Philosophy

道 德 經
Tao Teh Ching

Tao – Chapter 14

We look at it but do not see it;
We name this "the minute."
We listen to it but do not hear it;
We name this "the rarefied."
We touch it but do not hold it;
We name this "the level and smooth."

These three cannot be examined to the limit.
Thus they merge together as one.
"One" – there is nothing more encompassing above it,
And nothing smaller below it.
Boundless, formless! It cannot be named,
And returns to the state of no-thing.

This is called the formless form,
The substanceless image.
This is called the subtle and indistinct.
Follow it and you won't see its back;
Greet it and you won't see its head.
Hold on to the Way of the present –
To manage the things of the present,
And to know the ancient beginning.
This is called the beginning of the thread of the Way.