- 1 --
The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao
The name that can be named is not the eternal name
The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth
The named is the mother of myriad things
Thus, constantly without desire, one observes its essence
Constantly with desire, one observes its manifestations
These two emerge together but differ in name
The unity is said to be the mystery
Mystery of mysteries, the door to all wonders
{Translation : Derek Lin}
Interpretation ::
The Tao that can be completely explained or expressed in words is not the constant, eternally unchanging and true Tao.
If the name of this Tao can be defined with words, then it is not the constant, eternally unchanging name of the true Tao.
Names did not exist prior to Creation. The nameless Tao is therefore the source of the universe.
Once it manifests itself as the physical universe, it can be named. Everything is derived from it through natural processes. It is therefore the mother of all things.
If we approach the Tao without self-serving desires, we can readily observe its inner wonders and marvels. This establishes a direct connection with the source, the vast intelligence of universal consciousness. This gives us flashes of powerful, intuitive insights, as well as free-flowing creativity.
If we approach the Tao full of self-serving desires, then we can only observe its external physical manifestations, rather than its inner essence. These desires block the connection and interfere with the Tao process. We often do this to ourselves.
The Tao's external manifestations (life, nature, the cosmos, and so on) and its inner wonders (oneness, the living void, the flow, etc.) are bothproperties of the ultimate reality. Although we call them by different names, they are but two sides of the same coin.
This unity of these two aspects gives us an interesting paradox. They seem distinctively different, and yet they lead to one another. Understanding of the Tao's inner essence gives us greater understanding of its outer manifestations, and vice versa.
Our recognition and acknowledgement of this paradox will open the door for us to further explore the infinite wonders of the Tao.
:: Thoughts ::
After reading some books on Daoism, I allow myself to dwell in thoughts. Each verse in the ancient work "Tao Te Ching" needs really good interpretation, otherwise we can be lost in the meaning -- or in the translations. From all translations the most close to the original text is that of Derek Lin. It gives exact meaning, as well makes separated interpretation. If I translate the text from the BG translation --made from the original Chinese -- in English will appear something totally different. SO - Dao or Tao is the very generally "the way". This is not just a "way", but mostly "the way of the soul, which we go in our human life". Tao is eternal, as the source of the universe and life. Somehow Tao can be seen as God, but with the difference - it`s not a "face", someone, or alive.
From the interpretation -- The Tao is eternal and unchanging, and it can not be completely explained. The way it is written means to not have illusions that we can understand the Tao! (or the essence of universe) Its name also can`t be explained by words. The physical universe can have name, but not the Tao. (as well as God). It is nameless, also it`s endless.
:: After that it is said -- simply we have to approach Tao without inner desires, or empty of our "ego" means desires. If we do that we`ll be on the right way. The true Tao, or way can be observed only in this state of mind- soul. Otherwise we will observe just physical- natural laws. Other words that the translator used- "living void" for Tao, or I can say "inner flow of peaceful mind" - that is directed to inside. and it`s opposite of the physical universe. (as they become union -outer and inner as yin and yian, makes approach a mystery, as it can go from different doors!)
Even so I think here the preference and accent is to the inner way, as we need to be free of our ego.
:: nour ::
:: September-18-013
