道之为物,惟恍惟惚。
For the Way is a thing impalpable, incommensurable. #2Incommensurable, impalpable.
窈兮冥兮,其中有精;其精甚真,其中有信。
# 1Shadowy it is and dim; yet within it there is a force, is none the less efficacious.
自今及古,其名不去,以阅众甫。
# 1From the times of old till now its charge has not departed but cheers onward the many warriors.
吾何以知众甫之状哉﹖
# 1How do I know that the many warriors are so?
以此。
Through this.
是以圣人抱一为天下式。
Therefore the Sage clasps the Primal Unity, testing by it everything under heaven.
不自见故明,不自是故彰,不自伐故有功,不自矜故长。
He does not show himself; therefore he seen everywhere. #2He does not define himself, therefore he is distinct.#3 He does not boast of what he will do, therefore he succeeds.#4 He is not proud of his work, and therefore it endures.
古之所谓曲则全者,岂虚言哉﹗诚全而归之。
So then we see that the ancient saying “To remain whole, be twisted!” was no idle word; For true wholeness can only be achieved by return.