The tao is silent
Taoism means a state of inner serenity combined with an intense aesthetic awareness. (ref)to-process
The curious thing about Zen is that it first makes one’s mouth water for this thing called Satori (enlightenment) and then straightaway informs us that our desire for Satori is the very thing which is preventing us from getting it! By contrast, the Taoist strikes me as one who is not so much in search of something he hasn’t, but who is enjoying what he has. (ref)to-process
The Sage falls asleep not because he ought to Nor even because he wants to But because he is sleepy. (3)to-process ❧ It is not so much about doing things you want, or doing things you don’t want, or doing anything at all. It is just letting things be and become.
There is something blurred and indistinct Antedating Heaven and Earth. (3)to-process ❧ Is this some kind of identification and characterization of Being (and maybe Becoming as I am inspired to say from Alex)? Unable to differentiate it and unable to define it, yet clearly permeating everything!
It does nothing, yet through it all things are done. (3)to-process ❧ This seems like a parallel to the previous chapter: The sage does not nap, yet through it napping is done.
It the characterization of Tao here setting a kind of model for how the sage should act?
To its accomplishment it lays no credit. (3)to-process ❧ This line, like in my previous comment, seems like a kind of relinquishing of the fruit of labor.
let me tell you the story of a Zen-Master who was asked by a student, “What is the Tao?” He replied, “I will tell you after you have drunk up the waters of the West River in one gulp.” The student countered,” I have already drunk up the waters of the West River in one gulp.” To which the Master replied,” Then I have already answered your question.” (3)to-process ❧ This is eerily similar to the thought I had last night (2024-10-03) about my responses to people asking be about ‘meaning-of-life questions’.
My interpretation of this story, influenced by that, is that the student asks a similar question. The master replies in a non-sensical way (yet in the way that the absurdity is enlightening). The student retorts in an absurd way, and the master notices that if this absurdity has been recognized, the knowledge of Tao/meaning is attained.