道德經第二十一章

道德經第二十一章

孔德之容，唯道是從。

道之為物，唯恍唯惚。

忽兮恍兮，其中有象；恍兮忽兮，其中有物。

窈兮冥兮，其中有精；其精甚真，其中有信。

自古及今，其名不去，以閱衆甫。

吾何以知衆甫之狀哉？以此。

21  [The empty heart, or the Dao in its operation]

The Great Virtue is to follow the Tao and only the Tao. The Tao is shadowy and intangible. Intangible and evasive, and yet within it is a form. Evasive and intangible, and yet within it is a substance. Shadowy and dark, and yet within it is a vital force. This vital force is real and can be relied upon. From ancient times to the present the Tao's instructions have not been forgotten. Through it can be perceived the beginning of the story of life. How do I know how it was at the beginning of the story of life? Because of what is within me.