Chapter 1

Tao Simplicity

The Tao that can be trodden is not the enduring and

unchanging Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and

unchanging name.

(Conceived of as) having no name, it is the Originator of heaven

and earth; (conceived of as) having a name, it is the Mother of all

things.

Always without desire we must be found,

If its deep mystery we would sound;

But if desire always within us be,

Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.

Under these two aspects, it is really the same; but as development

takes place, it receives the different names. Together we call them

the Mystery. Where the Mystery is the deepest is the gate of all that

is subtle and wonderful.

Commentary

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading

REASON'S REALIZATION.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. REASON'S REALIZATION. 1. The Reason that can be reasoned is not the eternal Reason. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. The Unnamable is of heaven and earth the beginning. The Namable becomes of the ten thousand things the mother. Therefore it is said: 2. "He who desireless is found The spiritual of the world will sound. But he who by desire is bound Sees the mere shell of things around." 3. These two things are the same in source but different in name. Their sameness is calle...