Tao is considered to be the Absolute Truth independent of any conditions, and the Ultimate Reality behind all phenomena. It is the underlying natural order of the universe whose ultimate essence is difficult to circumscribe because it is non-conceptual yet evident in one’s being of aliveness.
Chapter 1 – Truth is beyond naming
“The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.”
Meaning:
Truth is reality beyond conceptual labels.
Words can gesture toward Truth but cannot contain it.
Chapter 16 – Seeing reality as it is
Knowing constancy is acceptance
Acceptance is impartiality
Impartiality is sovereign
Sovereign is Heaven
Heaven is Tao
Tao is eternal
Chapter 41
Higher people hear of the Tao
They diligently practice it
Average people hear of the Tao
They sometimes keep it and sometimes lose it
Lower people hear of the Tao
They laugh loudly at it
If they do not laugh, it would not be the Tao
Therefore a proverb has the following:
The clear Tao appears unclear
The advancing Tao appears to retreat
The smooth Tao appears uneven
Chapter 56 – Truth is beyond boasting or argument
Those who know do not talk
Those who talk do not know
Close the mouth
Shut the doors
Blunt the sharpness
Unravel the knots
Dim the glare
Mix the dust
Meaning:
Those who know truth do not argue about it — truth is lived, not declared.
Chapter 81 – Truthful words are not beautiful
True words are not beautiful
Beautiful words are not true
Those who are good do not debate
Those who debate are not good
Those who know are not broad of knowledge
Those who are broad of knowledge do not know