Dao De Jing – Chapter 40

The Dao, in its pure state, eludes labels of existence or void, motion or stillness, opposition or alignment. Human minds, bound by dualities, craft these distinctions. Our perceived world—a construct of senses and thought—veils reality’s true face.

The movement of the Dao
By contraries proceeds;
And weakness marks the course
Of Dao’s mighty deeds.

All things under heaven sprang from It as existing (and named); that existence sprang from It as non- existent (and not named).

All things arise from formlessness, dance through form, then dissolve anew. This cosmic pulse bends always toward its inverse, governed not by mortal wishes but the Dao’s immutable law:

“Reversion drives the Dao’s motion;
Softness enacts its work.”

Applied Wisdom:

• Reverse-engineer the self: Dissolve delusions, diminish ignorant afflictions and attachments by leaning into the Dao’s counterintuitive flow.
• To prolong an entity’s existence: Embed its antithesis within it.
• To achieve greatness: Embrace adversity and opposition.
• Advocate moderation, balance, and harmony in thought and action; avoid extremes.