Introduction

This verse speaks to me in two domains: meditation practice and life attitude. It’s remarkable how LaoZi crafted a message that could equally address actively engaging in life and the spiritual path. While the two are perfect mirrors of each other, usually teachings tend to be much more biased toward one domain or the other. 

I guess the title of “Appearances” hints at this by suggesting that the Dao is really only “appearing” in many different ways. Once we understand its laws, extracting these meta-principles and enjoying weaving the way is easy. It brings to mind verse 8 and its multi-faceted life axioms. 

Translation

To perfect Weaving the Way,
  master the mysteries
    deep beyond knowledge.

Because they are unknowable,  
I will attempt to describe how they appear: 

Carefree, like walking along the river in winter.
Strategizing as though fearful of the surroundings. 

Composed like a majestic guest.
Unstable as melting ice.

Sprouting neatly like flowering shoots. 
Broad and clear like a mountain stream. 

Inseprably mixed like silty water. 
Who can patiently purify the silty water?
Who can serenely clarify this existence?

One who maintains the Way
does not pursue fulfillment.  

Only through remaining unfulfilled
can the concealed become revealed.

Commentary

To perfect Weaving the Way,
  master the mysteries
    deep beyond knowledge. 

The opening lines inspired me to employ a somewhat creative reading of the text. The more literal translation is: