Commentary by Jhian

Though Tao can not be described but can speak of it with or without a name.

With name, it is the mother of the ten-thousand-things - without name, it is the root of Heaven and Earth.

This division - with or without a name - is due to the fact that Tao is the origin of both what is (perceived through the senses) and what is not (perceived).

In other words, as the origin of the universe, It is indescribable. But as origin of beings is reducible to the idea of (a) mother and her children that is, the ten-thousend.

Finally, if we wish to seize it's greatest mystery (that can not be described or convey by words), we need to get rid of desires. For desires are contrary to Its course. which is free of all intention.

Rather It is like the flow of water, meaning, without any previous plan or schema.

Or the play of a little child who doesn't care about anything (unconscious).

So it's clear that we can't describe It but only suggest vague comparisons.

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