There was something formless and perfect
before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty.
Solitary. Unchanging.
Infinite. Eternally present.
It is the mother of the universe.
For lack of a better name,
I call it the Tao.
It flows through all things,
inside and outside, and returns
to the origin of all things.
The Tao is great.
The universe is great.
Earth is great.
Man is great.
These are the four great powers.
Man follows the earth.
Earth follows the universe.
The universe follows the Tao.
The Tao follows only itself.
DailyTao.org displays a new chapter of the Tao Te Ching everyday, for your enjoyment and enlightenment.
Translation by Stephen Mitchell, used with permission.
Dailytao.org © Copyright 2003-2025 Glen D Sanford. All Rights Reserved.