The Taoteching #15

The ancient masters of the Way
aimed at the indiscernible
and penetrated the dark
you would never know them
and because you wouldn’t know them
I describe them with reluctance
they were careful as if crossing a river in winter
cautious as if worried about neighbors
reserved like guests
ephemeral like melting ice
simple like uncarved wood
open like valleys
and murky like puddles
but a puddle becomes clear when it’s still
and stillness becomes alive when it’s roused
those who treasure this Way
don’t try to be full
not trying to be full
they can hide and stay hidden

Lao-tzu
from The Taoteching