Masters of the Subtle Essence
Translation by Tree Buffalo
The ancients of excellent action, masters of the subtle essence, profoundly penetrated so deep we cannot understand.
This is exactly why we cannot understand, but I will try to describe their demeanor.
Cautious! As if crossing a frozen stream in winter.
Alert! As if danger were on all sides.
Dignified! As if a visitor.
Relaxed! As ice about to melt.
Simple! As uncut jade.
Empty! As a mountain valley.
Obscure! As muddiness.
And through their muddy stillness they would gradually clear.
And through their still movement they would gradually come alive.
Embrace this path by not wanting to fulfill it.
This is exactly why it is not filled.
And grow old without having to constantly restore what you’ve made.
Read some of the first English translations of Chapter 15 here.
