From Wonder into Wonder, Existence Opens

Lao Tzu

What we look for beyond seeing

And call the unseen,

Listen for beyond hearing

And call the unheard,

Grasp for beyond reaching

And call the with held,

Merge beyond understanding

In a oneness

Which does not merely give rise and give light,

Does not merely set and leave darkness,

But forever sends forth a succession of living things as mysterious

As the unbegotten existence to which they return.

That is why men have called them empty phenomena,

Meaningless images,

In a mirage

With no face to meet,

No back to follow.

Yet one who is anciently aware of existence

Is master of every moment,

Feels no break since beyond time

In the way life flows.