"Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which permeates all heaven"
- Lao Tzu
About this Quote
The quote attributed to Lao Tzu, "Great certainly is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which penetrates all heaven," can be translated as a profound acknowledgment of the fundamental and awe-inspiring force behind all existence. In Daoist approach, the principle of "the Creative" often lines up with the Dao (or Tao), which is the ultimate source and concept underlying the universe. The Creative is not only the origin of all beings but also an ever-present force that imbues the entire cosmos.
Firstly, using the term "sublimity" highlights the ineffable and transcendent nature of the Creative. It is beyond normal human understanding and evokes a sense of marvel and reverence. By explaining it as "excellent undoubtedly," the quote emphasizes its paramount significance and unequaled impact on all life and truth. This sublimity suggests that the Creative force is stunning and profound, commanding respect and wonder from those who contemplate its vastness and significance.
The idea that all beings "owe their beginning" to the Creative encapsulates the idea that this force is the origin and sustenance of life. It implies a universal connection between all entities, rooted in the very same source. This viewpoint fosters an understanding of interconnectedness among all living things, as they share a common origin in the Creative force.
Moreover, the phrase "which penetrates all paradise" recommends that the Creative is universal, extending its influence and essence throughout the cosmos. This existence in "heaven" can be viewed as a metaphor for deep space or the spiritual domain, suggesting that the Creative is not just the origin however also a constant existence that imbues the cosmos with vigor and essence.
In essence, this quote from Lao Tzu records the essence of Daoist thought, where the Creative is revered as the sublime, originary, and universal force that connects whatever in deep space, highlighting the connection and unity of all types of existence.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"