We try to grasp it, and do not get hold of it, and we name it 'the Subtle'.One can't hold the essence of anything -- that elemental quality that makes something alive or have form. In this way, it's like trying to hold a shadow in your hand.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Grasp, it cannot be held - it is intangible.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
Reach for it, it cannot be held
It is called formless
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
You can't hold on to Tao, no matter how hard you grab.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
But what if the essence and form are the same thing? What if the thread of life is life itself? Maybe grasping any of the manifestations of life is the same as holding the essence of formlessness.
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There is some Buddhist philosophy that deals with this very issue.
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