DDJ 1: Profundity Beyond Comprehension
Feb 19
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Bernard Shannon
玄之又玄。众妙之门。
Profound and yet more profound.
It (the Dao) is the gateway to all mysteries.
Chapter 1 of the Dao De Jing begins with the famous line:
道可道, 非常道.
(The Dao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Dao.)
This statement warns against trying to define the Dao in fixed terms. Any attempt to describe it will inevitably fall short because language is limited, while the Dao is infinite.
When Laozi concludes the chapter with “玄之又玄，众妙之门,” he reinforces this idea. The Dao is so deep that it cannot be fully grasped—yet, paradoxically, it is the key to understanding everything. This teaches us that true wisdom does not come from rigid concepts or doctrines but from embracing the endless depth of existence. This passage invites us to approach life with humility, openness, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
玄之又玄, Profound and yet more profound,
• 玄 (xuán): mysterious, profound, dark
• 之 (zhī): functions as a possessive marker, meaning of.
• 又 (yòu): again, also
• 玄 (xuán): mysterious, profound, dark
• 之 (zhī): functions as a possessive marker, meaning of.
• 又 (yòu): again, also
• 玄 (xuán): mysterious, profound, dark
The character 玄 (xuán) has multiple meanings, including “dark,” “mysterious,” “profound,” or “deep.” It suggests something beyond ordinary comprehension—something that eludes clear definition.
In Daoist thought, it often refers to something that transcends ordinary understanding. By repeating 玄(xuán) — Laozi emphasizes that the Dao is not just mysterious but infinitely so. No matter how much one contemplates it, there are always deeper levels to uncover. The repetition of also conveys a sense of infinite depth, reflecting the Daoist belief that ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension.
This phrase conveys an essential aspect of Daoist thought: the universe is infinitely complex and cannot be reduced to simple explanations. Unlike Confucianism, which emphasizes structure and order, Daoism suggests that the ultimate truth is beyond human categorization.
In this sense, 玄之又玄 (xuán zhī yòu xuán) points to the Dao’s transcendence—it is not something that can be grasped through logical analysis alone. Instead, one must approach it through direct experience and intuition.
众妙之门。It is the gateway to all mysteries.
• 众 (zhòng) many, multitudes
• 妙 (miào) means subtle, wonderful, or mysterious
.• 之 (zhī) functions as a possessive marker, meaning of.
• 门 (mén) door, gate, gateway, entrance, or passageway.
• 妙 (miào) means subtle, wonderful, or mysterious
.• 之 (zhī) functions as a possessive marker, meaning of.
• 门 (mén) door, gate, gateway, entrance, or passageway.
“The gateway to all mysteries” (众妙之门) can be discussed in two concepts 众妙 (zhòng miào) and 门 (mén).
众妙 (zhòng miào) can be translated as “all wonders” or “all mysteries.” Here, it refers to the countless subtle and profound truths of existence—things like the natural order of the universe, the way things arise and dissolve, and the interconnectedness of all things.
门 (mén) means “gate” or “door,” which implies a threshold or an entrance. Laozi is suggesting that the Dao is the entryway to understanding the deeper workings of reality. If one wishes to comprehend the mysteries of existence—the way nature functions, the flow of life, and the underlying unity of all things—one must first understand the Dao.
“众妙之门” serves as an invitation. If we seek to comprehend the profound mysteries of life, we must open ourselves to the Dao’s wisdom—not through rigid logic, but through a more fluid, intuitive approach.
This passage is not merely a theoretical or philosophical statement—it has profound implications for how one should live.
Daoism teaches that instead of striving to control everything, one should align with the natural rhythms of life. This concept is known as “无为” (wú wéi), or “non-action”—not in the sense of doing nothing, but in the sense of acting effortlessly in harmony with nature. We will talk about this more next time.
Daoism teaches that instead of striving to control everything, one should align with the natural rhythms of life. This concept is known as “无为” (wú wéi), or “non-action”—not in the sense of doing nothing, but in the sense of acting effortlessly in harmony with nature. We will talk about this more next time.
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