Line by Line - Verse 15, Line 1

The skillful masters (of the Tao) in old times, with a subtle and exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

The Tao masters of antiquity Subtle wonders through mystery
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

The ancient Masters were pretty damn impressive.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

The ancient masters are mythic people. By pointing to the past, Lao Tzu is informing us how to behave and relate to the world today.

A key point that Derek Lin makes concerns the emulation of nature. Humankind certainly does not know all there is to know, but by following the contours of nature around us, we can come to understand the Way more so than we might think.

To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.