English
1
"1. Tao that can be spoken of, Is not the Everlasting (ch'ang) Tao. Name that can be named, Is not the Everlasting (ch'ang) name. 2a. Nameless (wu-ming), the origin (shih) of heaven and earth; Named (yu-ming), the mother (mu) of ten thousand things. Alternate, 2b. Non-being (wu), to name (ming) the origin (shih) of heaven and earth; Being (yu), to name (ming) the mother of ten thousand things. 3a. Therefore, always (ch'ang) without desire (wu-yü), In order to observe (kuan) the hidden mystery (miao); Always (ch'ang) with desire (yu-yü), In order to observe the manifestations (chiao). Alternate, 3b. Therefore, by the Everlasting (ch'ang) Non-Being (wu), We desire (yü) to observe (kuan) its hidden mystery (miao); By the Everlasting (ch'ang) Being (yu), We desire (yü) to observe the manifestations (chiao). 4. These two issue from the same origin, Though named differently. Both are called the dark (hsüan). Dark and even darker, The door to all hidden mysteries (miao)."
0
votes
Author
Lao TzuBook
Tao Te Ching
Version: 22