Dao De Jing Chapter One

This ancient Chinese text is sublime.
I offer here, along with many others before me, my own interpretation/translation,
with the aid of the resources of the Bradford Hatcher site ("I Ching and I", July 10 post).

Dao De Jing
Chapter 1

A way that is described
is not the eternal way.
A name that is spoken
is not the eternal name.

Nameless is the origin
of heaven and earth.

Naming is the mother of

a myriad things.

Thus,
remaining without desire,
subtleness is perceived,
Holding to desire,
form is perceived.

Both are the same emerging,
while differing in distinction.
Their sameness
speaks of the mystery,
a mystery leading to
yet greater mysteries,
the gateway of a myriad wonders.

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