out, creation and uncreation, a rhythm as natural as breathing itself.
Sometimes the waterfall would change direction entirely, flowing upward or sideways in defiance of natural law. Other times it would blast outward in a explosive spray before settling back into its normal course. Occasionally, it would stand completely still, droplets hanging motionless in the air like frozen jewels.
