English Translation
The appearance of great virtue follows only the Tao. The Tao, as a thing, is vague and intangible. Intangible and vague, yet within it is an image. Vague and intangible, yet within it is a substance. Profound and obscure, yet within it is an essence. This essence is very real, and within it is faith. From ancient times until now, its name has never been forgotten, and it has been used to examine the beginning of all things. How do I know the nature of the beginning of all things? With this.
Original Text
孔德之容，惟道是从。道之为物，惟恍惟惚。惚兮恍兮，其中有象；恍兮惚兮，其中有物。窈兮冥兮，其中有精，其精甚真，其中有信。自今及古，其名不去，以阅众甫。吾何以知众甫之状哉？以此。
Explanation with Examples
- The Tao is the source of all great virtue, but it is vague and intangible, difficult to grasp or describe. Yet within this vagueness and intangibility, there is an image, a substance, and an essence that is very real and can be trusted.
- The essence of the Tao has never been forgotten, and it can be used to examine the beginning of all things. Just as a seed contains the essence of the entire plant, the Tao contains the essence of all creation and can be used to understand the nature of reality.
Call to Action
To cultivate great virtue and understand the nature of reality, we must align ourselves with the Tao and trust in its profound and obscure essence. By letting go of our attachment to tangible forms and intellectual understanding, we can tap into the deep wisdom of the Tao and find true faith and understanding.
Take action today:
- Cultivate a sense of trust and faith in the vague and intangible essence of the Tao
- Let go of your attachment to tangible forms and intellectual understanding
- Use the Tao as a lens to examine the beginning and nature of all things
- Embrace the profound and obscure essence of the Tao, knowing that it is very real and can be trusted
- Allow the Tao to guide your actions and cultivate great virtue in your life
By aligning ourselves with the Tao and trusting in its profound and obscure essence, we can cultivate great virtue and understanding in our lives. Remember that the greatest wisdom often lies beyond the reach of the intellect and can only be accessed through faith and direct experience of the Tao.
References：
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 20
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 1
Ningde Times (CATL): Alleged 896 Work Schedule and 100-Day “Struggle” Campaign Sparks Controversy
China’s Automotive Industry: Navigating the “Juàn” Phenomenon
The Harsh Reality JD.com’s Mass Layoffs: Employees Speak Out
Chinese Consumers Accuse Luxury Brand LV of Discriminatory After-Sales Policies
Chinese Steamed Buns Steal the Show at French Bread Festival!
BYD’s 5th Generation DM Technology: A Chinese Perspective on the Future of the Automotive Industry
China’s Low-Altitude Economy Soars to New Heights: A Glimpse into the Future of Aviation
The Dragon Boat Festival: A Glimpse into China’s Cultural Heritage
Chinese Netizens Amused as Celebrities Collide at Cannes
The Watermelon Craze in China: How 70% of the World’s Watermelons are Consumed by the Chinese
The Rise of Four “Non-211” Universities in China
Budweiser’s Woes: The Brewing Storm Behind Harbin Beer’s Controversy
The Tao is such a profound and mysterious concept. It’s fascinating how it is both vague and intangible, yet contains an essence that is very real and trustworthy.
I find it interesting that the essence of the Tao has never been forgotten, despite its obscure nature. It speaks to the timeless wisdom of this ancient philosophy.
The idea of using the Tao to examine the beginning of all things is intriguing. It suggests that the Tao holds the key to understanding the nature of reality itself.
I wonder how one can truly grasp the Tao, given its vague and intangible nature. Perhaps it requires a letting go of intellectual understanding and a deep trust in the unknown.
The call to action to cultivate great virtue by aligning with the Tao is inspiring. It reminds me of the importance of living in harmony with the natural flow of life.
I’m curious to learn more about the Tao and how it relates to other concepts in Chinese philosophy, such as yin and yang, qi, and the Five Elements.
The poetic language used to describe the Tao is beautiful and evocative. It’s no wonder that the Tao Te Ching has inspired countless generations of readers.
The idea that the greatest wisdom lies beyond the intellect is a common theme in many spiritual traditions. It requires a willingness to embrace the mystery and trust in the journey.
The Tao Te Ching is such a rich and layered text. I feel like I could study it for a lifetime and still discover new insights and wisdom.
I’m impressed by how the Tao Te Ching manages to convey such deep and profound ideas in such a concise and poetic form. It’s a testament to the skill of its author, Lao Tzu.
The concept of the Tao reminds me of the idea of ‘flow’ in modern psychology – a state of being fully immersed in the present moment and aligned with one’s true nature.
I wonder how the teachings of the Tao Te Ching might be applied in our modern world, with all its complexity and challenges. Perhaps it could offer a path to greater harmony and balance.
The call to let go of attachment to tangible forms and intellectual understanding is a challenging one. It requires a great deal of trust and surrender.
I’m excited to read more chapters of the Tao Te Ching and continue exploring its timeless wisdom. It feels like a text that will always have something new to offer, no matter how many times I read it.
The idea of the Tao being both vague and intangible, yet containing an image and substance, is paradoxical and mind-bending. It challenges our usual ways of thinking about reality.
I find it amazing that a text written over 2,000 years ago can still feel so relevant and applicable to our lives today. It speaks to the universal nature of its insights.
The Tao Te Ching is often compared to other great spiritual texts, such as the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. I’m curious to explore the similarities and differences between these traditions.
I’m intrigued by the idea of using the Tao as a lens to examine the beginning of all things. It suggests a holistic and interconnected view of reality that is often missing in modern thought.
The call to cultivate great virtue by aligning with the Tao is a powerful one. It reminds us that true wisdom and goodness come from a place of deep connection and harmony with the natural order of things.
Hi! I’ve been reading your site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the good work!
Some really wonderful info , Glad I discovered this.
Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!
Hey there, I love all the points you made on that topic. There is definitely a great deal to know about this subject, and with that said, feel free to visit my blog FQ7 to learn more about Airport Transfer.