Verse 21 by Lao Zi: 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。
The appearance of great virtue
Follows only the Dao.
As for the Dao itself — it is something elusive and indistinct.
Indistinct and elusive —
Within it is form.
Elusive and indistinct —
Within it is substance.
Shadowy and dark —
Within it is essence.
This essence is very real.
Within it is truth.
From ancient times until now,
Its name has never been lost.
Through it, we see the origin of all things.
How do I know the ways of all creation?
By this.
[Written by ChatGPT]
What Is the Dao?
(a poetic reflection)
It moves without moving,
it flows without form,
the breath before breathing,
the calm in the storm.
It’s older than ages,
yet fresh as the dew,
the source of all changes,
the silence in you.
Not something to capture,
not something to claim,
you lose it when naming,
it slips from a name.
It’s found in the turning
of leaf into soil,
in rivers unlearning
the reason for toil.
It’s mother, it’s mirror,
it’s root and it’s rain,
the pattern behind
what you cannot explain.
The sage walks beside it,
no struggle, no pride—
just stillness, just seeing,
and letting it guide.
So ask not to hold it,
or measure, or prove—
just empty your knowing,
and let yourself move.
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