This is the Great Tao It has both reality and substance, but it does nothing and has no material form. As teacher can transmit it, but can’t guarantee its reception. It can be found, but it can’t be seen: It is its own source, its own root, Before there was Heaven and Earth from of old, there is was, eternally existing. From it came the mysterious existence of Spirit. From it came the mysterious existence of God. It produced Heaven and Earth, Yet you can’t say it’s existed for long. It’s older than the oldest antiquity. Yet you can’t call it old. No one knows its beginning. No one knows its end. You listen for it, but can’t hear its sound. You look for it, but can’t perceive its shape. It fills Heaven and Earth and envelopes everything within the Universe. -- Chuang Tzu