C : according to Waley, 紀 literally means “main thread” (as in “of the teaching”), so “principle” seems more appropriate than the modern definition of simply “discipline” Cross-references look, not seen and listen, not heard : #35 tenuous : #41 returning : #16, #19, #20, #22, #25, #28, #34, #40, #52, #58, #60, #64, #65, #80 confusing and indistinct : #21 the ancients/elders : #15, #22, #38, #39, #62, #65, #68 Chapter Fifteen 古 之 善 為 士 者 微 妙 玄 通 深 不 可 識 • (•)夫 唯 不 可 識 (•)故 強 為 之 容 • 豫 兮 若 冬 涉 川 • 猶 兮 若 畏 四 鄰 • 儼 兮 其 若 (客) • 渙 兮 若 冰 __ 將 釋 • 敦 兮 其 若 樸 • 曠 兮 其 若 谷 混 兮 其 若 濁 • 孰 能 濁 以 靜 之 徐 清 • 孰 能 安 以 久 動 之 徐 生 保 此 道 者 不 欲 盈 (•)夫 唯 不 盈 (是) [以] 能 蔽 [而] 不 __ 成 The virtue of the ancients made they who were scholars subtle, mysterious, obscure, deep, and penetrating. Their mysterious depths can not be understood. Now : only because they can not be understood, Therefore we try to emulate their appearance : Hesitant!, as if crossing a winter stream. Wary!, as if afraid of their neighbors all around. Respectful!, they are like a visiting guest. Yielding!, like ice that is about to to break off. Honest and genuine!, they are like the uncarved block. Wide and open!, they are like a valley. Unclear!, they are like muddy water. Who can take muddy water and use stillness to slowly and gently make it pure and clear? Who can take what is tranquil and use continual movement to slowly and gently bring it to life? He who maintains this Way does not desire to be full. Now : only because he is not full, Thus he can be hidden and unfinished. The virtue of the ancients made they who were scholars subtle, mysterious, obscure, deep, and penetrating4. Their mysterious depths can not be understood. Now : only because they can not be understood, Therefore we try to emulate their appearance : [act like,become] Hesitant !, as if crossing a winter stream. Wary !, as if afraid of their neighbors all around. [scheming] Respectful !, they are like a visiting guest. Yielding° !, like ice that is about to to break off. [release,disperse] Honest and genuine !, they are like the uncarved block. Wide and open !, they are like a valley. Unclear !, they are like muddy water.A [confused,muddy] Who can take muddy water and use stillness to