Tao: The Endless Well of Possibility

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In the Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu offers us a profound metaphor to describe the Tao:

The Tao is like a well: used but never used up. It is like the eternal void: filled with infinite possibilities. It is hidden but always present. I don’t know who gave birth to it. It is older than omni.

Rewritten by Sun Zuka from Stephen Mitchell’s English Version of the Tao Te Ching by Lao-tzu. The rewrite is in first person to show nonduality. There are no “you”, “she/her”, “he/him”, “men/women”, “masters”, etc. There’s no better way to express that we are all one than to write with “Me”, “Myself”, and “I”.

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At first glance, these lines might seem mysterious or abstract, but they hold a powerful message about the nature of the Tao and, by extension, life itself.

The Infinite Source

Imagine a well that never runs dry. No matter how much water you draw from it, the supply is endless. Lao-tzu compares the Tao to this kind of well, suggesting that it is a boundless source of energy, wisdom, and support that we can always rely on. This idea can be incredibly comforting; it reminds us that there is always something greater we can tap into, especially in times of need.

The Eternal Void

Lao-tzu also likens the Tao to the eternal void—a vast, open space filled with limitless potential. This might sound like emptiness, but in Taoism, it represents the ultimate source of creativity and possibility. Like the sky or a blank canvas, the Tao holds the potential for anything and everything. It’s a reminder that within the emptiness lies the potential for all things to emerge, a space where anything can happen.

The Hidden Presence

Even though the Tao is always present, it isn’t something we can see or touch. It’s not a physical entity but more like a guiding principle or force—like gravity or the flow of time. This hidden yet constant presence means that even when we don’t actively perceive it, the Tao is still there, subtly influencing and supporting our lives.

The Timeless Mystery

Finally, Lao-tzu acknowledges the mystery of the Tao. It’s described as older than all things—"older than omni"—indicating that it existed before everything else and remains beyond human comprehension. This line invites us to embrace the unknown and recognize that some things are simply beyond our understanding. The Tao is a timeless force, and accepting its mystery can bring a sense of peace and connection to something larger than ourselves.

Embracing the Tao in Everyday Life

So how can we bring this ancient wisdom into our daily lives? By remembering that we, too, are connected to this infinite source. We can draw strength, creativity, and guidance from the Tao, knowing it’s always there, even when unseen. We can find comfort in the endless possibilities of the present moment, and we can walk forward with humility, embracing the mystery of life.

The Tao isn’t just a concept—it’s an invitation to live more fully, more deeply, and with greater awareness of the endless potential within and around us. As we go about our lives, we can remind ourselves that we are always part of something infinite and eternal, hidden yet ever-present, and filled with boundless possibilities.

Remember, walk through life as love.