The Ancient Masters
The ancient masters of Dao were subtle, mysterious, penetrating, too deep to be understood. Because they cannot be understood, I can only describe them with effort: cautious, like crossing a river in winter; alert, like fearing danger on all sides; reserved, like a guest; yielding, like ice about to melt; simple, like uncarved wood; open, like a valley; murky, like muddy water.
The ancient masters of Dao
were subtle, mysterious, penetrating,
too deep to be understood.
Because they cannot be understood,
I can only describe them with effort:
Cautious, like crossing a river in winter;
alert, like fearing danger on all sides;
reserved, like a guest;
yielding, like ice about to melt;
simple, like uncarved wood;
open, like a valley;
murky, like muddy water.
Who can be muddy and yet gradually become clear?
Who can be still and yet gradually come to life?
Those who hold fast to this Dao
do not desire to be full.
Because they are not full,
they can be worn out yet made new.
| Term | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 微妙玄通 | wēi miào xuán tōng | subtle, mysterious, penetrating - beyond ordinary comprehension |
| 豫兮 | yù xī | hesitant, cautious - like someone carefully testing the ice |
| 犹兮 | yóu xī | alert, watchful - like someone who looks around before acting |
| 涣兮 | huàn xī | dissolving, yielding - like ice melting in spring |
| 敦兮 | dūn xī | honest, simple - like uncarved wood (朴 pǔ) |
| 旷兮 | kuàng xī | open, vast - like a valley that receives all streams |
| 混兮 | hùn xī | murky, turbid - like muddy water |