Penetrating Character is held
Only by following the Way

The Way's actions are a topic
That is elusive and confounding

Infinitesimal and elusive!
Within it is phenomena
Elusive and infinitesimal!
Within it is matter
Obscure and shrouded!
Within it is essence
Its essence is its final nature
Within it is truth

From the ancients until now
Its name has never been forgotten
So we may pore over the origin of the many
How is it that I know the shape of this origin?
Because it's right here

孔德之容
惟道是從

道之為物
惟恍惟惚

惚兮恍兮
其中有象
恍兮惚兮
其中有物
窈兮冥兮
其中有精
其精甚真
其中有信

自古及今
其名不去
以閱眾甫
吾何以知眾甫之狀哉
以此