# A sustaining function: summary

Uses the valley spirit and mysterious female as images of a sustaining source.

https://sakimyto.com/en/classics/laozi/chapter-06-a-sustaining-function

## Source and summary

[Laozi · Dao De Jing · A sustaining function](https://zh.wikisource.org/w/index.php?title=%E9%81%93%E5%BE%B7%E7%B6%93%20%28%E7%8E%8B%E5%BC%BC%E6%9C%AC%29&oldid=2354026#%E5%85%AD%E7%AB%A0)

> 谷神不死，是謂玄牝。玄牝之門，是謂天地根。緜緜若存，用之不勤。

Uses the valley spirit and mysterious female as images of a sustaining source.

## Editorial interpretation

The example below adapts this chapter’s questions to modern work. Evaluate it against the actual purpose and conditions; ancient politics, warfare or ethics do not establish business results.

## Business application

Design maintenance, replenishment and support that sustain use beyond a single sale.

1. Choose one relevant case and record its objective, available resources, verified facts and unknowns.
2. Compare options using this chapter’s perspective; choose a limited trial, owner, deadline and a measure to assess the result.

Deliverable: A comparison using a sustaining function, with conditions for acting or declining.

## Limits

The summary selects main points rather than translating every sentence. The example is not a demonstrated business method; check it against stakeholders’ conditions and actual evidence.

## Validation question

How does this chapter’s perspective change the selected option or priority, and what further evidence could change the decision?

[Laozi: a guide to the Dao De Jing](https://sakimyto.com/en/classics/laozi)

[This material](https://sakimyto.com/classics-data/entries/laozi/chapter-06-a-sustaining-function.en.md)

Updated: 2026-10-13 · v1.0.0