English Translation
The ancient masters of the Tao were subtle, mysterious, profound, and penetrating. Their depth was beyond comprehension. Because they are unfathomable, I can only describe them arbitrarily: Cautious, as if crossing an icy stream in winter; alert, as if aware of danger on all sides; courteous, like a visiting guest; yielding, like ice about to melt; simple, like uncarved wood; hollow, like caves; opaque, like muddy water. Who can make the muddy water clear? Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest? Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise. Those who preserve this method of the Tao do not wish to be full. It is through not being full that they can remain hidden and not come into the foreground.
Original Text
古之善为道者,微妙玄通,深不可识。夫唯不可识,故强为之容:豫兮,若冬涉川;犹兮,若畏四邻;俨兮,其若客;涣兮,其若凌释;敦兮,其若朴;旷兮,其若谷;混兮,其若浊。孰能浊以止?静之徐清;孰能安以久?动之徐生。保此道者不欲盈。夫唯不盈故能蔽而新成。
Explanation with Examples
- The ancient masters of the Tao were deeply attuned to the subtle and mysterious nature of reality. They moved through the world with a sense of caution and alertness, like crossing an icy stream or being aware of danger on all sides. They were courteous and yielding, like a visiting guest or ice about to melt.
- The Tao is like muddy water – opaque and unclear at first glance. But just as muddy water becomes clear when allowed to settle, the Tao reveals its clarity and depth when approached with stillness and patience. Those who follow the Tao do not seek to be full or to draw attention to themselves, but rather remain hidden and unassuming.
Call to Action
To cultivate the wisdom and depth of the ancient masters, we must learn to approach life with a sense of humility, caution, and openness. By letting go of our desire for fullness and recognition, we can allow the Tao to work through us in subtle and mysterious ways.
Take action today:
- Cultivate a sense of caution and alertness in your interactions with the world
- Practice yielding and letting go of the need for control or recognition
- Embrace simplicity and the uncarved nature of your true self
- Allow yourself to be hollow and receptive, like a cave or an empty vessel
- Trust in the process of stillness and patience to bring clarity and understanding
By embodying the qualities of the ancient masters and aligning ourselves with the Tao, we can access a profound source of wisdom and insight that guides us through life’s challenges and mysteries. Remember that true power comes not from seeking fullness or recognition, but from remaining humble, receptive, and attuned to the subtle workings of the universe.
References:
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 1
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 14
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 16
The Tao Te Ching is a timeless classic that never fails to inspire and provoke thought. This chapter is a prime example of the profound wisdom contained within its pages.
I find the imagery in this chapter particularly striking – the ancient masters are described as being cautious like crossing an icy stream, alert like being aware of danger, courteous like a guest, yielding like melting ice, simple like uncarved wood, hollow like caves, and opaque like muddy water. These metaphors really bring the teachings to life.
It’s fascinating to consider how the concept of remaining hidden and not seeking fullness or recognition goes against so much of what modern society values. In a world that often prioritizes fame, wealth, and status, the Tao Te Ching offers a refreshingly different perspective.
I’m always amazed by how much depth and meaning can be packed into such concise passages. Each line of the Tao Te Ching seems to invite endless contemplation and interpretation.
As someone who is new to studying the Tao Te Ching, I find passages like this one both intriguing and challenging. It’s clear that there is a lot of wisdom here, but it can be difficult to fully grasp the meaning without a deeper understanding of the philosophical and cultural context.
I love how this chapter emphasizes the importance of stillness and patience. In a fast-paced world that is always urging us to do more and be more, it’s a valuable reminder to slow down and allow things to unfold in their own time.
The idea of being like muddy water that gradually becomes clear through stillness is a powerful one. It suggests that clarity and understanding come not from striving or forcing things, but from allowing ourselves to be open and receptive.
I can’t help but wonder what the ancient masters of the Tao would think of the world today. Would they see us as having lost touch with the subtle and mysterious nature of reality, or would they find ways to adapt their teachings to modern challenges?
This chapter is a great reminder of the importance of humility and letting go of the ego. By remaining humble and unassuming, we create space for something greater than ourselves to work through us.
I find it intriguing how the Tao Te Ching often uses paradoxical language to convey its ideas. The notion of being full by not being full, or securing rest through movement, challenges our usual ways of thinking and invites us to consider things from a different perspective.
The metaphor of uncarved wood is a striking one. It suggests that our true nature is one of simplicity and wholeness, and that it is only through letting go of our desire to shape and control that we can discover this innate perfection.
I find the Tao Te Ching to be a constant source of inspiration and insight. No matter how many times I read it, I always seem to discover something new and relevant to my life.
This chapter is a beautiful reminder of the power of emptiness and receptivity. By cultivating a sense of openness and allowing ourselves to be like hollow caves, we create space for wisdom and insight to emerge.
I wonder what it would be like to embody the qualities of the ancient masters in today’s world. Would it be possible to maintain a sense of caution, alertness, and humility while still navigating the demands and challenges of modern life?
The Tao Te Ching is a text that demands to be savored slowly and contemplatively. Each word and phrase seems to be imbued with layers of meaning that reveal themselves over time.
I appreciate how this chapter acknowledges the challenges of following the Tao. It’s not always easy to remain hidden, to let go of the desire for recognition, or to trust in the process of stillness and patience. But the text suggests that it is through these challenges that we can access a deeper sense of wisdom and understanding.
As I reflect on this passage, I’m struck by how much it resonates with my own experiences. There have been times in my life when I’ve felt like muddy water – unclear and unsettled. But through stillness and patience, I’ve gradually found clarity and a sense of peace.
The Tao Te Ching is a text that invites us to question our assumptions and see the world in a different light. By challenging our usual ways of thinking and being, it opens up new possibilities for growth and transformation.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, even if I don’t always fully understand it. There is something deeply nourishing about encountering ideas that are both ancient and timeless, and that speak to the deepest parts of ourselves.
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