第21章 · 原文
现代白话译文
大德的形态，是跟随道而变化的。道这个东西，是恍恍惚惚的。那样的惚啊恍啊，其中有形象；那样的恍啊惚啊，其中有实物。它是那样的深远幽暗啊，其中有精神；这精神是非常真实的，其中有信验。从今天上溯到古代，它的名字永远不消失，根据它才能观察万物的初始。我怎么知道万物开始的情况呢？就是根据这个道。
英文译本 / English Translations
D.C. Lau
In his every movement a man of great virtue Follows the way and the way only. As a thing the way is Shadowy and indistinct. Indistinct and shadowy, Yet within it is an image; Shadowy and indistinct, Yet within it is a substance. Dim and dark, Yet within it is an essence. This essence is quite genuine And within it is something that can be tested. From the present back to antiquity, Its name never deserted it. It serves as a means for inspecting the fathers of the multitude. How do I know that the fathers of the multitude are like that? By means of this.
Robert Henricks
1. The character of great virtue follows alone from the Way. 2. As for the nature of the Way — it's shapeless and formless. 3. Formless! Shapeless! Inside there are images. 4. Shapeless! Formless! Inside there are things. 5. Hidden! Obscure! Inside there are essences. 6. These essences are very real; 7. Inside them is the proof. 8. From the present back to the past, 9. Its name has never gone away. 10. It is by this that we comply with the father of the multitude [of things]. 11. How do I know that the father of the multitude is so? 12. By this.
Addiss & Lombardo
Great virtue follows the way. The way as a thing is vague and elusive. Elusive and vague, there are images in it. Vague and elusive, there are things in it. Deep and obscure, there is essence in it. The essence is very real, and within it is trust. From ancient times to now, its name never leaves. Through it we see the beginning of all things. How do I know the beginning of all things? Through this.
Arthur Waley
Such the scope of the All-pervading Power. That it alone can act through the Way. For the Way is a thing impalpable, incommensurable. Incommensurable, impalpable. Yet latent in it are forms; Impalpable, incommensurable Yet within it are entities. Shadowy it is and dim; Yet within it there is a force, Is none the less efficacious. From the times of old till now Its charge has not departed But cheers onward the many warriors. How do I know that the many warriors are so? Through this.
林语堂
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Stephen Mitchell
The Master keeps her mind always at one with the Tao; that is what gives her her radiance. The Tao is ungraspable. How can her mind be at one with it? Because she doesn't cling to ideas. The Tao is dark and unfathomable. How can it make her radiant? Because she lets it. Since before time and space were, the Tao is. It is beyond is and is not. How do I know this is true? I look inside myself and see.