Chapter 14: The Formless Image (第14章：贊玄)

視之不見，名曰夷；
聽之不聞，名曰希；
搏之不得，名曰微。
此三者不可致詰，故混而為一。
其上不皦，其下不昧。
繩繩不可名，復歸於無物。
是謂無狀之狀，無物之象，是謂惚恍。
迎之不見其首，隨之不見其後。
執古之道，以御今之有。能知古始，是謂道紀。
☸

Translation

Look at it, it cannot be seen: it is called Yi (Invisible).
Listen to it, it cannot be heard: it is called Xi (Inaudible).
Grasp at it, it cannot be touched: it is called Wei (Intangible).
These three cannot be further scrutinized, so they blend into One.

Above, it is not bright; below, it is not dark.
Infinite and unnamable, it returns to non-being.

This is the form of the formless, the image of nothingness.
This is called the Ethereal (Huhuang).

Approach it, you cannot see its head; follow it, you cannot see its back.
Hold to the ancient Dao to manage the present reality.
Knowing the ancient beginning is the essence of the Dao.

✦ ◆ ✦

📜 Liuren Perspective

In Liuren Fajiao, Yi, Xi, and Wei are the three qualities of the spirits we invoke. They are "Invisible, Inaudible, and Intangible," yet they are completely present and active in the ritual space.

The phrase "Hold to the ancient Dao to manage the present" (執古之道，以御今之有) is the definition of our lineage tradition. We use the ancient methods, mantras, and seals passed down from the Immortal Master to solve contemporary problems. The power is timeless because it comes from the "ancient beginning."

When we enter the state of Huhuang (惚恍) in meditation, we are merging with this "form of the formless." It is in this ethereal state that the practitioner can truly connect with the divine emanations of the Nine Heavens.

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