Tao is the root of all things

The form of great virtue

follows entirely the way of the Dao.

The Dao, as an existence,

is elusive and intangible.

Within the elusive and intangible,

there seems to be form;

within the elusive and intangible,

there seems to be substance.

In its depth and obscurity,

lies the essence of all things.

This essence is profoundly real,

and within it lies the trustworthy order of the universe.

From ancient times to the present,

the name of the Dao has never faded.

Through it, we can observe the beginnings of all things.

How do I know the state of all beginnings?

Through the Dao.

(This chapter describes the mysterious nature of the Dao: though formless and intangible, it is profoundly real. Hidden in its depth and obscurity is the essence and order of all things. Laozi emphasizes that the Dao is the source of the universe, and by observing it, one can understand the origin and workings of all existence.)

Key Concepts:

孔德 (kǒng dé) – “great virtue” (the highest form of virtue, aligned with the Dao).

恍惚 (huǎng hū) – “elusive and intangible” (the Dao’s mysterious, formless nature).

精 (jīng) – “essence” (the fundamental, lifegiving force within the Dao).

信 (xìn) – “trustworthy order” (the reliable, unchanging principles of the Dao).

Core Philosophy:

The Dao, though invisible and intangible, is the source of all things. Its essence is real and enduring, providing the foundation for the universe’s order. By aligning with and observing the Dao, one gains insight into the origins and workings of existence. This chapter underscores the Dao’s centrality as the ultimate truth and guiding principle.