Tao

Tao, the subtle reality of the universe cannot be described.
That which can be described in words is merely a conception of the mind.
Although names and descriptions have been applied to it,
the subtle reality is beyond description.

One may use the word ‘Nothingness’ to describe the origin of the universe
and ‘Beingness’ to describe the Mother of the myriad things,
but Nothingness and Beingness are merely conceptions.

From the perspective of Nothingness, one may perceive the expansion of the universe.
From the perspective of Beingness, one may distinguish individual things.
Both are for the conceptual convenience of the mind.

Although different concepts can be applied,
Nothingness and Beingness  and other conceptual activity of the mind
all come from the same indescribable subtle Originalness.
The Way is the unfoldment of such subtle reality.
Having reached the subtlety of the universe,
one may see the ultimate subtlety, the Gate of All Wonders

Elucidation of Chapter One of Tao Te Ching by Master Ni

Tao is the ‘Mother of all Principles’ and is indescribable.  Tao is often referred to as The Way. The Way Life is …The Way of Things.  To harmonise with Tao is the ultimate attainment.  The things that I understand in working towards such harmony are:

• make no assumptions … really none!
• Develop your awareness to ever more subtle levels
• Observe and feel Nature
• Listen to and trust intuition