Introduction

Weaving the Virtuous Way has been pointing at a single motif from various angles. Perhaps an adequate summarizing bumper sticker would read: “Living inside-out.”  Verse 18 states it all very strongly; anytime we have to talk about a virtuous way, it’s because we’re not just doing it. Verses 12, 16, and 17 also relate to this topic. 

To me, this verse feels like an ode to the wisdom and spontaneous virtue that we find when we let go of our relative certainty in favor of something absolutely true. It makes allusions to the state of mind required and the nature of reality, once again serving as a philosophical exposition and a practice manual. 

Let’s dig in! 

Translation

True virtue’s appearance
  is only from the Dao.

The Dao’s form is vague and indistinct.

Hazy. Nebulous.
  There are pictures in the mist. 
Swirling. Unclear.
  There is substance to the ooze.
Dim. Gloomy.
  There is an essence in the dark.

Its essence is absolutely real.
  Herein is the truth.

From ancient times to now,
  it has never given up its name,
    we just call it “all-beginner.”

How do I know the “all-beginner’s” form?

Just this! 

Commentary

True virtue’s appearance
  is only from the Dao. 

Where can we find what we need if all that “outside” stuff is unreliable? The answer is from our connection to the Dao, of course. We don’t need to pursue anything else at all; just deepen our relationship to the Way and everything will take care of itself. 

That’s a lovely idea, but does it really work that way?