top of page
Writer's pictureLiveology

Tao Te Ching Chapter 14 | Lao-Tzu | Comparative Translations

The Way of Virtue





We look at it, and we do not see it, and we name it 'the

Equable.' We listen to it, and we do not hear it, and we name it 'the Inaudible.' We try to grasp it, and do not get hold of it, and we name it 'the Subtle.' With these three qualities, it cannot be made the subject of description; and hence we blend them together and

obtain The One.


Its upper part is not bright, and its lower part is not obscure.

Ceaseless in its action, it yet cannot be named, and then it again returns and becomes nothing. This is called the Form of the Formless, and the Semblance of the Invisible; this is called the Fleeting and Indeterminable.


We meet it and do not see its Front; we follow it, and do not see its Back. When we can lay hold of the Tao of old to direct the things of the present day, and are able to know it as it was of old in the beginning, this is called (unwinding) the clue of Tao.

Look, and it can't be seen.

Listen, and it can't be heard.

Reach, and it can't be grasped.


Above, it isn't bright.

Below, it isn't dark.

Seamless, unnamable,

it returns to the realm of nothing.

Form that includes all forms,

image without an image,

subtle, beyond all conception.


Approach it and there is no beginning;

follow it and there is no end.

You can't know it, but you can be it,

at ease in your own life.

Just realize where you come from:

this is the essence of wisdom.




Translated by J. Legge





Translated by Stephen Mitchell














 

Liveology® Yoga Studios & Magazine creates uplifting content for evolving humans as we draw from wisdom across the world. Shop yogi swag and go down the rabbit hole for exclusive content. Please join our email list and tell a friend about us today. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world.


Peace & Pineapples!

Comments


Featured Products

LIVEOLOGY-YOGA-MAGAZINE-OPEN-MAGS.HEIC
LIVEOLOGY-YOGA-MAGAZINE-OPEN-MAGS.HEIC
MAGAZINE
HOME
 
Image by Julianna Corbett
ABOUT US
WELCOME
CENTER
peace-love-tee.jpg
OUR
PRODUCTS
Image by Juno Jo
JOIN FOR FREE
INSIDER
REWARDS
bottom of page