The Tao Te Ching Poem #1 With Explanation

What is Tao?

Entry #1: What is Tao?

Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.

Conceived of as being indescribable,

it is the first source of all spirit and matter.

Thus to surrender the desires of the senses

is to know the freedom of spirituality;

and through desire you will learn the limitation of matter.

These two things, spirit and matter, so different in nature,

originate from the same source.

This unity of origin is the mystery of mysteries,

and the gateway to all wonders.

An Explanation of Entry #1: What is Tao?

Let’ me begin by saying that if you are a strict rationalist, and/or have preconceived ideas about spirituality, the nature of reality, and even about Taoism, you may find these commentaries on the Tao te Chin gto be somewhat disorienting.

People often speak of spiritual things, including the concept of the divine source as if it is a “he”, “she” “they”, or “it”. They tell themselves that the sacred source can even be accurately described.